Where and when do we meet?

Meeting is at the domaine from 19h30 at 8 rue de la Fontaine, 51700 Mareuil le Port. Please arrive on time.

Are minors allowed and can they drink?

Guests aged 1–99 may attend, but anyone under 18 cannot consume alcohol and must be accompanied by a legal guardian; non-alcoholic beverages are provided.

Is the cellar wheelchair accessible?

There is no direct accessibility to the cave; please contact the operator ahead of time to discuss specific needs.

Can I wear ski gear or boots?

Yes—ski attire is welcome for the atmosphere; consider bringing comfortable indoor shoes for the cellar floor.

What does the menu include?

The evening features three cheese fondues, a bourguignonne for seared bites, and a chocolate fondue finale, paired with wines from the cellar.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

Reservations are recommended—capacity is around 30 people and weekend evenings often fill quickly.

Cellar Fondue Night in Mareuil-le-Port: Champagne, Fondues & Mountain Atmosphere | Food Tour | Wine

On a cold evening in Mareuil‑le‑Port, a short drive from the vineyards of the Champagne wine region, "Descente de cave - Soirée fondue et champagnes" opens its cellar doors for a convivial alpine-style meal underground. The event takes place in the heart of the village at 8 rue de la Fontaine, 51700 Mareuil le Port, where low stone vaults and chalk-carved walls hold the steady, cool air that makes Champagne cellars unique.

Guests gather around long communal tables beneath vaulted ceilings to share three cheese fondues, a fondue bourguignonne for seared bites, and a final chocolate fondue for slow, sweet endings. Local cuvées from the house cellar are paired through the night; wines are served freely to sip between forks and laughter. Ski attire is explicitly welcome—an intentional nod to mountain refuge culture that gives the evening its playful warmth despite its subterranean setting.

What makes this booking stand out is the collision of Champagne terroir and mountain-style hospitality. The cellars are cut into the region's signature Cretaceous chalk, a geological feature that moderates humidity and temperature, and which has sheltered vintners’ bottles and stories for generations. Stone ribs, iron sconces, and the faint trace of cellar tools set a tactile scene: hands on fondue forks, the clink of glasses, and lantern light glinting on bubbles.

Practical notes: the evening starts at 19h30 at the domaine; the event runs about 3.5 hours and accepts guests from age 1 to 99, though minors cannot consume alcohol. Capacity tops out near 30 people, making for a busy but intimate crowd. The cellars are not wheelchair-accessible without prior arrangement; contact the operator with accessibility questions.

For visitors based in Épernay or other nearby towns, this is an inviting night out after a day touring vineyards or cruising the Marne. The setting is quintessential Champagne—vineyard views by day and chalk caves by night—and the food-forward approach makes it ideal for couples, small groups, and food-loving travelers seeking something different from standard tasting rooms.

Sustainably minded guests will appreciate the small-scale structure: local wines, shared plates, and modest waste when attendees follow guidance on responsible consumption. Bring a warm layer or ski jacket, comfortable shoes for stepping into the cellar, and an appetite for gooey cheese, seared morsels, and the slow ritual of dipping into chocolate—this is communal dining with a regional pulse, deep in the chalk heart of Mareuil-le-Port. Afterwards, wander outside to find the adjacent Marne riverbank and small champagne-grower plots, or grab a nightcap at a nearby domaine for a cellar tour the next morning; Épernay and Reims both offer easy overnight options. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekend evenings, because space is limited and the communal format fills quickly. Book early.

About Champagne Harlin Père et Fils

Champagne Harlin Père et Fils is a family-owned champagne producer based in Mareuil-le-Port in the Grand Est region of France. The domaine offers guided vineyard visits, cellar tours, and guided tastings that showcase the distinct terroirs of Mareuil‑le‑Port, Épernay, and Tours‑sur‑Marne. Visits range from 30‑minute dégustations to 1.5‑hour vineyard or domaine tours and cellar explorations. Each tasting features three champagnes and a serving of traditional Ratafia Champenois, highlighting local traditions and flavor profiles. Tours include explanations of vineyard practices, sustainable viticulture, and cellar techniques used in Champagne production. The property provides historic vineyard settings and traditional cellars, giving visitors a clear view of production methods and aging environments.

Champagne Harlin Père et Fils accommodates both casual visitors seeking a short tasting and guests desiring a deeper 1.5‑hour guided vineyard or domaine experience. Several tour descriptions note accessibility from Épernay and nearby towns; one English description specifies the cellar experience is a short trip from Paris. All experiences are led with a focus on terroir, bottle tasting, and the region’s heritage. The business documents three-champagne tastings across its offerings and includes Ratafia as part of the tasting ritual. Visitors can expect guided explanations about grape sourcing, blending choices, and sustainable practices employed in the vineyards. Champagne Harlin Père et Fils presents a concise range of tours and tastings tailored to wine enthusiasts, learners, and travelers exploring Champagne.

Bookings are offered for small groups and private visits by appointment. Detailed schedules vary by season and language availability. Please check availability in advance.