Day tour Tasting at Moët & Chandon and 2 Big Houses in Epernay

Discover the Charm of Épernay’s Champagne Houses on a Full-Day Tour

This 7-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience of Épernay’s most famous Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon and Champagne de Castellane. Priced at $581.06 per person, the tour is perfect for lovers of sparkling wine eager to learn about the Champagne production process while enjoying tastings, a traditional French meal, and engaging activities. The tour departs from Moët et Chandon in Épernay at 10:00 am and does not include private transportation or guides, making it an ideal choice for those comfortable with walking between stops. With 14 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, this experience stands out for its comprehensive approach and friendly atmosphere.

The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 travelers, and features a mobile ticket for easy access, allowing a flexible yet organized day exploring the heart of the Champagne region. While it’s not private, the well-structured itinerary and the inclusion of tastings, a French lunch, and fun cellar activities make it a worthwhile and engaging experience.

Key Points

• Visit three Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon, Champagne de Castellane, and a third in Épernay
• Enjoy six glasses of Champagne during tastings throughout the day
• Savor a three-course French lunch with a Champagne aperitif
• Experience a train ride through Champagne cellars at the third house
• See how Champagne is made, from tanks to labeling machines
• Capture photos of iconic barrels, miniature trains, and cellar views

Starting Point at Moët & Chandon in Épernay

The tour begins at Moët et Chandon, located at 20 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay. This famous Champagne house offers an iconic entry point into the region’s sparkling wine culture. The experience starts with a guided walk through miles of cellars, where bottles are stored in impressive underground tunnels. You’ll learn about the history of Moët & Chandon, from its founder to the inheritors responsible for creating the Brut Imperial.

The guided cellar walk is a highlight, providing insights into the scale and tradition of Champagne production. The tour’s structure makes it accessible for everyone, with no private guide, but plenty of opportunity to ask questions about this legendary house.

In-Depth Champagne Tasting with a Sommelier

Following the cellar tour, the experience shifts to a double Champagne tasting session led by an expert sommelier. This part of the tour emphasizes understanding the aromas and flavors of Champagne, helping visitors appreciate the nuances of different styles. The tastings include six glasses of Champagne in total, spread across the day, ensuring guests stay refreshed and engaged.

This guided tasting offers valuable insights into how Champagne’s aromas can be appreciated and differentiated, adding an educational layer to the tasting experience. The sommelier’s guidance makes this a perfect moment for both beginners and enthusiasts to deepen their appreciation of Champagne.

Traditional French Lunch with Champagne Aperitif

A highlight of this tour is the 3-course French lunch, which is served with a Champagne aperitif. While the menu details are not specified, the inclusion of a Champagne aperitif suggests a relaxed and authentic dining experience that complements the sparkling wines tasted earlier. The meal provides a chance to unwind, discuss the morning’s discoveries, and enjoy authentic French cuisine in a convivial setting.

Visiting Champagne de Castellane and Tower View

Next, the tour heads to Champagne de Castellane, known for its tower in Épernay—the tallest in the city. Travelers climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views of Épernay and learn about the history of the house and its distinctive tower. This stop combines scenic beauty with a deeper understanding of the house’s architectural and historical significance.

At Champagne de Castellane, guests enjoy a double Champagne tasting, which continues to build on the day’s exploration of the region’s sparkling wines. The combination of visual, historical, and tasting elements makes this stop both educational and memorable.

The Fun Cellar Train Ride at the Third Champagne House

The third stop introduces a unique and playful element: a train ride through the Champagne cellars. The small train takes visitors inside a barrel that holds 200,000 bottles of Champagne, offering a lighthearted perspective on the scale of production. This quirky activity is particularly praised for its entertainment value and adds a memorable touch to the tour.

Following the train ride, guests indulge in a second double Champagne tasting, which rounds off the experience with more bubbles and learning. The combination of fun, scenic views, and tastings makes this a highlight for those seeking both education and entertainment in their Champagne journey.

Exploring the Champagne Production Process

Throughout the tour, visitors see firsthand how Champagne is made. Key sights include tank rooms, cellars, and labeling machines, giving an inside look at each stage of production. The guided visits demystify the process, from the initial fermentation tanks to the aging cellars and final labeling, providing a comprehensive perspective on the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

This behind-the-scenes look is a valuable feature, especially for those interested in understanding the complexities involved in creating Champagne. The tour’s emphasis on visual and tactile experiences makes the production process accessible and engaging.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour takes place entirely in Épernay, with no need for additional transportation, as the walking distance between the houses and lunch spot is only about 500 meters. The tour starts promptly at 10:00 am from the Moët et Chandon headquarters.

Group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of interaction. Since no private guide or driver is included, participants should be comfortable with self-guided walking between sites. The mobile ticket makes check-in smooth, and confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Final Verdict: A Well-Balanced Champagne Day

This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Champagne production, history, and tasting. The inclusion of three different houses, each with its own character, provides variety and depth. The fun cellar train ride adds a playful touch, while the French lunch ensures a satisfying break in the day.

The expert guidance during tastings and the opportunity to see how Champagne is made on-site make this experience particularly valuable for enthusiasts. The small group size enhances the intimacy and allows for more personalized attention.

However, travelers should note that the tour does not include private transportation or guides, and the walking between stops is minimal but necessary. The cost of just over $580 per person reflects the comprehensive nature of the experience, making it suitable for those keen on a full, behind-the-scenes Champagne exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, this tour does not include transportation. The houses and lunch spot are within walking distance, approximately 500 meters apart.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending at the same meeting point in Épernay.

How many glasses of Champagne are tasted during the day?
A total of six glasses of Champagne are included—spread across three house tastings and the afternoon sessions.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a three-course French lunch served with a Champagne aperitif.

Do I need a private guide?
No, this is a self-guided walking tour, with guides at each house but no private guide or driver for the entire experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of visiting three Champagne houses, a fun cellar train ride, a French lunch, and behind-the-scenes production insights offers a rich, enjoyable experience in Épernay.

Are children or non-drinkers allowed?
The tour is designed for adults who enjoy Champagne, but specific policies on non-drinkers are not detailed here.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

This tour offers a lively, educational, and delicious look at the Champagne region’s most iconic houses. It’s ideal for those wanting a full day of tastings, learning, and fun activities in Épernay.