Jiles's Blog

Who Am I?

17 years spent living and working in Champagne has allowed Jiles to build up a vast amount of knowledge about all things bubbly as well as a very extensive network of contacts, especially amongst the smaller and less well-known champagne makers whose champagnes will probably amaze you with their quality and diversity.

A job as area manager for Asia and Australia with Moët et Chandon was what first drew Jiles to Champagne after completing an MBA in Luxury Brand Management at ESSEC, a prestigious business school just outside Paris.

After nearly 9 years at Moët Jiles moved back to the UK where he started one of the first online businesses promoting and selling grower champagnes,

However the draw of ‘The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings’ once again proved irresistible and another 8 year stay in Champagne was the result. During this second stay in Champagne Jiles worked with the Syndicat Général des Vignerons de Champagne as an accedited consultant for small, independent champagne makers before setting up his own consultancy.

Jiles now spends his time between England and Champagne.and puts his knowledge and contacts to work helping wine lovers everywhere learn more about champagne and helping businesses and individuals to create their own private champagne brand.

He is the author of two books on champagne, several concise guides to champagne  and is the creator of an online champagne study course called My Champagne Expert

 

 

What's The Weather Like In Champagne?

Jiles Halling

altNot cold enough by half is the answer.

While you may be sitting at home wondering when the dull, cold winter days will be over ( unless you're reading this in Australia perhaps) the vignerons here in Champagne are hoping for just the opposite.

"It's not cold enough" they cry. "Du Froid! Bring on the snow and the frost"

But what are they worried about and why do they want the opposite of what most of you might suspect? You'll find the answer below

Today it's about 9 Celsius and it's a pleasant enough mild day with an overcast sky. Here's a picture of what the weather's been like here for the past few weeks.

2011 Champagne Videos

Jiles Halling

Happy New Year to Everyone wherever you are

Here’s a selection of just a few of the many videos we filmed last year here in Champagne.

The Weird Appellation System In Champagne

Jiles Halling

Ever felt confused abVineyards at Cuis in Champagneout the system of appellation in Champagne that determines where you're allowed to plant grapes and where you're not?

Well, here's a short article that will give you an insight into the weird workings of the system and how the current situation came about.

To say it is a bit haphazard is something of an understatement .

The Weird Appellation System In Champagne

Jiles Halling

Ever felt confused abVineyards at Cuis in Champagneout the system of appellation in Champagne that determines where you're allowed to plant grapes and where you're not?

Well, here's a short article that will give you an insight into the weird workings of the system and how the current situation came about.

To say it is a bit haphazard is something of an understatement .

French Style in The Champagne Vineyards

Jiles Halling

Friday 28th October is Global Champagne Day or #ChampagneDay if you're into social media

To celebrate the day ( actually it's just another excuse to drink champagne) I've been out and about filming some champagne makers you may not have heard of yet, but whom you should definitely get to know

Here's the first and in this vidoe you can meet a larger-than-life Frenchman- Philpe Brun - who happens to make fantastic champagne too.