Epernay

Epernay, a town in the French department of Marne, is the headquarters of the Vins de Champagne, and is situated in the midst of a rich vine-growing district, on the left bank of the Marne, 19 miles WNW. of Chalons. It is handsomely built, clean, and well paved. Its environs consist, for the most part, of elegant villas, with vaults attached, belonging to the Champagne wine-merchants. Epernay manufactures large quantities of earthen- ware from a clay obtained in the neighbourhood, and called Terre de Champagne; also hosiery, refined sugar, and leather. It has a brisk trade in bottles, corks, wire, &c., as well as wine. Pop. (1872) 12,877; (1891) 18,252.