It must have been the most resolute of soldiers who manned the Mumm windmill in Champagne during its tenure as a key observation post for the defence of Reims in 1918. All that standing about and keeping an eye out for the enemy, knowing that a bounty of fizz was but an errant afternoon away. (The Germans were less dedicated. After they broke through the French lines, discipline broke down among "disgraceful drunken scenes" as the men refused to obey their officers.)

The famous champagne house served as a French divisional headquarters during the first world war, and a new private tour operated by Arblaster & Clarke is revisiting the region's past and uncovering how the war proved such a critical moment in the history of its eponymous bubbly.

The Champagne in WW1 tour will be helmed by military historian, former intelligence officer, president of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and all-round interesting chap Colonel John Hughes-Wilson, and includes visits to various growers, lunch in the cellars of J Charpentier in the Marne valley and a full tasting and lunch at Mumm, interspersed with the Colonel's running commentary.

Arblaster & Clarke (winetours.co.uk, 01730 263111. Available for small groups, dates to be arranged, £725pp inc ferry crossings, transport, three nights' three-star B&B and all tastings.