From Epernay : Bubble Champagne Tour 6 tastings

Key Points

• Duration and Price: This 3.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience, with 6 tastings included.
• Visit to a Family Grower: You explore a small, independent producer, gaining insights into the Champagne-making process.
• Exclusive Tastings: Enjoy 3 Grand Cru/Premier Cru Champagne tastings, plus Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery.
• Iconic Landmarks: Tour the “Avenue de Champagne” in Epernay and visit the church in Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon’s grave resides.
• Scenic Highlights: Stops include panoramic views of the Marne Valley and visits to the “Côte des Blancs” vineyards known for Chardonnay.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Best of Champagne from Epernay

The From Epernay: Bubble Champagne Tour offers a 3.5-hour journey through some of the most celebrated vineyards and villages in the Champagne region. Priced affordably, this tour stands out with its focus on small, family-run producers, giving participants a chance to see champagne production beyond the larger houses. It’s perfect for those who want a personalized experience with detailed tastings and insider stories.

Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour combines visits to historic sites, scenic viewpoints, and intimate tastings of 6 Champagnes including Grand Cru and Premier Cru varieties. Alongside tasting, you learn about sustainable viticulture and the region’s traditions, making this a well-rounded exploration of Champagne.

Starting Point and Practical Details

The tour departs from in front of the Tourist Office in Epernay, located at 7 Avenue de Champagne. The meeting point is easy to find, with precise coordinates provided. The group size is limited to 8 participants, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where questions and conversations can flourish. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows reserve now, pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and luggage or large bags are not permitted. It takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Visiting Hautvillers and the “Cradle of Champagne”

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop at Hautvillers, a village known as the “Cradle of Champagne.” Here, visitors explore the church where Dom Pérignon’s grave lies, a figure often associated with the invention of Champagne. The guide provides insights into his experiments and the region’s UNESCO-listed hillside vineyards, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Marne Valley—a perfect setting for photos.

The village’s atmosphere provides a glimpse into the history and tradition that still influence Champagne today.

Champagne Tastings and Distillery Visits

The tour includes a visit to a family-owned vineyard, where guests get explanations about Champagne production. The visit encompasses a tour of the press, winery, and cellar, giving a behind-the-scenes look at small-scale Champagne-making. Afterward, guests taste 3 Champagnes from Grand Cru/Premier Cru vineyards, gaining a deeper appreciation of the region’s top-quality offerings.

Apart from Champagne, the tour features tastings of 3 essential Champagne spirits and aperitifs, including Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery, the oldest in Champagne. These spirits add extra dimension to the tasting experience, providing a broader understanding of local distilling traditions.

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Scenic Passage Through the “Côte des Blancs”

The route takes you through the “Côte des Blancs”, renowned for its Chardonnay Grand Cru vineyards. This area’s vineyards are recognized for producing some of the finest Chardonnay grapes used in Champagne. The tour offers a photo stop here, highlighting the lush, rolling landscape, and showcasing the region’s viticulture excellence.

Visiting Château de Saran, a property of the LVMH group, adds a touch of prestige, as it is the production site of Champagne Moët & Chandon. While the tour doesn’t include a large-scale cellar visit, passing by this major Champagne house illustrates the diversity of the region’s producers.

Champagne Avenue and Epernay’s Grandeur

A commented passage along the “Avenue de Champagne” in Epernay allows you to admire the luxurious mansions and production buildings of notable Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. This iconic street is the heart of Epernay’s Champagne industry and provides ample opportunities for photos and understanding the region’s grandeur.

The guide offers insights into the history and architecture of these historic buildings, giving context to Champagne’s reputation worldwide.

The Scenic and Educational Stops in Oger and Cramant

Stops in Oger and Cramant include visits, guided tastings, and photo opportunities. The 1.5-hour visit in Oger is a highlight, where small-group tastings of Champagne from small producers take place. The Cramant stop offers a spirit tasting and a brief photo stop, emphasizing the scenic beauty and the region’s small-scale production.

These stops complement the main visits by showcasing diverse vineyard landscapes and artisan Champagne producers.

The Tour Route and Logistics

The route is carefully planned to maximize scenic views and cultural insights. It begins with a guided tour of Hautvillers, then moves through vineyards like Chouilly and Oger, before passing Cramant and concluding back in Epernay. The 10-minute pass along Champagne Avenue is a highlight, providing a quick but impactful overview of the city’s Champagne grandeur.

The drop-off points mirror the starting location, making logistics straightforward for participants.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour unique is its emphasis on small, family-owned producers and regional highlights like “Côte des Blancs” and Hautvillers. The combination of 6 tastings, including spirits, and visits to historic sites and scenic viewpoints offers a thorough look at Champagne beyond the large houses.

The tour’s small group size ensures a personalized experience and an opportunity for in-depth conversations with knowledgeable guides. Many reviews praise guide expertise and friendly manner, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone curious about Champagne production. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and local insights. It’s perfect for those looking for a well-rounded, relaxed half-day adventure with premium tastings and beautiful scenery, though it may not cater to those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts on the Bubble Champagne Tour

The From Epernay: Bubble Champagne Tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, historic sites, and quality tastings. The focus on small producers and the inclusion of spirits alongside Champagne provide a broader perspective of regional traditions.

While it doesn’t include visits to large Champagne houses, the intimate setting, expert guide, and beautiful landscapes make this tour particularly appealing. It’s a great choice for those wanting a genuine taste of Champagne’s terroir, especially if you value personalized attention and insider stories.

Participants who prefer large-scale Champagne cellars might find this tour less extensive on that front, but overall, it delivers excellent value and a memorable experience in the heart of Champagne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, it is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is included in the tastings?
You enjoy 6 Champagne tastings, including Grand Cru and Premier Cru varieties, as well as spirits like Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne.

Does the tour visit large Champagne houses?
No, the focus is on small, family-owned producers and scenic, historic sites rather than large Champagne houses.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor stops and potential weather changes, as the tour takes place rain or shine.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is in front of the Tourist Office at 7 Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is 3.5 hours.

Are there food options included?
The tour focuses on tastings and does not include meals; however, local vineyards may offer small tasting plates.

Can I book the tour in the afternoon?
Yes, a 2 p.m. departure is available in a separate booking option.

What makes this tour different from others in the region?
Its emphasis on small, independent producers, scenic village visits, and spirits tastings create a unique, intimate experience away from the larger Champagne houses.

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