ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Uncorking Excellence: Our wine camp journey to Champagne Baron-Fuenté

At Base Camp Wine & Co., we're thrilled to announce the soft launch of our newest adventure: Wine Camp. This immersive experience is designed to take our club members and patrons on a deep dive into the world's most captivating wine regions. Our inaugural Wine Camp couldn't have started on a more effervescent note as we embarked on a private tour and tasting at the renowned Champagne Baron-Fuenté. 

The history of Baron-Fuenté is a testament to the enduring legacy of French winemaking. The Baron family has owned and cultivated land in Charly-sur-Marne since the 17th century, but the modern story of this esteemed house began in 1961. When Gabriel Baron married Dolores Fuenté, he received a gift of one hectare of vineyard from his father. In 1967, the couple founded Champagne Baron-Fuenté, naming their new company as a symbol of their union. 

From humble beginnings selling to private customers and local restaurants, Baron-Fuenté has grown into a respected name in the world of Champagne. Today, the Domaine spans an impressive 38 hectares near the village of Charly-sur-Marne, in the western Marne Valley. Their annual production has reached 1.5 million bottles, with a staggering 4 million bottles maturing in their cellars at any given time. 

Our host for this extraordinary experience was Eric de Brisis, the Export Director, alongside Antonin, son of Ignace Baron. As we strolled through the lush vineyards, they shared intimate details of the family's journey, painting a vivid picture of how their business has evolved and flourished over the decades. 

The importance of family in this business cannot be overstated. In 1982, Gabriel and Dolores's daughter Sophie joined the company, followed a decade later by their son Ignace. After obtaining a diploma in oenology from Avize, Ignace became the estate's winemaker and general manager. Both siblings were trained by their father in the early nineties, learning the intricacies of bringing out the best in the western Marne valley terroir and the meticulous care required to produce exceptional Champagne. 

As we toured the bottling facility, we had an unexpected encounter that truly highlighted the hands-on nature of this family business. We met Ignace Baron himself, working tirelessly alongside the bottling crew. Ignace's daily routine, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., exemplifies the dedication and passion that goes into every bottle of Baron-Fuenté champagne. 

The Marne Valley, where Baron-Fuenté is located, is known for its ideal champagne-producing conditions. The unique terroir, with its marl, clay, and sandy soils, provides the perfect environment for growing Pinot Meunier, which dominates the Baron-Fuenté style, bringing fruit and delicacy to their cuvées. Smaller proportions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir add finesse and strength to the blend. 

Throughout our visit, we were struck by Baron-Fuenté's winemaking philosophy, which balances tradition and innovation: 

1. Hand-picking grapes to ensure the best quality 

2. Maximizing the use of Pinot Meunier for fruitiness 

3. Maintaining alcoholic fermentation at 16°C (60°F) in stainless steel vats for freshness 

4. Allowing second fermentation in the bottle to last at least 36 months for roundness and delicate bubbles 

6. Disgorging every three months to maintain freshness and brioche aromas 

Our tasting session was a journey through the Baron-Fuenté portfolio, showcasing the results of this meticulous approach. Each champagne told a story of the land, the grapes, and the skilled hands that crafted it. The experience left us with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and science behind every bubble in our glasses. 

This visit to Champagne Baron-Fuenté was more than just a tasting — it was an immersion into the heart and soul of a family-owned champagne house. It embodied everything we hope to achieve with our Wine Camp experience: a deep understanding of wine regions, hands-on learning from passionate winemakers and their families, and a taste of history in every sip. And a bonus on this topic: we are excited to welcome Eric de Brisis to North Idaho Oct. 24 as we feature the amazing lineup of Champagne Baron-Fuenté to our club members.  

As we raise our glasses to the success of our first Wine Camp, we can't help but feel excited for the journeys that lie ahead. We look forward to exploring more wine regions, meeting more dedicated winemakers, and sharing these enriching experiences with our Base Camp Wine & Co. community.

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Laura Olson is co-owner of Base Camp Wine & Co. (formerly The Dinner Party) along with her partner, Joe Petersen. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop or visit www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.