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The historic Saint-Nicaise cellar of the Taittinger champagne house in Reims will be open to visitors again from 22 July. Over the course of a year and a half of construction work, the third-century cellar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been adapted for oenotourism experiences. The aim is to "bring the brand to life physically and create emotions and memories", explained Vitalie Taittinger, Chairwoman. In addition to the history of France, Champagne, the company and champagne production, a particular focus is on the visual realisation of the poem "Champagne". The American Alain Seeger wrote it during the First World War. Seeger was one of the first US citizens to die in the trenches, even before his country officially entered the war. "With its optimistic message, this hymn to life touched those who lived in Champagne during the war and wanted to live there again after the war," reads a press release. The family wanted to convey this "hope for a happy and bright future" to visitors. The Maison Taittinger bought the manuscript of the poem from a collector in 2019.
Three tours with tastings are on offer, costing between 40 and 80 euros per person. Since its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, Saint-Nicaise has received 80,000 visitors a year. Taittinger wants to exceed these figures in the future.
(al / source: vitisphere)