What You Will Do
Discovery of the most famous Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards and villages of Champagne around Epernay, Capital of the Champagne vineyard : The "Côte des Blancs" famous for its Chardonnay and the "Vallée de la Marne", predominantly planted with Pinot Noir.
Visit of the historic village of Hautvillers “Cradle of Champagne”, the church of Dom Pérignon and the vineyard in the historical hillsides listed by Unesco as World Heritage Site.
Pause at the most beautiful viewpoint of Champagne in the heart of the vineyards with explanations of viticulture management.
Visit the production sites of two families of independent producers/ growers followed by commented tastings of many Grand cru and Premier cru champagnes, as well as famous local spirits.
Commented passage through the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, called "the most expensive Avenue in the World" with its 200 million bottles in the cellar.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
In front of the Epernay Tourist Office (near Champagne Moet & Chandon).
1
Avenue de Champagne
Discover a must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site in Epernay the Capital of the Champagne vineyard.
"Avenue de Champagne" 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.
We will cross the Avenue for a good kilometer to explain the history of its superb mansions and production buildings belonging for centuries to the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger to name a few.
2
Cramant
Cramant is a village classified at the highest of the Champagne Appellation who is Grand cru in "Côte des Blancs" called the "kingdom of Chardonnay" in Champagne.
We will cross to reach several other Grand cru villages such as Chouilly and Avize, pass in front of the largest bottles factory of the region and by 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.
3
Oger
1 hour 30 minutes
Oger is a renowned Grand Cru village of the "Côte des Blancs" with the famous "Blanc de Blancs" 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru.
This is where we will visit one of the 2 families of independent producers/growers that you will discover during the tour with explanation of the champagne making process, visit to the presses, wineries and cellars.
You will taste many 100% Grand Cru Champagnes with tasting advices : min. of 3 tastings per person to discover the different "Blanc de Blancs" such as natural Champagne without dosage, from old vines, vintage or even aged in oak barrels.
4
Hautvillers
1 hour 30 minutes
We will stop in the unmissable village of Hautvillers in its hillsides classified as World Heritage by UNESCO to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Champagne, in the vineyard exactly where Dom Pérignon conducted his experiments.
It is the ideal place in the heart of the vineyards to take unforgettable photos of you and this breathtaking landscape!
In this vineyard mainly planted with "Pinot noir" we will tell you about the work of the vines, the grape varieties, this exceptional "Terroir" and sustainable viticulture.
We will visit one of the 2 families of independent producers/growers that you will visit during the tour with explanations of the champagne production process, visit of the presses, wineries and cellars.
You will taste there, during a commented tasting, 3 different Champagnes mainly composed of Pinot Noir*.
*depending on the season and availability, this visit/tastings may take place in a village of the "Côte des Blancs" or in Aÿ-Champagne.
5
Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers
30 minutes
Hautvillers is a historic village of the 'Vallée de la Marne" called the "Cradle of Champagne" and known for its history with the famous monk Dom Pérignon "Spiritual father of Champagne". We will visit the church where he officiated for 40 years and where he now rests forever.
I will tell you his story and you will finally know whether or not he is the inventor of Champagne !
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