I am an Australian living in Amsterdam and have my mother visiting us soon. Having always loved champagne, I know she would love to visit the region (so would I). I am considering just 2 nights(late Oct) giving us 1 full day and 2 half days to explore and taste, I would be the driver.

I have searched and read numerous posts but most are at least 2 years old and would appreciate any help or suggestions form anyone with experience in the area.

thank you, hope to hear from someone soon.

I would check these forums for recent info:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...e_Ardenne.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...e_Ardenne.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...e_Ardenne.html

And these excellent websites:

http://www.champagnediscovery.com/

http://www.reims-tourism.com/

http://en.ot-epernay.com/

http://www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk/

http://www.tourisme-en-champagne.co.uk/

Thanks very much for your reply and recommendations, looks like I have some reading to do!

Over a few years we've toured Pommery (loved the art in the caves), Ruinart (loved the tasting), and Verve Clicquot in Reims. Last year we went to Billecart Salmon, outside of Epernay.

The tours were basically pretty similar and we learned a lot. The champagnes were quite different. I loved Billecart-Salmon and Ruinart.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay on the Avenue de Champagne look at http://www.parvadomusrimaire.com/

Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite champagnes, if you pop into Tourist Info next to the roundabout you can also hire bikes and peddle off to some smaller "houses". Good fish restaurant in town, and the restaurants around the roundabout are ok. TI will also introduce you to many of the independant smaller houses and set up a visit if you like.

We enjoyed Moet-Chandon's tour with it's historic caves.