During the two World Wars, the Champagne cellars served as a refuge for the inhabitants. In 1914, despite the lack of men, all away to fight, and the requisitioning of horses, it was the women and old men who continued to look after the vines. In fact, it is said by champagne enthusiasts that the 1914, 1915, and 1917 vintages were especially successful. On 11 August 1944, the village of Aÿ was bombed and half of the town was destroyed. Today, the underground galleries of Aÿ are still in use and fully operational.