Champagne Dom Caudron : a successful conversion to œnotourism

Winegrower Passy-Grigny Champagne Dom Caudron

A successful conversion
to Œnotourism

The Champagne Dom Caudron, in Passy-Grigny, is a beautiful expression of the Meunier, king varietal of the Marne Valley. Created by the cooperative, the brand develops with a strong commitment in œnotourism.

The cooperative of Passy-Grigny is deeply indebted to the parish priest. In 1929, Abbot Caudron showed to be generous giving 1,000 francs to the wine growers of the village in order to buy premises and their first press. The benefactor was right. The movement was launched and the cooperative never stopped developing in the heart of this lovely place in the Marne Valley where the varietal Meunier is king.
With its 75 members for 130 hectares of vines (80% in Meunier), it managed to combine the modernization of its working tool, the launch of a brand in tribute to its founder and the implementation of promising actions in favour of tourism.
It is true that the village of Passy-Grigny is ideally located, close to the A4 motorway, to the cities of Epernay and Reims, in a geographical area were oenotourism only demands to increase.

Since the 2010 harvest, the cooperative develops a reception policy that bears fruit. Thousands of visitors have already discovered the work, know-how and equipment of the members thanks to a cellar, a museum, a guided tour and a ten-minute film about Champagne. A very comfortable cinema has been created to present the work of the vine and the wine commented by comedian André Dussollier. Outside the theater, a 3D-photo exhibition complements a very edutaining visit that finishes in the cellar with a tasting of the wines of the range.

“We are open all year long, including week ends. The launch of the brand and these reception initiatives aim at turning towards export markets”, David Sibillotte, the manager of the cooperative of Passy-Grigny, explains.

Sharing experience
Five cuvees compose the range of Champagne Dom Caudron. Among which Camille Philippe, after the first president's name, a Brut 100% Meunier. The Vieilles Vignes stems from the plots aged over 60 and a cuvee called Cornalyne, 100% Meunier, is vinified under wood in 300-liter casks. The wine-making is done on the lees in barrels. “This method enables us to get wines of better ageing potential with subtle notes of brioche and toasts.”
The vintage cuvee, currently the 2005, benefits from ageing in oak barrels for the Chardonnay wines. “Our working tool has been modernized since ten years. We have expanded the premises, carried out the thermal insulation of the pressing center, and set up automatic loading presses” David Sibillotte comments.

“The opening to oenotourism is a huge human commitment. It contributes to the renown of the brand and enables to share experiences with our customers”, the manager of the cooperative underlines. The fixed objective is to welcome between 300 and 500 visitors a month, to couple the visits with sales to the public, without forgetting the other stages. “We also explore abroad. We have just met professionals of Singapore and Brazil.”

Multiple investments that contribute to improve the quality of the wines and make them recognized in France and export.

Jean Batilliet

Les Confidences de DOM CAUDRON
Coopérative vinicole
Rue Jean York - 51700 PASSY GRIGNY
Tél. : 03.26.52.45.17 - Fax : 03.26.51.75.85
www.domcaudron.fr