I'd make that another glass please?

Before the night got messy. The mayor was actually in the room while we all drank and danced O_O

Yummm. 

Just a casual rainstorm in the distance. Fun times. 

My description of this photo album on Facebook: They took us to Mutigny (pop. 250) showed us how they grew grapes and made it into Champagne. Then the Mayor fed us in his town hall and got us completely sloshed on Champagne and wine.

Pretty much. It was a schizophrenic day for the weather - don't be fooled by the sunny pics! We got in detail descriptions of the Champagne-making business and I must admit, it was very interesting. Here are a few facts:

• There are 3 types of grape for Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. We were in the Pinot Noir part (black grapes, white juice). 
• The UK is the highest consumer of Champagne followed by the USA
• You can tell how good a Champagne is from looking at the bubbles... I think they've got to be well rounded or something - I forget :s Probably due to all the er 'Champagne tasting' I was doing.

You probably only know a few, but there are loads of Champagne houses (Moet et Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Dom Periginon etc) and a lot of the big names actually buy their grapes from grape growers.

I must say, doing my year abroad in the Champagne region has certainly introduced me to another interesting aspect of French culture. I know a lot more about bubbly now - I'd like a glass of MUMM Demi Sec Champagne s'il vous plait!