What You Will Do
Discovery of the most famous Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards and villages of Champagne around Epernay : The "Côte des Blancs" famous for its Chardonnay and the "Marne Valley" and its historic hillsides listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO predominantly planted with Pinot Noir.
In Hautvillers, called the “Cradle of Champagne”, guided tour of the Church of Dom Pérignon and the vineyard.
Discovery of the famous village and Grand Cru vineyard of Aÿ-Champagne.
Pause at the most beautiful viewpoints of Champagne and gain more understanding of vineyard management.
Discovery tour in the "Côte des Blancs" Grand Cru.
Visit the production sites of two families of independent growers followed by tastings of 6 Champagnes Grand Cru/Premier Cru, as well as the essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs.
Commented passage through the "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay, called "the most expensive Avenue in the World".
Convivial Champagne lunch (a bootle for 2 persons).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Parc Naturel Regional de la Montagne de Reims
During the journey between Reims and Epernay, you will also discover the "Montagne de Reims" and its superb forest to cross to reach the famous vineyards near Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyards.
2
Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers
30 minutes
In Hautvillers, village called the “Cradle of Champagne”, enjoy a private tour of the Church where the grave of Dom Pérignon, known as the spiritual father of Champagne, is.
We will tell you his story and you will finally know whether or not he is the inventor of Champagne !
3
Hautvillers
1 hour 30 minutes
In Hautvillers, we will also stop in the historical hillsides of Champagne listed as Word Heritage Site by Unesco to enjoy the magnificent panorama of Champagne overlooking the Marne Valley, the place where Dom Pérignon carried out his experiments in winemaking.
It is the ideal place in the heart of the vineyards to take unforgettable photos of you and this breathtaking landscape.
We will visit the first of the 2 families of independent producers/growers that you will discover during this day with explanations of the champagne production process, visit of the presses, wineries and cellars.
You will taste there, during a commented tasting, 3 different Premier Cru Champagnes*.
*depending on the season and availability, this visit/tastings may take place in a village of the "Côte des Blancs" or in Aÿ-Champagne.
4
Avenue de Champagne
Another must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site that we will cross is the "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyard.
It is considered "the most expensive Avenue in the world" with its prestigious Champagne houses, its mansions and its 100 kilometers of cellars which hide 200 million bottles.
A commented passage of the very famous Avenue de Champagne is planned to explain the history of its superb mansions and production buildings belonging for centuries to the Champagne Houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc.
5
Cramant
1 hour 30 minutes
During your discovery tour in the "Côte des Blancs", we will go through Cramant which is one of the famous villages Grand cru located south of Epernay.
This area in Champagne is called the "Kingdom of Chardonnay Grand Cru".
For lunch, we have selected for you Champagne and dining bars appreciated by the locals in order to share this convivial moment. *
On the menu, to accompany your glasses of Champagne (a bottle for 2 persons) for example : gourmet platters of charcuterie and cheese with bread and salad, ready-made farm meals, pâtés, regional biscuits and coffee.
When booking your tour, please inform us if you have food allergies or have any dietary requirements.
*Depending on the day of the tour, the lunch location may vary.
6
Oger
1 hour 30 minutes
Oger is another renowned Grand Cru village in "Côte des Blancs" with famous "Blanc de Blancs" 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru.
This is where we will visit one of the 2 families of independent producers/growers of the day with other explanations on the Champagne making process, visit to the presses, wineries and cellars.
You will choose 3 100% Grand Cru Champagnes to discover different "Blanc de Blancs" with tasting advice such as natural Champagne without dosage, extra brut, from old vines, vintage or even aged in oak barrels.
We will also pass through other famous villages such as Chouilly and Avize, in front of the largest bottles factory and near the famous "Chateau de Saran", the ultra private property where the luxury LVMH group (who owns Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Krug ...) receives its biggest customers and VIPs as well as the "Montaigu site" dedicated to the champagne making of Moët & Chandon.
7
Mareuil-sur-Ay
We will also pass through the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Marne Valley with its historic hillsides listed as well as World Heritage Site by Unesco and mainly planted with Pinot Noir. This is the village where more confidential Champagne Houses are located : Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat.
8
Ay-Champagne
1 hour 30 minutes
You will discover also the famous village of Aÿ-Champagne, its hillsides listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its famous Grand Cru vineyards.
Do you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century and still has a very special place ?
The kings of France had their own presses there and the wines of Champagne were formerly called "Wines of Aÿ".
You will discover a part of this historic village and its famous vineyard mainly planted with Pinot noir where we will tell you about the work of the vines, the grape varieties, this exceptional Terroir, sustainable viticulture...
We will also stop in front of the headquarters of famous Champagne Houses of Aÿ such as Bollinger, Deutz, Ayala...
During the day, in addition to the Champagnes, you will taste the 3 essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs : Ratafia, Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery which is the oldest in Champagne.
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