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Champagne Billecart-Salmon: A Legacy of Excellence

Discover the timeless elegance of Champagne Billecart-Salmon, a family-owned house since 1818, renowned for its exquisite cuvées, sustainable practices, and immersive cellar tours.

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Champagne Billecart-Salmon, nestled in the heart of Aÿ-Champagne, is a distinguished, family-owned champagne house with a rich history dating back to 1818. Renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, Billecart-Salmon offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of champagne production. From guided tours of their historic cellars and vineyards to tastings of their exquisite cuvées, guests can discover the secrets behind their elegant and balanced champagnes. The estate's beautiful gardens and dedication to sustainable practices further enhance the allure of this prestigious champagne house, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic and refined Champagne experience. Billecart-Salmon exemplifies the art of champagne making, blending heritage with innovation to create exceptional sparkling wines.

A brief summary to Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and a personalized experience.
  • Consider visiting during the harvest season (usually September) to witness the grape-picking process firsthand.
  • Take advantage of the tasting experience to sample a range of Billecart-Salmon champagnes and discover your personal favorite.
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Getting There

  • Train

    From Épernay, the most convenient way to reach Champagne Billecart-Salmon is by train to Ay-Champagne station. Trains depart hourly from Épernay and the journey takes approximately 4 minutes, with tickets costing between €1 and €2. From the Ay-Champagne station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk (1.2 km) to Champagne Billecart-Salmon. Head northeast on Rue de la Gare, then turn left onto Rue Carnot. The Champagne house will be on your left.

  • Bus

    Alternatively, you can take the bus from Épernay to Ay-Champagne. The bus departs from Epernay station once daily and the journey takes approximately 13 minutes, with tickets costing between €2 and €4. From the Ay-Champagne bus stop, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Champagne Billecart-Salmon. Head northeast on Rue Carnot. The Champagne house will be on your left.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Épernay to Champagne Billecart-Salmon is the quickest option, taking around 5 minutes and costing approximately €12-€16. This eliminates the walk from the train or bus station. Taxis are readily available in Épernay, or you can book a ride-share service via a mobile app.

  • Driving

    If driving from Épernay, take the D201 towards Aÿ-Champagne. The drive is approximately 4.5 km and takes about 5 minutes. Free parking is generally available throughout the village. There is a small parking across the street with 8 parking spots that you can use free of charge. In the rare case of it being full, do a short drive around town to find another spot and you will still be at close walking distance.

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Discover more about Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Champagne Billecart-Salmon, located in the charming village of Aÿ-Champagne, is a beacon of tradition and excellence in the world of sparkling wine. Founded in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, this esteemed champagne house has remained family-owned for seven generations, a testament to its enduring commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Stepping onto the Billecart-Salmon estate is like entering a time capsule where time-honored traditions meet modern innovation. The house is celebrated for its meticulous approach to winemaking, which begins with the careful selection of grapes from a 20 km radius around Épernay, encompassing the prestigious grands crus of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. This close proximity to prime vineyards allows for optimal grape quality and contributes to the unique character of their champagnes. The winemaking process at Billecart-Salmon is a blend of tradition and innovation. Inspired by traditional brewing methods, Jean Roland-Billecart revolutionized the process by introducing a longer fermentation at a lower temperature, followed by cold settling in stainless steel tanks. This technique preserves the freshness and finesse that are characteristic of Billecart-Salmon wines. The house also boasts two atmospheric barrel cellars, one completed in 2010 housing over 400 small barrels, and another finished in 2018 dominated by 24 large oak casks, further showcasing their dedication to quality and innovation. Visitors to Billecart-Salmon are treated to an immersive experience that unveils the secrets behind their exceptional champagnes. Guided tours, typically lasting two and a half hours, take guests through the estate's meticulously maintained gardens and vineyards, offering insights into the grape-growing process. The tour continues into the winery, where visitors can witness the champagne-making process firsthand, from fermentation to aging in the vast chalk cellars that stretch two kilometers underground, dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. The highlight of a visit to Billecart-Salmon is undoubtedly the tasting experience. Guests have the opportunity to sample three of the house's exquisite wines, including a vintage expression, each showcasing the unique terroir and craftsmanship that define Billecart-Salmon champagnes. The Brut Rosé is particularly renowned, celebrated for its delicate aromas and elegant palate. Special editions, such as the 'Cuvée Nicolas François' and the 'Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon,' pay homage to the founders and exemplify the house's commitment to excellence. Billecart-Salmon's dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed. In 1999, their 1959 Cuvée Nicolas-Francois Billecart vintage was awarded the prestigious title of "Champagne of the Millennium," solidifying their place among the world's finest champagne houses. Wine writer Jancis Robinson has also reviewed Billecart-Salmon champagnes favorably, further attesting to their exceptional quality and reputation. Beyond its commitment to winemaking, Billecart-Salmon is also dedicated to environmental sustainability. The house is actively working towards organic or sustainable certification for 100% of its land by 2025, demonstrating a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to preserving the land for future generations. This ethos extends to their new reception spaces, designed with eco-friendly materials and inspired by the surrounding vineyards and the estate's majestic century-old chestnut tree. A visit to Champagne Billecart-Salmon is more than just a wine tour; it's an immersion into a world of tradition, passion, and excellence. Whether you're a seasoned champagne connoisseur or a curious traveler, Billecart-Salmon offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of champagne making.

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