Taittinger

Unlike many of the other prominent champagne producers in Reims, Taittinger Champagne house carries the distinction of being owned and operated by the same family who opened its doors in 1930. It may not be the oldest champagne producer, but it is regarded as among the best, bearing a grand marque, the highest honor in French Champagne.
In addition to its famed champagnes, Taittinger also carries a reputation for being very visitor-friendly. Tours include a film, a guided walk through its cellars and plenty of interesting anecdotes about Reim, and the hostesses are capable interpreters.
In the vein of interesting anecdotes, the Marquetterie gardens, prior to the establisment of the Taittinger vineyards, were also a base of operations for WWI  General Joseph Joffre, from which he directed a number of famous battles. Perhaps less auspiciously, the Taittinger vineyards were also featured in the international scavenger-hunt show Amazing Race 16, during which competitors had to pour out a magnum of Taittinger champagne as part of a clue and find a bunch of grapes among the winter-dormant vines.

Practical Info

The Taittinger family, in addition to the champagne vintages that made it famous, is also known for its large stake in Concord hotels. Its flagship, is the famed the Hotel Crillon in Paris.