We are now in Epernay, which is in the Champagne region. 

Tours through the local vineyards are recommended during the season but unfortunately out of season, ie currently, only a few of the champagne producers offering cellar tours are open. 

I wanted to see the Veuve Cliquot cellars but they aren't open just yet, so instead we settled for Moet & Chandon.

Of course everyone has head of Moet & Chandon and their champagne is extremely popular, apparently 80% of the production is exported from here to elsewhere around the globe, despite the French being significant drinkers themselves.

The tour was a bit disappointing and lacking in info but as it's no 1 of choice on Tripadvisor for things to do here, who am I to argue! I just thought that the film they show you is rather pretentious, but they are the biggest sellers in the World (I think?).  

To be honest, the tour was probably more interesting with a good English speaking guide, ours was Japanese and I could barely understand a word, let along put it into a sensible order to create a sentence - sorry Yumi!. In conclusion, what I learnt is probably simply the fact that there are 3 different types of grapes used in the production of the Champagne... a vintage champagne will only be made in the best year (ie best harvest of grapes) and the majority of champagne as we know it (Moet calls theirs the 'Imperial' range) is blended from grapes harvested in various years.

Wikipedia gives lots of other info and of course the Moet website is a good place to start.
 
Tour info aside, the cellars themselves are pretty spectacular, with 28km of underground space. 

Overall, it was worth a visit and tasting but my preference of sparkling wine still remains as Asti - sweet and cheap! 

There is no other reason to visit Epernay, than the Champagne avenue. In fact, there seemed to be very few restaurants open and a lack of much else to see and do, but of course we are just passing through.