Moët et Chandon

The Surprising History Below France’s Avenue de Champagne - AFAR

"Founded in the early 18th century, this pioneering house began digging cellars in 1720 and expanded significantly under Jean-Rémy at the end of the 18th century, creating a three-level underground complex (10–30 meters deep) that now includes some 17 miles of tunnels and vast stacks of vintages dating back to the 19th century. The cellars were prized for their stable temperature and humidity, hosted Napoleon (who toured them in 1807), sheltered townspeople in wartime and were used to cache supplies in 1814 — deeds that earned the owner national honors. The subterranean spaces have also been the site of wartime plundering, rumored concealments to thwart theft, occasional unexplained incidents, and today are presented to visitors on an immersive 90-minute Grand Vintage-style tour that winds past literally millions of bottles and includes tastings and an introduction to the méthode champenoise." - Brad Japhe