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MOULIN DE VERZENAY:
Built on Mont Boeuf in 1820 on the heights near the village of Verzenay, the Mill provide a truly magnificent view over these distinguished vineyards.
The mill, wich ground wheat, barley and rye, has been owned by three different millers. In 1901 the very last miller, not wanting the mill to continue working after his death, took it upon himself to stop the sails from moving. His heirs, respecting his wishes, then blocked the entire mechanism before selling the mill in 1904. The sale meant that his nine children each received one thousand gold francs. Yet another child was born just as the deeds were being signed and the family asked for and were granted an additional one thousand gold francs.
During World War I, the Mill served as an observation post, and many heads of state came to the mill to survey the enemy lines; these heads of state included Victor Emmanuel III, The King of Italy, accompanied by Raymond Poincarré, President of the French Republic. In spite of an agreement between the warring parties not to shell major state sites, a shell did land on the mill and shattered its transmission shaft.
During World War II, the mill was used by the American Army until August 1944.
In 1972, the Maison Mumm purchased the Mill of Verzenay and it became a reception area for privileged guests interested in truly getting to know the fabulous Champagne region... and, of course, this includes the unique view of the cherished vineyards afforded by the Mill.