We found ourselves in Reims, on a damp, chilly Sunday afternoon at the end of December. The city probably wasn't at it's most attractive or welcoming and many of the champagne houses were closed.
However we were delighted to find that Piper Heidsieck's cave was open - especially as it's probably our favourite champagne. And if it wasn't before, it was after the visit!
The tour takes you underground, through a few cellars where the ancient tools of the trade are on display, then deeper to a chamber (full of bottles) where you board your buggy. This takes you for a spin round the cellars with a commentary explaining (in your chosen language) the story of Piper Heidsieck; the company and the champagne. It covers both history and the methods of production as well as enlightening the visitor with some champagne trivia.
At the end of the tour you find yourself in a mock up of the set of Casablanca - in Sam's bar of course - curious as Piper Heidsieck wasn't used in the film!
Then you make your way upstairs to the opulent bar where you are treated to a glass of the good stuff, or three glasses if you've bought the upscale ticket (one regular, one vintage and one rose, I think). There's a shop too, where you can stock up on a wide selection of the champagne varieties in all shapes and sizes, and also Heidsieck branded accoutrements and baubles.