Lighthouse of Verzenay surrounded by grapevines in Champagne

The Bureau du Champagne USA website provides an immense amount of information about Champagne. The data includes suggestions on the appropriate stemware, how to open a Champagne bottle, the region’s vineyards and the Champagnes. It will take a good amount of time to peruse everything available on the website. The Champagne Bureau website could be used as a template for many wine regions around the world.

If you are planning to attend the International Wine Tourism Conference in Champagne, France, the Champagne Bureau website will provide you with detailed information about Champagne.

It’s interesting to note that there is a connection between Christianity in Champagne and Christianity in the country of Georgia, both locations for the International Wine Tourism Conference. In the 4^th century in Georgia, Saint Nino converted King Mirian to Christianity. In 496, Saint Rémi converted King Clovis of the Franks to Christianity. According to the Champagne Bureau website, Champagne wine was used to anoint King Clovis.

Anyone extending their visit in Champagne before or after IWINETC will want to check out the five trails in the region.

The Bureau lists five wine trails in Champagne, France.

• Reims & Region
• Epernay & Region
• Marne Valley
• Côte des Bar
• Coteaux Vitryats

Note: The International Wine Tourism Conference takes place in Reims, France April 9 to April 10, 2015. Early Bird registration is available now at http://www.iwinetc.com/2015france/conference-registration/

The premium sponsor for the 2015 International Wine Tourism Conference is La Champagne La Marne. In addition to much information about visiting Champagne, the website offers online booking for accommodations, rental cars, restaurants, airlines and events.

Travelers who are delighted with flowers and gardens should visit the website for La Champagne La Marne which offers another dimension for wine travelers. According to the website, “The Marne in Champagne has won the trophée national de département fleuri (the national “County in Bloom” trophy) since 1997. It is the most flowery part of France with 166 towns and villages awarded between one and four ‘flowers’ (the Michelin star of the horticultural world).” What could be more delightful than enjoying a glass of Champagne in a region recognized for its horticulture?

If you are planning to visit Champagne or attend the International Wine Tourism Conference in 2015, check out the above websites for helpful information.

Cheers! Kathy