Sharing Travel Experiences

The 8 Best Places To Sip Champagne

by DeeAnne White

Champagne, lovely Champagne! One of my favourite subjects to research, to discuss and to write about. What would the world be without Champagne? A wedding toast, a graduation, a Valentine’s Day, or the birth of a baby simply wouldn’t be the same without it. The sound of a cork popping exuberantly out of it’s bottle sounds almost as if it’s excited you’re about to taste the delicate liquid it’s been protecting with such care. Each time I have a sip, I’m reminded of my favourite Champagne quote:

“Come quickly, I am drinking the stars!”
Dom Perignon (1638-1715)

A Bit of History

Historically, Dom Perignon was also given credit for inventing sparkling wine, but this has been disputed in the more recent past. The monk who lived in Hautvillers did make many contributions to the lovely nectar, but it was the English rather than the French who came to make sparkling wine deliberately, through a reproducible process, in the seventeenth century. The first French documents that refer to Champagne date from 1718, recounting events around 20 years earlier (circa 1698). In England however, Christopher Merret, a noted scientist and physician, mentioned his process for developing sparkling wine as early as 1676. Is it really any wonder that the more charming French version of the story has withstood the test of time? Champagne seems to almost insist that nothing linked to it be ordinary, including its discovery.

As you know, here are many delightful sparkling wines made around the world, but only that which is made in the Champagne wine region in the northeast of France is allowed to be called Champagne. EU law and the laws of most countries reserve the term “Champagne” exclusively for wines that come from this region located about 100 miles
(160 km) east of Paris. If you’ve never been, it’s a lovely side trip the next time you visit the City of Lights.

The List

I’ve had the very good fortune to sip champagne at beautiful spots around the world, including my own terrace. As I’ve written before, there is always a bottle chilling in my refrigerator in case there is something to celebrate, and there is always something to celebrate. This could mean a great new lipstick, an article being published, a romantic evening in, an old friend visiting, the homecoming of one of my children, or simply that it’s been another glorious day. However, in this article I’d like to share a few of my favourite places around the globe to enjoy the bubbly.

1. Hotel de Paris, Le Bar Americain, Monte Carlo, Monaco~On a trip with several of my girlfriends, we enjoyed Champagne at this lovely landmark. Situated over the street from the Grand Casino, it’s a wonderful start to a
   night out in a world renowned city. After that, who knows what might happen?
2. Lords Cricket Ground, London, England~I’ve written a great deal about cricket, and how one of my favourite parts of the experience is drinking Veuve Clicquot at their tent during tea. Cricket itself is an event for me, and Champagne only adds to the fantastic atmosphere. Pairing my favourite drink with the home of cricket couldn’t make a more perfect day.
3. Naples Grande Resort, Naples, Florida, US~My current neighborhood resort has Veuve Clicquot every Friday afternoon beginning at 3 pm for only $3US a glass. It’s the best way that I can imagine to begin a weekend. It also proves that it doesn’t have to be expensive to have a lovely glass of Champagne in lovely surroundings.
4. St. Regis Hotel, Monarch Beach, California, US~This spot has a special place in my heart for many wonderful reasons, but especially for being the place that my oldest son and daughter in law were married. The views over their brilliant Robert Trent Jones, Jr golf course and the Pacific Ocean are unbelievable!
5. Villa San Michele, Florence, Italy~With the most fantastic views of beautiful Firenze from the hills above the city, this is my favourite place to sip Champagne with that someone special. Ask for a table outside on the terrace, enjoy bubbly, dinner and the most romantic evening of your life.
6. Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Illinois~The first home of my own was just last year, and it was an apartment on the 31st floor of this perennially top-rated hotel. A glass of Champagne at their wonderful Sunday Jazz Brunch is an occasion not to be missed.
7. Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh ~ Put together a great day of world class shopping and gorgeous views of Edinburgh Castle and the city, and I couldn’t possibly leave this spot on the fourth floor off my list.
8. Royal Champagne, Epernay, France~A tour through this stunning part of France during the spring, biking and tasting the drink it’s most famous for, gets the final spot on my list. How could I be a Champagne lover, without recommending that you pay a visit to its home?

Travel More & Drink Champagne

As I said before, I’ve been so fortunate in my experiences, and I have so many other lovely  places I’ve drunk Champagne, but there you have my favourites. I’d like to point out, that one of the best things about this list, is that you don’t need to stay overnight to drop in and enjoy a glass of Champagne at these incredible locations. If travelling there isn’t a possibility, then stop in to your own local dream resort for a glass of Champagne and a wonderful memory. It’s a great way to begin your own list of favourite places to sip champagne, and to be reminded that it is a Charmed Life, no matter where you may be, as long as you’re making today a special day. What better way to do that, than with a glass of champagne?

Photos by Velo Steve, gfpeck

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Recommended travel guides for learning a bit more about Champagne (the drink AND the place)

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