Exploring the renowned Champagne region is a must for any wine enthusiast. This small-group tour from Epernay promises an immersive experience, unveiling the secrets behind prestigious Champagne houses. Visitors will savor a variety of bubbly delights, complemented by a delicious French lunch. With a personalized approach and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a well-rounded journey through the heart of Champagne. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Champagne, this experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of crafting this iconic beverage.
Key Points
- A half-day small-group excursion from Epernay that allows visitors to explore the production process of prestigious Champagne houses and a family-run winery.
- Includes a delicious French lunch paired with Champagne and a tasting of 7 different Champagne wines.
- Visits the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, the Avenue de Champagne, and Le Clos Corbier.
- Provides the opportunity to sample several Champagnes and learn about the unique characteristics of each.
- Offers pickup and drop-off in Epernay, with a maximum group size of 8 people.
Tour Overview
The tour allows visitors to uncover the intriguing process behind Champagne production through a half-day small-group excursion from Epernay.
Guests will explore prestigious Champagne houses along the renowned ‘Avenue de Champagne‘ and visit a family-run winery for a tasting workshop. Throughout the day, they’ll have the opportunity to sample several different Champagnes.
The tour also includes a delicious French lunch paired with the bubbly beverage.
With an air-conditioned vehicle, local English-speaking guide, and pickup/drop-off in Epernay, the experience provides a comprehensive and enjoyable way to explore the secrets of Champagne.
Inclusions
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a delicious French lunch, and a local English-speaking guide to accompany guests throughout the half-day experience.
Visitors will also enjoy tasting 7 different Champagne wines during the tour, with pickup and drop-off provided in Epernay. The lunch is paired with Champagne, allowing guests to fully enjoy the region’s renowned sparkling wine culture.
No need to worry about gratuities, as they’re included in the tour price. However, the tour doesn’t cover hotel pickup/drop-off, other drinks, or a bottle of water, so guests should plan accordingly.
Exclusions
Though the tour includes several amenities, it doesn’t cover gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, other drinks beyond the Champagne tastings, or a bottle of water. Guests will need to account for these additional expenses separately.
The tour focuses on providing a comprehensive Champagne experience, with visits to prestigious houses, a family-run winery, and a tasting workshop. Guests can enjoy 7 different Champagnes throughout the day and a delicious French lunch paired with the bubbly.
However, any tips for the guide, transportation to and from the meeting point, and purchases beyond the included tastings are the responsibility of the participants. The tour’s price is all-inclusive except for these excluded items.
Tour Details
The tour runs from 12:00 PM to 5:15 PM, starting at the Office de Tourisme d’Epernay en Champagne.
It includes visits to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, the Avenue de Champagne, and Le Clos Corbier.
You’ll explore the prestigious Champagne houses along the famous Avenue de Champagne and tour a family-run winery.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to taste several different Champagnes.
The tour also includes a delicious French lunch paired with Champagne.
With a maximum of 8 people per booking, you’ll enjoy a small-group experience and personalized attention from your local, English-speaking guide.
Policies
This Champagne tour from Epernay comes with a few important policies. Confirmation’s provided when you book, and it’s not wheelchair-accessible. Children must have an adult with them, and the group size is capped at 8 people max.
Cancellations get a full refund if made at least 24 hours ahead of time.
The tour runs from 12:00 PM to 5:15 PM, meeting at the Epernay Tourist Office. While lunch and 7 Champagne tastings are included, gratuities, hotel transfers, and other drinks aren’t.
Champagne Production
On this tour, visitors get to discover the secrets behind Champagne production, from the prestigious Champagne houses along the ‘Avenue de Champagne’ to a family-run winery where they’ll enjoy a tasting workshop. They’ll learn about the meticulous process of growing grapes, pressing the juice, and meticulously blending the wines to create the perfect Champagne. The tour includes a tasting of seven different Champagne wines, allowing visitors to experience the nuances in flavor and aroma. Champagne production is an art form, and this tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Grape Growing | Careful cultivation of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes |
| Pressing | Gentle pressing to extract clear, flavorful juice |
| Blending | Precise blending of wines to create the desired flavor profile |
| Aging | Extended aging in the bottle to develop complexity and finesse |
| Disgorgement | Removal of sediment to achieve the classic Champagne clarity |
Prestigious Champagne Houses
Along the famed ‘Avenue de Champagne’ in Epernay, visitors explore the prestigious Champagne houses that have built their reputations over centuries, each with its own distinctive style and heritage.
They’ll tour the cellars and production facilities of these renowned brands, learning about the intricate process that transforms grapes into the bubbly delight.
From family-run wineries to iconic global labels, the tour offers an insider’s perspective on the nuances that define Champagne.
Guests savor the complex flavors and aromas of several Champagnes, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of blending and the care that goes into each bottle.
These prestigious houses proudly continue the centuries-old traditions that have made Champagne a symbol of celebration and luxury worldwide.
Tasting Workshop and French Lunch
The tour culminates in a hands-on tasting workshop, where guests deepen their appreciation for Champagne’s complexities by sampling several distinct varietals.
Afterwards, they savor a delectable French lunch, expertly paired with the effervescent libations to create a harmonious culinary experience.
During the tasting, the knowledgeable guide walks participants through the nuances of each Champagne, highlighting the unique characteristics and production methods that contribute to the region’s renowned quality.
The lunch features traditional French dishes, thoughtfully selected to complement the bold flavors and refreshing acidity of the Champagnes. This gourmet pairing allows guests to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage and refined gastronomic traditions of the Champagne territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Champagne to the Tour?
No, you can’t bring your own Champagne on the tour. The tour includes several Champagne tastings and a full lunch with Champagne pairings. Bringing outside Champagne would interfere with the experience the tour provider has carefully curated.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour is not ideal for young children. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the focus is on Champagne tastings and a French lunch, which may not appeal to or be suitable for young kids.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour is a set itinerary and can’t be customized. But customers can request special accommodations, like dietary needs, when booking. The tour operator give you a memorable experience while adhering to the scheduled activities.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment for the tour. It’s a casual experience where you’ll simply enjoy the Champagne tastings and lunch provided. Just dress comfortably and come ready to learn about the winemaking process.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended as you’ll be touring wineries and tasting Champagne. Avoid wearing anything too formal or fancy that could get damaged during the tour activities.
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Recap
This small-group Champagne tour from Epernay offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s production process.
Visitors will uncover the secrets behind prestigious houses, sample a variety of Champagnes, and enjoy a French lunch paired with the bubbly drink.
With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and a maximum group size of 8, this tour ensures a personalized and memorable Champagne experience for enthusiasts.
