The Vranken Pommery Estate
On our way back to the Netherlands, we planned for one more day trip – to Reims located in the heart of the Champagne region of France. After a big brunch, we packed up the car and headed north. Arriving at the Vranken Pommery Estate was a bit like arriving at Disneyland. I love the Neo-Elizabethean architecture and the powder blue buildings!
The tour was really great – I definitely would recommend visiting if you’re in Reims. The story of Madame Pommery is inspiring. In 1860 her husband passed away and she took control of the champagne house and turned it into what we know today! Can you imagine being a widowed mother of 2 in the late 1800s growing and managing the Pommery Estate?!
After our tour and champagne tasting, Koen’s sisters headed home, while Koen and I explored the city and had dinner with his parents in the city center.
Vranken Pommery Estate
Closeup
Protective headgear
Heading down into the cellar
Koen and me in the cellar
One more!
Baskets to carry the bottles throughout the estate
Dook and Els
Virtuose Champenois A Sox Pupitre
Sediment
Champagne
Storing the champagne
All of the big bottles!
Every size offered by Pommery
The Berne hall – every new market entered is celebrated with a new hall
Louise Pommery
Museum of champagne – we were told the bottle from 1874 is still drinkable but will taste more like cognac than the champagne we know today
Cheers! Pommery champagne tasting!
Downtown Reims
Downtown Reims
Downtown Reims
The back of the famous Cathedral of Reims – our view from the café
Place d’Erlon
Couldn’t resist treats from Waida at the Place d’Erlon for on the road!
An American in Antwerp 