The Champagne Train: A Buyer's Guide to the Gare de l'Est to Épernay Ride

Gary Westby traces the 90-minute ride from Gare de l'Est to Épernay — the vineyards, the villages, and the growers worth knowing out the window. Plus three bottles from Dérot-Delugny, one of the Marne Valley's best-kept secrets, starting at $39.99.

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champagneGary WestbyJune 4, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsChampagne, Grower Champagne, Marne Valley, Dérot-Delugny, Blanc de Noirs, Meunier, Pinot Gris, rosé, France, Sparkling Wine, Gary Westby, travel

The 2025 Vintage in Champagne Benefits from the Gift of Experience

K&L Champagne buyer Gary Westby just returned from two weeks tasting the 2025 harvest in Champagne. The verdict? Surprisingly fresh—despite temperatures hitting 107°F. Find out which villages performed best, why Blanc de Blancs will be scarce, and what to buy now while it's available.

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champagneGary WestbyJune 4, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsChampagne, 2025 Vintage, Vintage Report, Gary Westby, Blanc de Blancs, Côte des Blancs, Mountain of Reims, Marne Valley, Grower Champagne, Climate Change, Vin Clair, France, White Wine, Sparkline Wine

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