When the Romans first planted vineyards in what is now known as Champagne, little did they know that the pinkish still wine they made at the time would evolve to become one of the most celebrated drinks in the world – the sparkling wine now most commonly known as ‘Champagne’.

Even a few hundred years ago, wine makers including the notable Dom Pérignon were still trying to make still wines, which was difficult because of the climate. The vines were still not fully ripened when the winters came, meaning the spring would see the bottles which again started fermenting and then release carbon dioxide ‘bubbles’ – and with the weak bottles of the wine, there were often explosions in the cellars.

The main reason to visit the Champagne region is of course to see the history of the sparkling wine, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rheims and of course a few wineries such as Celliers Ruinart and the Moet et Chandon cellars. While there, I would advice starting from Paris and taking the Champagne tour, and include Louis Roederer and Taittinger wineries on the way, where you combine a beautiful setting with amazing champagne that makes you burst the bubbles all day.