Elisabeth Drysdale

DAME CHEVALIER OF THE L’ORDRE DES COTEAUX DE CHAMPAGNE, ELISABETH DRYSDALE IS THE DIRECTOR OF CHAMPAGNE BUREAU AUSTRALIA. WITH STRONG LINKS TO THE REGION AND THE DRINK, EXPLORE TALKS TO ELISABETH ABOUT EVERYTHING CHAMPAGNE.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Elisabeth Drysdale is the Director of Champagne Bureau Australia

What is your connection to Champagne and why is it special to you?

I am the Director of the Champagne Bureau in Australia. In Australia, the Champagne Bureau represents the Comité Champagne. The enhancement and protection of the Champagne appellation ranks high among the Comité’s priorities. Some of our objectives are: The defence of the “Appellation Champagne”, to increase market awareness of Champagne Wines and to strengthen the image and market position of Champagne Wines, providing the trade and consumers with information on Champagne Wines and the Vin de Champagne Award.

I find Champagne very special in so many ways: the unique terroir, the people in the industry, the winemakers and of course the wines are all very special.

Can you tell us about your best experience or memory of Champagne?

One of my loveliest memories is visiting Champagne in 2003 for the 30th Anniversary of the Vin de Champagne Award. We had thirty past winners visit the region for a week and it was a truly amazing experience spending time with so many Champagne aficionados who have won this Award in either the Professional or Amateur section over the years. This experience was backed up last year, where we celebrated the 40th Anniversary. We had over 40 winners attend the reunion tour and it was truly lovely seeing the passion and knowledge these winners have about Champagne and how they use it in their professional and personal lives.

How often have you visited Champagne and why do you enjoy it so much?

I visit Champagne once or twice a year. I think Champagne is a special appellation surrounded by history, legend and a unique terroir. Part of the fun of visiting Champagne is discovering and learning more about the wines. I also love learning more about food and Champagne matching. I always discover something new each year.

If visitors could only do three things in Champagne, what should they be?

I would suggest a visit to Reims and Epernay, a visit to a winemaker and cellars and a drive through the region. Reims is an interesting place to walk around: the 13th century cathedral of Reims has sanctified the coronation of most of the French kings and is renowned for its Gothic architecture and the famous Smiling Angel. Reims is also home to a number of Unesco heritage sites including the Saint-Remi Basilica and visiting the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay is also worth a trip. A visit to Champagne wouldn’t be complete of course without trying the wines and understanding what makes the wine unique. Lastly explore the terroir, vineyards and picturesque villages of Champagne either by foot, bike or car along the Champagne tourist route.

Which tours would you recommend in Champagne?

There are a number of Champagne wine trails and routes through the regions of Reims, Epernay, the Marne Valley, Côte des Bar and Côteaux Vitryats.

What is your favourite place in Champagne and why?

Hautvillers is a pretty area to visit and it is located within the Reims Mountains Park. It is a great vantage point to look over the beautiful landscape of the Marne Valley, river and surrounding vineyards. Wandering around the village is interesting as you will discover lots of beautiful wrought iron signs and of course a visit to the beautiful abbey is a must.

Why would you recommend Champagne to visitors and any special tips for tourists?

Champagne is a beautiful appellation: full of history, legend, interesting terroir and unique diverse wines. It is also so close to Paris, only a 40 minute train ride away. You can discover why Champagne only comes from Champagne and meet the interesting Champagne professionals and winemakers – Growers, Champagne Houses and Cooperatives – and learn first-hand what makes Champagne wines so special.

My tip is to plan in advance and work out your travel plans so you can visit the different production areas and taste the wines made by different wineries and contact in advance any you would like to visit. ❧