Wine Tours · Tour
Small Group Half-Day Champagne Tour from Épernay: Hautvillers, Côte des Blancs, Ratafia
This half day from Épernay covers two sides of Champagne. First comes Hautvillers, called the Cradle of Champagne, in the historic hillsides near Épernay that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guide leads a visit to the church of Dom Pérignon and the vineyard, with a pause at a viewpoint to explain how the vines are managed. Then the route turns to the Côte des Blancs, known for Grand Cru Chardonnay and 100% Blanc de Blancs. A family producer, independent and growing its own grapes, opens its production site, followed by a commented tasting of three Grand Cru or Premier Cru Champagnes. Additional tastings cover the region's spirits and aperitifs, Ratafia among them. The tour also passes along the Avenue de Champagne with commentary. It is known as the most expensive avenue in the world, with 200 million bottles in its cellars.
What's included
- Small group tour from 2 to 8 persons
- Premium air-conditioned vehicle
- Passionate guide/chauffeur
- Additional tastings of the 3 essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs (Ratafia, Fine et Marc)
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- Visits and tastings of 3 Champagnes Grand Cru
Itinerary
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7 Av. de Champagne, Épernay
In front of the Tourist Office in Épernay, 7 Avenue de Champagne (near Moët & Chandon).
Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers
The half day starts in Hautvillers, the Cradle of Champagne. A private visit of the church holds the grave of Dom Pérignon, called the spiritual father of Champagne. The guide tells his story, including whether he really invented Champagne, and gives the history of the region.
Hautvillers
A stop in the UNESCO-listed hillsides above the Marne Valley, where Dom Pérignon carried out his winemaking experiments. The view is the best in Champagne, and a good place for photos. The vines here are mostly Pinot Noir, and the guide covers vineyard work, grape varieties, terroir and sustainable viticulture.
Avize
South of Épernay, a few minutes away, the Côte des Blancs is the home of Chardonnay Grand Cru. Grand Cru is the highest level of the Champagne appellation, held by few villages, mostly around Épernay. The route goes through Cramant and Avize, and past the largest bottle factory, the Château de Saran (the private property where LVMH, owner of Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Krug, receives its biggest clients) and the Montaigu site, where Moët & Chandon makes its Champagne.
Oger
Oger, another Grand Cru village, known for 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs. An independent grower, a family estate since 1864, explains the Champagne-making process and shows the press, winery and cellar. Three 100% Grand Cru Champagnes are tasted, with advice on styles: natural without dosage, brut, vintage, or aged in oak barrels. Locals and connoisseurs like this quiet address. Champagne and souvenirs can be bought in the shop.
Cramant
Extra tastings of three Champagne spirits and aperitifs from the Goyard Distillery in Aÿ, founded in 1911 and the oldest in Champagne. The best known is Ratafia Champenois, made in Champagne since the 13th century: a sweet wine from the same grapes as Champagne, drunk as aperitif, digestif or with some dishes. It is little known outside the region because it is not widely exported. Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne are the brandies, popular as digestifs. Depending on season and weather, the tasting takes place with a panoramic view of the vineyards around Épernay, or at the grower's estate.
Avenue de Champagne
A commented passage along the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guide explains the history of the mansions and production buildings that have belonged to houses such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Pol Roger for centuries. It is called the most expensive avenue in the world, with 100 kilometers of cellars hiding 200 million bottles.
7 Av. de Champagne, Épernay
Not included
- Transfer from your hotel
- Luggages and suitcases which are not allowed
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Up to 8 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
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- Guiding available in: en, fr.
Reviews
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