A moment of effervescence: the Champagne harvest
Reflecting the work of the winegrower throughout the year, the harvest is the first stage in the elaboration of Champagne. Particular care is given to harvesting and pressing to produce a white wine from black-skinned grapes.
Our tips for an authentic experience
Much more than a simple harvest, the Champagne grape harvest symbolizes the advent of incomparable know-how. Synonymous with conviviality, this annual event marks an unmissable moment for the Champagne vineyards.
Harvesting in Champagne: between tradition and viticultural know-how
Each year, a unique effervescence takes hold of the Champagne vineyards at harvest time. Pickers, porters, “débardeurs”, loaders and pressers: nearly
120,000 people join forces to create the king of wines.
From vine to press
Once picked, the grapes are quickly transported to the press to preserve their freshness and avoid oxidation. Pressing is then carried out with the utmost care. The juice must not come into contact with the dark skin of the grape, as this could stain the wine. Champagne is in fact a white wine made from black grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Where are the grape harvests in Champagne?
The Champagne harvest takes place in three vineyards with specific grape varieties: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne. Renowned for their Pinot Noir, the vines of the Montagne de Reims bring structure and power to Champagne. South of Epernay, the Côte des Blancs is the kingdom of Chardonnay. The Marne Valley is famous for its iconic village of Hautvillers, birthplace of Dom Pérignon. Its flagship grape variety, Pinot Meunier, lends an incomparable roundness to its wines.
When is the Champagne harvest?
The grape harvest takes place once a year between late summer and early autumn, generally in September. A dry, sunny climate facilitates grape harvesting. To mark the start of the harvest, the Comité de Champagne relies on observations made by volunteer winegrowers in control plots. Depending on the grape variety, the grapes reach their optimum balance between acidity and ripeness at different rates. From one commune to another, the harvest can start on different dates, sometimes up to ten days apart! As early as mid-August, you can already see grape-pickers making their first moves with the pruning shears.
How long is the harvest in Champagne?
Depending on the estate, the duration of the Champagne harvest varies from one to three weeks. In vineyards such as Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, different grape varieties ripen at different times. Harvesting can last up to 4 weeks. In the Marne Valley, Pinot Meunier predominates. Grapes ripen evenly, sometimes allowing the harvest to be concentrated in a single week.
Become a grape-picker for a day
Dive into the heart of winegrowing tradition by taking part in the Champagne grape harvest. Become a grape-picker for a day! Guided by a passionate winegrower, discover each stage of the harvest: from picking the grapes to pressing them. This authentic moment offers you a privileged insight into Champagne know-how. You’ll have the chance to taste the fruits of your harvest with a freshly squeezed grape juice. These convivial moments continue with a glass of champagne and the presentation of your grape-picker’s diploma. A pure immersion in the world of grape harvesting and champagne! Perhaps you’ll have contributed to the creation of an exceptional cuvée?
Book
Book your Champagne harvest experience