Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay

The Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay offers a rewarding journey into France’s sparkling wine heritage for just over $100 per person. This 3-hour experience takes place in Mareuil-sur-Ay, at the Le Clos Corbier Champagne house, a traditional family-run winery dating back to the 1850s. With small-group sizes limited to 12 people, the tour combines immersive cellar visits, an engaging Champagne tasting class, and a delicious 3-course French lunch featuring regional specialties.

The tour is ideal for those eager to learn about champagne production in a relaxed environment, with expert guides leading the way. The emphasis on small-group intimacy ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere. One key consideration is that private transportation is not included, so planning your arrival is recommended. It’s a well-rounded option for enthusiasts, food lovers, and curious travelers seeking a meaningful experience near Epernay.

Key Points

• Includes a guided Champagne cellar visit at a historic winery from the 1850s
• Expert-led tasting class with a blind tasting of at least three champagnes from small producers
• A 3-course French lunch with regional specialties such as pâté en croute and Langres
• Limited group size of 12 ensures an intimate and personalized experience
• Sample regional wines and liquors, including Coteaux Champenois and Ratafia
• Cost of $102.17 per person makes this a good value for a comprehensive Champagne experience

Visit a Historic Champagne Cellar from the 1850s at Le Clos Corbier

The tour begins in Mareuil-sur-Ay, at Le Clos Corbier, a family-run Champagne house with cellars dug in the 1850s. This location offers a real sense of tradition and history, where visitors get to see authentic Champagne cellars. The cellar visit provides insight into the champagne-making process, including the traditional press, which is an integral part of the region’s winemaking heritage.

During the cellar tour, the guide explains the secrets behind Champagne production, helping visitors understand the craftsmanship involved. The historic setting adds a tangible connection to the region’s long-standing tradition of sparkling wine making, making the experience both educational and memorable.

Interactive Champagne Tasting Class with Blind Tasting Challenge

Following the cellar visit, the expert-led tasting class begins with a fun quiz to test your knowledge of champagne. The olfactory workshop trains your nose to identify different aromas and flavors typical of Champagne, enhancing your appreciation of this sparkling wine. The highlight is the blind tasting of three champagnes from small wineries, with local snacks pairing each sample.

The tasting class is designed to be interactive and accessible, providing an enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of champagne aromas and flavors. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making complex concepts easy to grasp.

Sampling Regional Champagne and Other Local Liquors

At least three different champagnes are sampled during the tasting, accompanied by local snacks that enhance the flavors. In addition, you get to taste Coteaux Champenois, a local red wine, as well as Ratafia, a regional liquor. These tastings offer a broader perspective on the region’s diverse wine and liquor offerings.

This feature adds a layer of depth to the experience, exposing visitors to the variety of beverages produced in Champagne beyond the famous sparkling wine. The pairing with regional snacks makes the tasting both educational and flavorful.

French Cuisine: A 3-Course Champagne Lunch

After the tastings, the experience continues with a fabulous 3-course lunch featuring traditional French cuisine. The menu includes regional dishes such as pâté en croute, Langres cheese, and pink biscuit cake. Each dish is carefully paired with a different champagne, wine, or liquor, elevating the flavors.

The lunch experience is described as delicious and well-curated, with many reviews noting the fabulous quality of the food. The meal is served in a casual yet elegant setting, and the menu can be adapted to allergies or dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

Personalized Service and Small-Group Atmosphere

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the small-group size, limited to 12 participants. This size fosters a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where everyone can engage with the guide and ask questions comfortably. The guide’s friendly and engaging manner receives high praise, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

The personalized attention allows for a more meaningful experience, especially during the tasting and cellar visits, where guides share detailed insights and answer specific questions. This setting maximizes comfort and interaction, making it ideal for both wine novices and enthusiasts.

Logistical Details and Meeting Point

The tour departs at 10:30 am from 5 Bd Nicolas François Billecart, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne. The meeting point is near public transportation options, making it accessible for travelers arriving from nearby cities like Paris. The activity ends back at the starting point around 1:30 pm, after the lunch.

Travelers should note that private transportation is not included, so arranging your own travel to and from Mareuil-sur-Ay is recommended. The booking window typically opens about 27 days in advance, ensuring ample time to secure your spot.

Expert Guides and Engaging Teaching Style

Guides like Xavier and Marie are noted for their friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging approach. They make the learning process fun through interactive quizzes, smell tests, and clear explanations of the champagne-making process. Their enthusiasm and expertise often turn the tour into a memorable social experience.

The guides also excel at creating a relaxed atmosphere, making participants feel comfortable whether they are complete novices or seasoned wine lovers. Their ability to balance education with fun activities results in high review scores.

Price and Value for Money

At $102.17 per person, this tour offers excellent value, considering the inclusion of a cellar visit, tasting of at least three champagnes, regional wines, a regional liquor, and a fabulous 3-course lunch. The small-group size and expert guidance further enhance the perceived value.

Many reviewers emphasize that the experience feels like great value for money, especially given the quality of the food, drinks, and personalized service. It’s a comprehensive way to spend a few hours exploring Champagne beyond just tasting.

Additional Offerings and Nearby Tours

This experience is part of a lineup of Champagne-related tours offered by À La Française, who also provide visits to Champagne cellars, grower tours, and vineyard excursions. The region offers multiple options, but this particular experience combines education, tasting, and cuisine in one well-organized package.

Travelers interested in extending their Champagne exploration may consider other options such as pressoria visits, vineyard tours, or grower tastings. The convenience of multiple tours nearby makes the region a prime destination for Champagne lovers.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Champagne Experience

The Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay delivers a substantive, engaging, and delicious taste of the Champagne region in a compact 3-hour format. Its combination of historic cellar visits, interactive tasting experiences, and regional French cuisine makes it a standout choice for those seeking both education and enjoyment.

The small-group setting fosters intimacy and personalized attention, while the expert guides ensure the learning process is fun and informative. The value for money is clear, especially given the quality of the included tastings and meal.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive introduction to Champagne without committing to full-day excursions. It is particularly appealing for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to understand the region’s craftsmanship in a friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private transportation included?
No, private transportation is not included. Travelers should plan their own transport to Mareuil-sur-Ay, where the tour departs.

Can the lunch be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the lunch can be adapted to allergies or specific diets, ensuring all guests can enjoy the meal.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, from 10:30 am to around 1:30 pm.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a cellar visit, 6 tastings (including champagne, regional wine, and liquor), an expert guide, and a 3-course lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Since the focus is on tasting and education about champagne and regional wines, it is best suited for adults. Children or non-drinkers can still enjoy the cellar visit and lunch, but tastings are part of the experience.

What makes this tour different from larger champagne tours?
The small-group size of up to 12 participants provides a more personalized and relaxed experience, with more interaction and attention from guides.

How far is the start point from Epernay or Paris?
The tour begins at 5 Bd Nicolas François Billecart, Aÿ-Champagne, just 15 minutes by train from Epernay and about 1 hour and 17 minutes from Paris.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What other tours are offered nearby?
Similar experiences include pressoria visits, vineyard tours, and grower tastings, all available through À La Française in Champagne and other French regions.

Is this experience good value?
Absolutely. The combination of cellar visits, tastings, expert guidance, and a full French meal makes this excellent value for money at the price of just over $100 per person.