Congratulations to Bruce Smoller for passing the Champagne Masters exam with highest honors! About Bruce: I am a wine enthusiast, but not formally in the industry.  I have had a passion for wine since my days living near Napa Valley.  I have been seriously studying wine for the last 9 years and am currently working on the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) level 4 (Diploma level).  My goal

North vs. south For over a century, the unanimity of the Champagne region has been called into question. Separated by departmental lines (départements being administrative regions in France), the Côte des Bar in the southern Aube department was often considered as that distant cousin who always embarrasses themselves at parties. The big houses of “mainland” Champagne in the northern Marne department did indeed buy loads of grapes from

Summary Women have played a key role throughout the history of le champagne (the wine) and la Champagne (the region). The cheeky courtesans were enthusiastic consumers during the 18th century. The widows were innovative producers during the 19th century. The mothers and wives kept the champagne ship afloat during two World Wars during the 20th century. And like a champagne bubble, the women are moving onwards and upwards during the 21st century.