Champagne Michel Fagot — Attraction in Reims

In response to your reply… we both know you’re covering your back with lies the timings were not as you stated, however don’t worry we will never be returning to your establishment EVER. You don’t mention the absolutely tiny glass rip offs that were not full size samples. Please note that short of time doesn’t have to mean rude! I’m often rushed off my feet as an events organiser all the time but it’s my job to remain polite and welcoming.

Original review: Sadly, although this vineyard was the main reason we returned to the area, on this occasion we had a terrible experience and left without purchasing anything other than tastings.

We previously stayed in Reims and booked a guided out of the champagne region, the last stop was MF in Rilly-La-Montagne.

We were really taken by the champagne, at the time, and the modern tastings rooms so took a 7hr drive from the UK to return to the area.

However today we were charged €19 for 3 teaspoons of champagne (sold as glasses but just dribbles in a glass). No explanation, then being asked to drink up and move on (they had a tour booked, ok no problem).

This feels like a commercial entity around tours first, champagne second.

If you’re on a tour they will look after you, provide gift boxes, the “experience” you want - great.

If you’re looking to visit to buy larger quantities, they won’t give you the same attention, and in fact came over quite rudely and dismissively.

In our 3 days in Rilly this was the only champagne house that we bought absolutely nothing except tiny over priced samples. Because we were made to feel unwelcome and their champagne was inferior to others we tried.

We bought a Jeroboam from another house around the corner, and many cases from local houses, yet Michel were sadly dismissive of us as individuals, as we were not tour guests.

However MF do have the most beautiful tasting rooms. But looks can be deceiving.

With 6000 champagne houses to explore in the region, this will be our second and last visit to MF. I would describe their champagne as style over substance.

My advice would be to try others locally, their tasting rooms might not be as glamorous but their champagnes are...

the guide was totally good, her explanations were complete and not superficial and she answered every question the wine was really good, I'm not a lover of white sparkling wine but the blanc de meunier and the blanc de noir was really good and with a lot of flavours there was not a glass of wine before the visit that is a typical gift in the others tasting I did (maybe in Reims is not usual) there wasn't anything to eat with the wine, not an associated food or a typical regional taste, just water if you want you can't take again a wine, one glass is one glass nothing more (that's right but from a small wine factory I expected more) the cave was a normal one, surely not very particular like other most famous in the city but it wasn't what I was looking for (and the price is totally different)

So it was good but I didn't go out totally satisfied from this

I'm happy because the wine was good and they were kind but maybe they could give some

Without tasting the visit...

I did a champagne tasting and a small group tour which was excellent. You really get a look at how the smaller operations run and a better understanding of the champagne making process.

The tasting room was comfortable, I enjoyed the variety of the 3 we tried as well as being offered 2 additional without cost after asking. Well, not a regular champagne drinker, I did end up buying two bottles to take back home. They do sell the sleeves with bubble wrap that you can use to pack in your luggage if you want to take it home from...