Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay

Discover the magic of France’s renowned Champagne region on this small-group tour from Epernay. Priced at $249.63 per person, this 5-hour experience offers a balanced mix of visits to historic maisons, a cozy family-run winery, and a scenic village stroll. The tour is perfect for those who want a personalized and in-depth look at Champagne, with a maximum group size of 8 people, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.

From the moment you meet your English-speaking guide at the tourist office in Epernay, you’re led through a carefully curated itinerary that combines educational insights, delicious tastings, and local charm. The tour is highly praised, with a 5-star rating from 86 reviews, and is often booked 62 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. While it does not include hotel pickup or additional drinks outside the tasting, the lunch included is a highlight, paired with several of the region’s best Champagnes.

This tour suits wine and food lovers who want to learn about Champagne’s production process in a relaxed setting. It also appeals to those interested in visiting both well-known houses and smaller producers, gaining a fuller picture of the region’s diversity. The only notable consideration is that children under 10 are not accommodated, and pets are not allowed on the tour.

Key Points

• Includes 5 Champagne tastings throughout the day, with the opportunity to sample multiple cuvées.
• Visits to a family-run Champagne house and champagne houses along Avenue de Champagne in Épernay.
• Delicious French lunch paired with Champagne, served at a scenic estate.
• Exploration of Hautvillers village, home to Dom Pérignon’s burial site, with stunning views and photo opportunities.
• Small group of max 8 guests ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Tour departs at noon from the Épernay tourist office and ends around 4:45 pm.

Discover Champagne’s Iconic Houses Along Avenue de Champagne

This tour begins with a walk along the famous Avenue de Champagne, where some of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses are located. Seeing these grand estates provides a glimpse into the history and grandeur of Champagne production. While the visit emphasizes smaller, family-run wineries for a more personal experience, the avenue itself is a bustling hub of Champagne luxury.

Participants get to drive past these historic buildings, setting the scene for the day ahead. The guide shares insights into the significance of each house and their contributions to Champagne making, making this a memorable start to the tour.

Hautvillers Village and Dom Pérignon’s Tomb

A key highlight is a stop at Hautvillers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming village is renowned for its picturesque streets and the church where Dom Pérignon is buried. The stroll through Hautvillers offers a sense of the region’s deep roots in Champagne history and provides excellent photo opportunities. The guide discusses the role of Dom Pérignon in Champagne’s development, adding an educational touch to this scenic visit.

Tasting and Lunch at a Family-Run Champagne Estate

At a small, family-run Champagne house, guests enjoy a delicious lunch paired with Champagne. The experience includes tasting several best-selling cuvées, showcasing the diversity of styles produced by regional artisans. The lunch is described as tasty, with the setting offering a sense of authenticity and warmth that larger wineries may lack.

Following the meal, visitors get an inside look into the winemaking process at a smaller estate, where the owner or an expert guides the group through the vineyard and cellars. This offers a more personal and detailed understanding of Champagne production.

Visits to Smaller Champagne Producers

The tour emphasizes visiting independent Champagne producers for a hands-on experience. These visits provide insights into craftsmanship and family traditions, highlighting the passion behind each bottle. The tastings at these estates often include several different Champagnes, giving guests a broad tasting experience.

While one guide was praised for their knowledge and friendliness, some reviews mention that at the second house, the guide was harder to understand and the Champagne less pleasing. The overall experience remains highly positive, with guests enjoying the diverse portfolio of small producers.

Scenic Drive and Sightseeing in the Champagne Region

The tour involves a driving component, taking guests through the lush vineyards and rolling hills of the Champagne region. These scenic views offer plenty of opportunities for photos and appreciating the landscape that makes Champagne so special. The smooth transportation allows for a comfortable pace, with the guide sharing interesting facts about the region’s geography and wine culture.

Expert Guides and Personal Touches

Guides like Xavier, Chloe, Jérôme, and Mikael are celebrated for their knowledge and engaging personalities. Multiple reviews highlight how guides explain the Champagne-making process clearly, often showing videos or sharing fascinating stories that deepen the understanding of the craft.

Some guides even go above and beyond, offering pickup from Airbnb accommodations when possible, adding a layer of convenience. The small group size makes interaction easy, and guides are praised for their friendly demeanor, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Lunch Experience and Food Quality

The included lunch is consistently described as delicious and well-prepared. Served in a scenic courtyard or estate setting, the meal complements the Champagne tastings beautifully. Guests appreciate the pairing of food and Champagne, which enhances the tasting experience, and some reviews mention the quality of the food as a standout feature.

Pacing, Timing, and Tour Logistics

The tour starts at noon and concludes around 4:45 pm at the tourist office in Épernay. The schedule includes 45 minutes at Hautvillers, 15 minutes drive along Avenue de Champagne, 2 hours 30 minutes for the tasting and lunch, and 1 hour 30 minutes for the visit to the small Champagne producer.

This pacing allows guests to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The small group setting ensures a relaxed experience, and the pickup and drop-off in Épernay add convenience for participants staying nearby.

Suitability and Important Considerations

This tour is most suitable for adults interested in wine and Champagne, with a minimum age requirement of 10. It is not designed for children or pets, and no alcohol is served outside the scheduled tastings. Travelers should be prepared for walking and some standing, especially during village strolls and estate visits.

While the tour offers exceptional value for money, it does not include hotel transfers or additional drinks outside the tastings. Guests should also be mindful of dietary requirements, as they are encouraged to advise at booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

Those who appreciate personalized experiences will find this tour ideal, thanks to its small size and focus on small, independent Champagne houses. Food and wine lovers will value the paired lunch and multiple tastings. The scenic Vineyard views and historic stops like Hautvillers are perfect for those interested in the heritage of Champagne.

The knowledgeable guides and relaxed pace make it suitable for first-time visitors and seasoned connoisseurs alike. However, travelers seeking a more luxurious or extensive tour might prefer larger, more formal visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this Champagne tour?
The tour is priced at $249.63 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 12:00 pm and ending around 4:45 pm.

What is included in the price?
Guests enjoy 5 Champagne tastings, a French lunch, guided visits to vineyards and estates, and transportation within Épernay.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children must be over 10 years old to participate, and children under 10 are not accommodated.

Is transportation provided from hotels or Paris?
No, pickup and drop-off are at the Épernay tourist office; transportation from other locations is not included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked 62 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What should I wear or bring?
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring any dietary requirements noted at booking. A bottle of water is not included.

Are the tours accessible for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility info isn’t provided, the tour involves walking in villages and estate visits, so some mobility is required.

What makes this tour different from other Champagne excursions?
Its small-group size, focus on independent and family-run wineries, and delicious included lunch set it apart, offering a more personal and authentic experience.

Where does the tour meet and end?
It begins and ends at the Office de Tourisme d’Épernay en Champagne.

This Champagne Small-Group Tour from Épernay offers an immersive, informative, and tasting-rich experience, perfect for those eager to explore both legendary houses and hidden gems in the Champagne region. With excellent guides, scenic views, and a tasty lunch, it balances education, indulgence, and comfort, making it a highly recommended choice for wine lovers visiting France.