At just 20 years old, Eugène Mercier established Mercier Champagne House in Epernay in 1858. He sought to make the wine of the era’s elites accessible to the masses without sacrificing quality.Mercier has always shared an enduring connection with the vibrant city of Paris. His house became known for the 18 kilometers of underground tunnels and wine cellars he created which are connected to Paris by a direct railway used to transport their wine to the city. These cellars remain a favorite destination among Champagne enthusiasts, and they receive over 100,000 visitors each year. One of the most remarkable sights on the Mercier tour is the “giant wine cask,” which Eugène Mercier had constructed as the world’s largest wine barrel. This cask was prominently displayed at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris where it clinched second prize, beat out for the top honour only by the iconic Eiffel Tower.