Ambonnay: visit the SECONDE-SIMON Champagne house with “Chocolate and Champagne Pairings”

Discover the Charm of Ambonnay’s Champagne Heritage

The Ambonnay tour at the renowned SECONDE-SIMON Champagne house offers a luxurious tasting experience for $84 per person. With a duration of 2.5 hours, this tour combines a detailed estate visit with exclusive chocolate and champagne pairings that appeal to both Champagne enthusiasts and the curious. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of Champagne production while indulging in refined flavors.

This experience takes place in the Grand Est region of France, a celebrated area for Champagne production. What makes this tour stand out is the guided exploration of the estate—visitors visit the press, vat room, and cellar—culminating in a sensory tasting that emphasizes artisanal chocolates paired with five of the house’s cuvées. The combination of education, elegance, and indulgence creates a memorable, multi-sensory journey.

While the tour price includes the estate visit, tastings, and expert commentary, travelers should keep in mind that purchases of bottles or gift boxes are not included. The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted in French and English, making it suitable for a broad range of visitors. However, children under 18 years are not permitted to participate.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $84 per person for a 2.5-hour experience
• Location: Ambonnay, Grand Est, France
• Includes: Estate tour, 5 cuvée tastings, artisanal chocolates, expert commentary
• Highlights: Unique pairing of Champagne and chocolates, guided estate exploration, educational focus
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and available in both French and English
• Note: Purchases of bottles or chocolates are not included in the tour price

Guided Tour of the SECONDE-SIMON Estate in Ambonnay

The tour begins with a walk through the estate where guests learn about the Champagne production process. The guide leads visitors through the press, vat room, and cellar, offering insights into traditional and modern techniques. This detailed exploration helps deepen understanding of how SECONDE-SIMON crafts its distinct cuvées, providing context for the tasting session that follows.

During the estate visit, attention is given to the careful handling of grapes and the precision needed for quality Champagne. The cellar offers a glimpse into the aging process, highlighting the importance of time and environment in developing complex flavors. The tour’s educational aspect makes it especially appealing for those interested in wine craftsmanship.

The guided commentary is delivered by an expert guide, who shares stories about the estate’s history and Champagne-making philosophy. The tour is designed to be engaging and accessible, making it a valuable learning experience for both novices and connoisseurs alike.

The Art of Champagne and Chocolate Pairings

Following the estate tour, the main highlight unfolds in a warm, refined tasting room. Here, five of SECONDE-SIMON’s cuvées are paired with artisanal chocolates, each selection carefully chosen to complement the Champagne’s textures, aromas, and contrasts.

The Nuance cuvée offers a fresh, stone fruit-forward experience that pairs beautifully with a dried fruit praline or a tonka bean ganache. The Rosé presents notes of strawberries, cream, and rose, and finds its perfect match in a fruity dark chocolate or salted butter caramel. The Melody cuvée delivers yellow fruit and pepper notes, echoing well with 70% dark chocolate or a yuzu ganache to highlight its tension and acidity.

The Euphony vintage is a lively and salty Champagne with aromas of citrus and white flowers, pairing well with a fine, precise chocolate. Lastly, the racy Brut Nature, characterized by woody notes, complements roasted hazelnut chocolates or coffee truffles, enhancing its full potential.

Each pairing emphasizes textural harmony and aromatic contrast, providing a sophisticated tasting experience that elevates the appreciation of both Champagne and artisanal chocolates.

What Makes the Estate Tour Stand Out

The full estate tour at SECONDE-SIMON offers a comprehensive look into Champagne production. Visitors see the press, where grapes are gently crushed; the vat room, where fermentation occurs; and the cellar, where aging takes place.

The expert guides explain each stage with clarity, making the technical aspects accessible. This focus on education enhances the tasting, as participants gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. The warm and refined setting of the tasting room complements the luxury feel of the experience.

The tour’s length of 2.5 hours makes it a manageable yet immersive activity, perfect for those looking to spend dedicated time exploring Champagne secrets without feeling rushed.

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The Unique Chocolate and Champagne Pairings

The pairing component is what we love about this tour. The artisanal chocolates are carefully selected to match each Champagne’s character, highlighting textures, aromas, and flavor contrasts.

For instance, a Champagne with freshness and complexity pairs wonderfully with dried fruit pralines, while the rosé’s fruity notes find harmony with berry-infused chocolates. The powerful cuvée complements dark chocolate with yellow fruit notes or spicy ganaches, creating a symphony of flavors.

The salty and citrus notes of the Euphony vintage are echoed in the salty chocolates, creating a balanced, refined tasting. The racy brut nature’s woody character is enhanced by roasted hazelnut chocolates, providing a full sensory experience.

This pairing experience is designed to highlight the union between textures and flavors, making each sip and bite a delightful discovery.

Practical Details: Booking, Accessibility and Cancellation

Booking the tour requires a reservation, with full payment due at the time of booking. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund is a thoughtful feature, allowing travelers to plan confidently.

The tour is conducted in French and English, ensuring broad accessibility, and is wheelchair accessible. The session typically lasts 2.5 hours, with various starting times available depending on availability.

While transport to the estate and purchasing bottles or chocolates are not included, visitors can enjoy the guided experience knowing they are in capable hands. The experience provider, J.L. SECONDE-SIMON, maintains a reputation for professionalism and quality.

Who Will Enjoy This Champagne and Chocolate Tour?

This tour suits wine lovers eager to learn about Champagne production while indulging in luxurious pairings. It is especially appealing to those with an interest in sensory experiences and artisanal craftsmanship.

It’s also a good fit for groups seeking a sophisticated activity in the Grand Est region or couples looking for a memorable, indulgent outing. Since children under 18 are not permitted, it’s best suited for adults who appreciate fine Champagne and chocolates.

Final Thoughts on the SECONDE-SIMON Experience in Ambonnay

The Ambonnay tour at SECONDE-SIMON offers a well-rounded blend of estate exploration, educational insights, and luxurious tasting. The tour’s 2.5-hour duration strikes a good balance between depth and comfort, making it ideal for those wanting a meaningful Champagne experience without a full-day commitment.

The pairing of five cuvées with artisanal chocolates elevates the experience, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship behind SECONDE-SIMON’s Champagne. The guided approach and refined setting make this tour a memorable choice for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

While the price may be higher than simple tastings, the comprehensive estate visit and curated pairings provide notable value. This experience is perfect for adults seeking a sophisticated, sensory journey into the world of Champagne in France’s Grand Est region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children? No, children under 18 years are not permitted to participate.

What languages are available during the tour? The experience is offered in French and English.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Are transportation options included? No, transportation to the estate is not included.

Can I purchase bottles or chocolates during the tour? Yes, but these are not included in the tour price.

Is the estate accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How do I cancel or reschedule? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this Champagne tour unique? The pairing of five cuvées with artisanal chocolates combined with a guided estate tour creates a luxurious, educational experience.

Do I need to pay upfront? Yes, full payment is required at booking, but you can reserve now and pay later with flexible options.

What should I expect to learn? You’ll gain insights into Champagne production, the craftsmanship behind each cuvée, and sensory techniques for appreciating Champagne and chocolates.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby