In November the vines lose the last of their leaves to a wintery breeze, gently preparing to slip into a protective slumber. Storing the sap in their roots, this is how the vines protect themselves from the frost. Enveloped in the morning mist or a delicate white winter’s coat, the dreamlike quality of the landscape whisks the visitor into another world.
The arrival of spring paints the vines in the most beautiful shades of light green. Champagne warms up once again, and the grapes are drenched in sunlight as they begin to ripen. About 100 days after the vines flower harvest time arrives, that great celebration for winemakers. All along the Champagne Tourist Route the peaceful atmosphere gives way to a unique excitement. Thousands of temporary pickers arrive in the vineyards, secateurs in hand, to harvest the year’s fruit. Two weeks in which Champagne lives at a frenetic pace, traditionally ending with a big party called the cochelet. An event that should not be missed!
