Your Champagne tour of Epernay can begin with a departure from Reims or within Epernay itself.
- OPTION PICK-UP 1:
Meet your local guide at 9.00 am in Reims in front of the tourist office situated next to Reims centre train station and start the day with a drive through the Champagne vineyards to Epernay.
- OPTION PICK-UP 2:
Meet your local guide at 9.45 am in Epernay in front of the gates of the visitor center of Champagne Boizel.
Your tour will start with a drive through the famous "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay, the capital of Champagne where some of the most prestigious Champagne houses are based (Pol Roger, Perrier Jouët, Mercier, Boizel and Moët & Chandon).
Your first Champagne house visit of the day is to the famous Grande Maison de Champagne Boizel (if not available on the day it can be replaced by a similar house), discover the Champagne making process and enjoy a Champagne tasting of 2 of their emblematic cuvées.
Your guide will make a stop for you to enjoy a moment in the Champagne vineyards, with breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage Champagne vines. He'll share his expert knowledge about the “terroir” as you go. You will then visit and tour the village of Hautvillers, birthplace of champagne and the church where the famous monk Dom Pérignon is buried.
After Hautvilliers, your tour will take you on to a warm welcome in Mareuil-sur-Ay at a typical Champagne house (Le Clos Corbier). After a Champagne quiz, train your nose to identify the different aromas and flavors that can be found in Champagne through an olfactory workshop.
Get competitive as you do a blind taste test of 3 different champagnes from small wineries all while eating some local snacks.
Enjoy a traditional lunch paired with wines and champagnes in a fun and familial atmosphere. Savour local local produce like baguette, pâté croute, regional cheeses, pink biscuit, Ratafia… (the lunch can be adapted to allergies or specific diets).
After lunch it's time to explore the charming hillsides of the Champagne region as you drive to your next Champagne house visit. You'll be invited for a peek-behind-the-scenes of a family-run Champagne house. Visit the traditional press, tank room and Champagne cellar of an authentic champagne grower. Stroll down the cool cellar corridors and glance at the immense quantity of Champagne bottles slowly maturing. Enjoy several Champagne tastings of their best–seller “cuvees” and find the best value in Champagne!
After a day full of exploring the best of Epernay your guide will drop you off in Epernay at 5.15 pm or in Reims at 6.00 pm.
INCLUSIONS
- Local English speaking guide
- Small-group tour (maximum 8 people)
- Reims pick-up and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Entrance fees for visit and tastings at 2 family-run wineries
- Entrance fees for visit and tastings at Champagne Boizel
- Lunch
- 11 tastings
EXCLUSIONS
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Personal expenses
- Other drinks
- Pick-up and drop off in Paris not available (we recommend taking the train)
