The historic Champagne co-operative
Thanks to thematic and educational spaces, experience a unique journey to the heart of the world-famous AOC (Appelation of Controlled Origin), and discover the men, the land, the wines and the trades that contribute to the making of Champagne. In the midst of the vineyards, between culture, art and history, discover a different Champagne experience.
The Cité is meant to help understand a terroir - classified 100 percent Grand Cru -, the history of a family, and to gain a real expertise in all that is Champagne. Proudly affirming their roots, the 780 winemakers from the "Coopérative Générale des Vignerons de la Champagne délimitée" are presenting their region and trade, with the help of more than 1500 archival documents like posters, movies, videos etc which describe a century of social, economic and historical evolution in Champagne. This beautiful space, named "la Maison Cogevi", is an unforgettable testimony, a real dive in the cooperative structure and human values.
Heritage Wine Tourism
A tour will allow you to visit the production center, giving you a unique overview of the secrets of champagne. As you progress to the unique atmosphere of the Aÿ’s centenary old wine cellars, which have been built about 40 meters under the hillsides, you will have the chance to admire a wonderful 650-feet long wine library showcasing more than thirty thousand wine bottles. Into this intimate and mysterious atmosphere, visitors can partake in an exceptional wine tasting from the Collet Collection.
The Musée des Métiers du Champagne stands in the Cité du champagne Collet-Cogevi. It pays homage to regional produce and its unique natural characteristics, as well as the people behind it and their expertise. T You can also take the “vine route” and explore the vineyard in more detail where the whole Champagne-story begins. This signposted trail, with illustrations, explains how the vineyard changes over the seasons and will lead you to the foot of the underground cellar ventilation chimneys.
