The Connoisseurs from Epernay (Private Half day Champagne Tour)

Embark on a private tour of Epernay and uncover the secrets of Champagne. Explore Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, historic villages, and iconic landmarks while indulging in tastings of exquisite champagnes.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers - In Hautvillers, a village known as the “Cradle of Champagne,” enjoy a private tour of the Church where Dom Pérignon, the spiritual father of Champagne, is buried.

We will share his story and reveal whether he truly invented Champagne!

  • Hautvillers - In Hautvillers, we will also visit the historic hillsides of Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to take in the stunning panorama of Champagne overlooking the Marne Valley, where Dom Pérignon conducted his winemaking experiments. It’s the perfect spot in the heart of the vineyards to capture unforgettable photos of you and the breathtaking landscape.

We will visit the first of two families of independent producers/growers you will meet during your tour. You’ll receive explanations on the Champagne-making process and tour the presses, wineries, and cellars.

During a guided tasting, you will sample three different Grand Cru/Premier Cru Champagnes*.

*Depending on the season and availability, this visit/tasting may take place in a village of the “Côte des Blancs” or in Aÿ-Champagne.

  • Cramant - During your tour of the “Côte des Blancs,” we will pass through Cramant, one of the renowned Grand Cru villages located south of Epernay.

This area in Champagne is known as the “Kingdom of Chardonnay Grand Cru.”

We will also pass through other famous villages such as Chouilly and Avize, see the largest champagne bottle factory, and pass by the famous “Chateau de Saran,” the ultra-private property where the luxury LVMH group (owners of Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Krug, etc.) hosts its biggest clients and VIPs, as well as the “Montaigu site” dedicated to the champagne production of Moët & Chandon.

  • Oger - Oger is another renowned Grand Cru village in the “Côte des Blancs,” famous for its “Blanc de Blancs” 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru.

Here, we will visit the second of the two families of independent producers/growers on the tour. You’ll receive further explanations on the Champagne-making process and tour the presses, wineries, and cellars.

You will taste three 100% Grand Cru Champagnes with tasting advice to discover the different “Blanc de Blancs,” such as natural Champagne without dosage, extra brut, from old vines, vintage, or even aged in oak barrels.

  • Avenue de Champagne - In Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyard, we will cross the “Avenue de Champagne,” a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is considered “the most expensive Avenue in the world” with its prestigious Champagne houses, mansions, and 100 kilometers of cellars housing 200 million bottles.

A guided tour will explain the history of its magnificent mansions and production buildings, which have belonged to Champagne Houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc., for centuries.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Visits and tastings of 6 Champagnes Grand Cru/Premier Cru
  • Additional tastings of the 3 essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs (Ratafia, Fine, Marc)
  • Pick up in the perimeter of 6kms (3.7 miles) around Epernay
  • Private passionate Guide/Chauffeur
Additional Information

Near Epernay, the heart of the Champagne vineyard, explore the “Côte des Blancs” Grand Cru and the renowned village and vineyard of Hautvillers, located in the historic hillsides of the Marne Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Hautvillers, known as the “Cradle of Champagne,” enjoy a guided tour of Dom Pérignon’s church and the surrounding vineyard.

Take a break at the most picturesque viewpoint in Champagne, nestled in the vineyard, where you’ll learn about viticulture management.

Visit the production sites of two independent family producers/growers, followed by guided tastings of a selection of 6 Grand Cru/Premier Cru Champagnes, as well as essential Champagne spirits and aperitifs during additional tastings.

Embark on a discovery tour of the “Côte des Blancs,” a famous area known for its Grand Cru Chardonnay 100% Blanc de Blancs.

Enjoy a guided drive through the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, dubbed “the most expensive Avenue in the World,” home to 200 million bottles in its cellars.

Location
Office de Tourisme d'Epernay en Champagne
Avenue de Champagne
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(40 Ratings)
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1 star
Anna_d
Aug 25, 2024
Beautiful day, wonderful guide - Really lovely. Had an expert guide (private to just our party of 2). Saw stunning views and vineyards, and family run Champagne houses.
Review provided by Viator
Compass22706360623
Jul 3, 2024
Fun and interesting way to learn about champagne! - Charlotte was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. She took us through small villages, to the original church of Dom Pérignon and to two small family champagne producers. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and I highly recommend this tour with Charlotte.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_w
May 15, 2024
Tour of Champagne - Our tour guide Charlotte was very welcoming and had so much knowledge of the region for her young age. She was very interactive and answered all our questions with great English comprehension. I highly recommend her and this tour and she was always willing to take a photo.
Review provided by Viator
Antonial101
Feb 19, 2024
Delightful experience - Isabella was very personable, which alone made the tour a delight. Adding to that Isabella was extremely knowledgeable about the world, nay the universe, of Champagne. Quickly giving a concise, thorough and easily understandable background, Isabella expand on this and was able answer all the questions we had completely with a joyous spirit and a clear love of Champagne, the wine and the region. From Dom Perignon's church and the village where he experimented with the local wine, until he had perfected the Champagne method to the intimate boutique family run biodiverse organic Champagne houses to the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay we were allowed to experience it all. It was one of those serendipitous events that allowed us to meet Isabella and we feel all the more knowledgeable, worldly and fortunate for it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackie_l
Nov 23, 2023
We had a beautiful time... - We had a beautiful time tasting champagne and seeing all the beautiful views of the area. I will never forget the views. Also, our guide was so knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. She did such a wonderful job.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia
Oct 6, 2023
Awesome! - It was really nice, not commercial but really an expert from the region. You can ask her anything. She knew a lot about it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_m
Sep 29, 2023
Excellent champagne tour - Nina our tour guide was excellent with profound knowledge of the wines, the wine making process and the terroir
Review provided by Viator
Mary_b
Sep 28, 2023
A true reflection of Epernay! - Visiting the independent wine houses. So interesting! Really enjoyed Nina our tour guide. Knowledgeable and friendly!
Review provided by Viator
642lindyb
Oct 1, 2023
Happy experience - The guides were delightful, caring, knowledgeable, punctual, friendly, well organised. However, I do think it is overpriced for the time and experience involved. The car was fun, but noisy, and difficult to hear the guide’s words. I don’t think it represented good value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tania_e
Oct 5, 2023
Not a great tour - We were met by our guide who went and got coffee for herself first. No water was provided which wasn't great. The vehicle was too small and very uncomfortable. Visiting Dom Perignon grave in the outer village was good however we felt their other tour pushed us along at a hurried pace. I do not recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
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