Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting world of Champagne on this half-day tour from Epernay. Discover the prestigious Grand Cru vineyards, explore the historic Hautvillers Abbey, and visit three renowned family-owned producers. Indulge in a tasting of exquisite sparkling wines, aperitifs, and spirits as you explore the traditions and craftsmanship that make this region’s Champagnes so extraordinary. With a small-group setting and guided visits, this experience offers a personalized and insightful exploration of the Champagne terroir and its captivating heritage. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of this iconic French region.
Key Points
- Half-day Champagne tour from Epernay with visits to family-owned Champagne houses and exploration of the prestigious Côte des Blancs Grand Cru vineyards.
- Complimentary tastings of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, aperitifs, and spirits in a small-group setting limited to 8 participants.
- Tour of the historic Hautvillers Abbey, the final resting place of Dom Pérignon, and stroll along the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.
- Opportunity to learn about the traditions, craftsmanship, and unique terroir of the Champagne region through guided visits and tastings at three renowned Champagne producers.
- Roundtrip transportation from Epernay, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and English- and French-speaking tour guides.
Tour Overview
This half-day Champagne tour from Epernay takes you on a delightful journey through the vineyards, villages, and renowned producers of the renowned Champagne region.
You’ll visit family-owned Champagne houses, explore the prestigious Côte des Blancs Grand Cru vineyards, and tour the historic Hautvillers Abbey, the resting place of the legendary Dom Pérignon.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy complimentary tastings of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, as well as aperitifs and spirits.
This small-group tour, limited to just 8 participants, is led by an expert guide who shares insights into the art of Champagne making.
With roundtrip transportation from Epernay included, you can sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of this iconic French wine region.
Highlights of the Itinerary
Visiting a family-owned Champagne producer allows guests to gain an intimate understanding of the time-honored traditions and meticulous craftsmanship behind these renowned sparkling wines.
Exploring the prestigious Côte des Blancs Grand Cru vineyards provides a glimpse into the exceptional terroir that lends Champagne its unique characteristics.
Touring the historic Hautvillers Abbey, the final resting place of the legendary Dom Pérignon, immerses participants in the rich heritage of the Champagne region.
The tour also includes:
- A stroll along the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, where some of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses are headquartered
- Complimentary tastings of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, as well as aperitifs and spirits
- A small-group setting, limited to 8 participants, for a more personalized experience
Exploring the Vineyards
As the tour progresses, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque Côte des Blancs Grand Cru vineyards, where the exceptional terroir is on full display. Strolling amidst the meticulously tended rows of Chardonnay vines, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the factors that lend Champagne its renowned elegance and complexity. The tour provides an insider’s perspective, allowing guests to witness the meticulous care and attention that goes into cultivating these world-famous grapes. From the gentle slopes to the distinct minerality of the soil, every aspect of the vineyards is explored, leaving visitors with a newfound respect for the art of Champagne production.
| Varietal | Soil Composition | Slope |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Chalk and Limestone | Gentle |
| Pinot Noir | Clay and Limestone | Moderate |
| Pinot Meunier | Sandy Loam | Steep |
Visiting Champagne Producers
Throughout the tour, guests are treated to guided visits and tastings at three renowned Champagne producers, offering an exclusive glimpse into the art of crafting these iconic sparkling wines.
Discover the centuries-old traditions and state-of-the-art techniques used by small, family-owned estates to create their exceptional Champagnes.
Explore the renowned Côte des Blancs Grand Cru vineyards, where some of the world’s finest Chardonnay grapes are grown.
Savor an array of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, along with delightful aperitifs and spirits, as you learn about the unique terroir and production methods that lend each bottle its distinctive character and flavor.
Tasting the Champagnes
Guests begin their Champagne-tasting journey with a selection of Grand Cru and Premier Cru sparkling wines, each offering a distinct expression of the Champagne terroir.
