Champagne Henri Goutorbe, Ay

Very nice people and lovely champagne; they are also involved in vine grafting which added an element of interest. Open during the quiet 2021 season and the owner was generous. There was also an art exhibition from a local artist which added some variety. We ended up staying much longer then planned.

Lovely champagne tasting experience. Staff very familiar and gentle. The grand rosé is amazing.

Very disappointing. We showed up just before they closed for lunch and were encouraged to come back at 14 which we did, but should not have. They were completely occupied with other businesses and did not care about us at all. They mentioned they were so busy and only had time to sell and to explain or give tastings. So why on earth ask us to come back? We have visited many other houses but never expired such an uninterest.

Another excellent producer in this small town. They usually have staff around that can help with a tasting, but it is highly advised to call ahead (esp. on weekends). If you were hoping to visit their actual winery, a reservation is certainly required. The whole range of wines showed well, and their price-points are compelling.

Disappointing. Our party of four was charged 8 Euros each (32 Euros) for one tiny glass each of the house’s most ordinary champagne. (Our designated driver asked to taste half a glass but was still charged 8 Euros) We were keen to buy a range of the premium champagnes but were given no opportunity to taste them. The lady was pleasant but very distracted as she was doing too many things at once. This was by far our most disappointing experience of our four days in Champagne.