The story of the world-famous Champagne appellation started a long time ago with an exceptional terroir that produced wines like no other.

Over the centuries man's talent transformed the wines' characteristic effervescence into the purest expression of a very special dedicacy.

From the romans who first made their mark on th area to the glittering Champagne Houses that we see today, the making of the appellation reads lie an adventure story.

Things did not always go smoothly by any means and it is a tribute to human endeavour that Champagne was already somthing of a legend at the start of the 20th century

The Champenois by that time were fiercely determined to protect their precious heritage and the battle for delimitation was at its height. With the official recognition of the Appellation d'origine contrôlée Champagne came the culminiation of a 20-year process dedicated to the demarcation and regulation of the Champagne production area.

As the start of the Third Millennium, the Champenois may be juslty proud of their achievements. The Champagne appellation has come to stand as a benchmark for excellence among producers and consumers who look to it for authenticity and an almost visionary quality.

To build on that success is the task of th Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne, the joint trade association that represents all Champagne Houses and Growers. One of its key missions is to preserve the exclusive nature of Champagne appellation and promote its qualities to the widest possible audience.