The Agence de Développement Touristique de la Marne (ADT Marne) is a key entity in promoting tourism in the Champagne region, home to one of the world’s most prestigious wines. This agency works to strengthen the area’s identity, develop sustainable tourist experiences, and ensure that visitors can enjoy the region’s rich heritage, gastronomy, and oenology.

Its presence at the FINE #WineTourism Marketplace underscores the importance of wine tourism in Champagne and offers attendees the opportunity to discover an iconic destination for wine lovers.

A unique legacy in the heart of champagne

The Marne region is the epicentre of Champagne’s winemaking tradition, with centuries of history dedicated to producing a wine that has transcended borders and become synonymous with celebration. It was in these lands that Dom Pérignon, a 17th-century Benedictine monk, perfected the technique of bottle fermentation, laying the foundations of the méthode champenoise.

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The cities of Reims and Épernay are the heart of this appellation, hosting some of the most prestigious champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger. These houses have built their reputations over generations and offer visitors the chance to tour their historic underground cellars, declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Beyond the major brands, the region is also home to numerous independent winegrowers who have kept the family tradition alive, bringing their personal touch and a more artisanal vision of champagne. The small wineries, many located in the villages of Hautvillers, Aÿ, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, allow visitors to discover the most authentic essence of this iconic wine.

A wine tourism offer for all audiences

The Agence de Développement Touristique de la Marne has worked on creating wine tourism experiences tailored to different visitor profiles. From wine experts to tourists seeking a first introduction to the world of champagne, the region offers a variety of activities to explore and enjoy.

• Guided tours of wineries and cellars: in the Marne, travellers can tour the impressive underground cellars of the major champagne houses or delve into the facilities of small family producers, learning first-hand about the champagne-making process and tasting their best offerings.
• Champagne routes: through various themed itineraries, visitors can tour the region’s vineyards by car, bicycle, or even on foot. These routes allow visitors to discover the Champagne wine landscape, with its rolling hills and perfectly aligned vineyards, recognised as a World Heritage Site.
• Gastronomic pairings: the region is not only famous for its champagne but also for its gastronomy. Pairing experiences allow visitors to taste local specialities such as Chaource cheese, Troyes andouillette, or Rethel white pudding, always accompanied by a selection of the best champagnes.
• Immersive activities: For those seeking more interactive experiences, the Marne offers blending workshops where visitors can create their own champagne, and participatory harvests where they can experience vineyard work during the harvest.

Respect for Biodiversity

Wine tourism in the Marne not only focuses on the enjoyment of wine but also on the preservation of the environment and sustainability. The ADT Marne works closely with winegrowers and tourism stakeholders to promote ecological practices in viticulture and reduce the environmental impact of tourism activities.

Many wineries have implemented organic farming and HVE (High Environmental Value) certification, which guarantees respect for biodiversity and the reduction of chemical use in vineyards. Additionally, some champagne houses have developed innovations in champagne production, such as using recyclable stoppers, reducing bottle weight to lower the carbon footprint, and applying renewable energy in their facilities.

The region also strives to improve the accessibility of wine tourism, facilitating tours for people with reduced mobility and promoting responsible tourism with initiatives that benefit both visitors and local communities.

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An invitation to discover the Marne in Valladolid

The participation of the Agence de Développement Touristique de la Marne in the upcoming edition of FINE represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture of champagne and get to know one of the world’s most emblematic wine regions. Attendees will be able to discover the wine tourism experiences offered by the Marne, obtain detailed information about the best routes and wineries to visit, and learn about the rich heritage of this vineyard land.

Those wishing to experience unforgettable wine tourism can visit the ADT Marne stand at the fair and receive personalised recommendations to plan their next getaway to the Champagne region. They can also visit the official website to explore more options and discover everything this destination has in store for wine lovers.