Delving into the nuanced flavors and aromas, they savor the refined elegance and complexity that have made these iconic bubbly delights a global standard of excellence.
From the crisp, citrusy notes of a blanc de blancs to the rich, toasty character of a vintage reserve, the tasters’ palates are treated to a symphony of Champagne’s finest.
Between sips, they learn about the intricate production methods and time-honored traditions that imbue each bottle with its unique personality, deepening their appreciation for this celebrated French specialty.
Discovering Hautvillers Abbey
The tour makes an enchanting stop at the historic Hautvillers Abbey, the revered resting place of the legendary Dom Pérignon.
Visitors explore the abbey’s serene 16th-century cloisters and learn about the remarkable life and pioneering work of the renowned Benedictine monk, whose innovations transformed the production of Champagne into the sophisticated elixir it’s today.
Highlights of the Hautvillers visit include:
- Discovering the tranquil atmosphere of the abbey’s well-preserved Gothic architecture
- Gaining insights into Dom Pérignon’s groundbreaking contributions to Champagne’s development, from blending techniques to the introduction of the iconic bottle
- Appreciating the abbey’s significance as a spiritual and historical center in the heart of the Champagne region
Strolling the Avenue De Champagne
After exploring the serene Hautvillers Abbey, the tour continues its journey through the heart of the Champagne region, leading guests along the iconic Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. This UNESCO-listed avenue is home to some of the world’s most renowned Champagne houses, presenting an opportunity to marvel at the stunning 19th-century mansions and cellars that have become synonymous with the region’s rich heritage. As the group strolls down the picturesque boulevard, they’ll catch glimpses of the prestigious Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mercier estates, each boasting architectural grandeur and a history that has shaped the global reputation of Champagne. This is a truly enchanting moment, where the essence of the Champagne lifestyle is on full display.
| Champagne House | Year Founded | Notable Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Moët & Chandon | 1743 | Impérial, Rosé Impérial |
| Perrier-Jouët | 1811 | Belle Epoque, Blanc de Blancs |
| Mercier | 1858 | Brut Réserve, Blanc de Noirs |
Logistics and Meeting Point
This champagne tour’s duration spans 3.5 hours, with a small group limited to just 8 participants. The guided experience commences at the Epernay Tourist Office, a mere 5-minute walk from the Epernay train station, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Tour guides converse fluently in both English and French, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all.
The tour includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Epernay
- Guided visits and tastings at 3 Champagne producers
- Complimentary Champagne, aperitifs, and spirits tastings
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a hassle-free and enjoyable way to explore the renowned Champagne region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Champagne Bottles on the Tour?
No, guests cannot bring their own champagne bottles on the tour. The tour includes complimentary tastings of Grand Cru and Premier Cru champagnes, so participants can fully experience the region’s renowned sparkling wines without the need to bring their own.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is designed to be wheelchair accessible, with transportation and winery visits accommodating guests with mobility needs. The small group size and guided experiences allow for personalized support throughout the Champagne region exploration.
Can I Extend the Tour to Visit More Champagne Houses?
While the standard tour visits 3 Champagne houses, the tour operator may accommodate requests to extend the experience and explore additional prestigious producers in the region. Guests can inquire about customizing the itinerary to suit their interests and preferences.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
The afternoon Champagne tour is designed for adults and does not accommodate children. However, families may inquire about private tours that can be customized to include child-friendly activities in the Champagne region.
Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Champagne Brands?
Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific Champagne brands. The tour provider is happy to accommodate requests to visit particular producers or try specific Champagne styles during the tastings, creating a personalized experience for guests.
Recap
This captivating Champagne tour from Epernay immerses visitors in the region’s rich heritage and renowned terroir.
Exploring prestigious vineyards, historic abbeys, and family-owned producers, guests indulge in a tasting of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, aperitifs, and spirits.
With a small-group setting and guided visits, this experience offers a personalized and insightful exploration of the traditions and craftsmanship that make Champagne’s sparkling wines so extraordinary.
