A Family Grower in the Heart of Champagne
Lamiable is a family-owned grower-producer (récoltant-manipulant) based in Tours-sur-Marne, a Grand Cru village on the Montagne de Reims between Reims and Epernay. Unlike the major Champagne houses — which buy grapes from hundreds of growers and blend across the region — Lamiable grows its own grapes in its own Grand Cru vineyards and produces Champagne entirely from its own fruit. This is the artisanal end of Champagne production, and visiting a producer like Lamiable gives you a fundamentally different experience from the grand cellars of Veuve Clicquot or Moët.
What the Visit Involves
A Lamiable visit is intimate and personal. You are typically hosted by a family member who walks you through their vineyards (Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), their small-scale production facility, and their cellar — explaining their approach to winemaking at every stage. The tasting is conducted by the person who made the wine, and the conversation is direct, knowledgeable, and unscripted.
The Champagnes are terroir-driven — reflecting the specific character of the Grand Cru vineyards rather than a blended house style. The range typically includes a Brut non-vintage, a Rosé, a Blanc de Blancs, and vintage or prestige cuvées in limited quantities. Many of these wines are available only at the cellar door or through direct sales.
Why Visit a Grower Instead of a Major House
Authenticity. You see the entire process in one place — from the vine to the bottle — rather than just the cellar and tasting room of a large operation. The scale is human rather than industrial.
Education. A grower who makes their own wine from their own grapes can explain every decision — why they prune a certain way, why they pick on a specific date, how they blend, how long they age. The depth of knowledge in a grower visit exceeds what a guide at a large house can offer.
Value. Grower Champagnes are typically priced below the equivalent quality level from major houses, because the brand premium is lower. Buying at the cellar door offers excellent value for high-quality, terroir-specific Champagne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “récoltant-manipulant” mean?
It means the producer grows their own grapes and makes their own Champagne. The abbreviation “RM” appears on the label. This distinguishes grower-producers from the large houses (négociants-manipulants, “NM”), which buy grapes from multiple growers.
How do I get to Lamiable?
Tours-sur-Marne is between Reims and Epernay, approximately 20 minutes from either city by road. A guided Champagne tour that includes grower visits is the most practical way to reach small producers, as public transport to the villages is limited.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Grower-producers are small family operations and visits are by appointment. Contact the producer directly or book through a guided tour operator who includes grower visits in their itinerary.