Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour)

You will start this half-day by going to the village of Hautvillers near Epernay which is the unmissable village of Champagne. In Hautvillers, village called the “Cradle of Champagne”, enjoy a private tour of the Church where the grave of Dom Pérignon, known as the spiritual father of Champagne, is. We will tell you his story and you will finally know whether or not he is the inventor of Champagne ! This will also be an opportunity to tell you about the history of Champagne and the region.

In Hautvillers, we will also stop in the historical hillsides of Champagne listed as Word Heritage Site by Unesco to enjoy the most magnificent panorama of Champagne overlooking the Marne Valley, the place where Dom Pérignon carried out his experiments in winemaking. It is the ideal place in the heart of the vineyards to take unforgettable photos of you and this breathtaking landscape! In this vineyard mainly planted with Pinot noir, we will tell you about the work of the vines, the grape varieties, this exceptional "Terroir" and sustainable viticulture.

After having been in the Marne Valley mainly planted with Pinot Noir, to the South of Epernay a few minutes away is the "Côte des Blancs" called the kingdom of the Champagne Chardonnay Grand Cru. Grand Cru is the highest level of the Champagne Appellation that only a few rare villages with vineyards hold and which are located mostly around Epernay. They produce the most renowned Champagnes of the region. During your discovery tour in "Côte des Blancs", we will go through Cramant and Avize which are famous villages Grand cru. We will also pass, in front of the largest bottles factory and near the famous "Chateau de Saran", the ultra private property where the luxury LVMH group (who owns Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Krug ...) receives its biggest customers and VIPs as well as the "Montaigu site" dedicated to the champagne making of Moët & Chandon.

Oger is another renowned Grand Cru village in "Côte des Blancs" with the famous "Blanc de Blancs" 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru. This is where we will visit an independent producer/grower, a family estate since 1864 with explanations on the Champagne making process, visit to the press, winery and cellar. You will taste three 100% Grand Cru Champagnes with tasting advice to discover the different Champagne such as natural Champagne without dosage, brut, vintage or even aged in oak barrels. It is a fairly confidential address, as locals and connoisseurs like it, perfect for discovering "real champagne" alongside the big names of Champagne Houses that you know. If you wish, you can buy Champagne in their shop as well as some souvenirs from your visit to Champagne!

During the tour you will also enjoy additional tastings : the three essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs from the famous Goyard Distillery in Aÿ created in 1911, who is the oldest one in Champagne. The most famous one is the Ratafia Champenois which has been produced in Champagne since the 13th century. Ratafia is a sweet wine made from the same grape varieties as Champagne often drunk as an aperitif, digestif or with some dishes. A treasure that is still relatively unknown outside of the Champagne region because it is not widely exported, it offers an unrivalled range of flavours and aromas that you will discover with us. You will be a fan for sure ! You will have also discover Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne who are brandies that are very popular as digestives. *Depending on the season/weather, you will enjoy this special tasting enjoying a panoramic view of the vineyard around Epernay or at the family grower domain.

During a commented passage through the must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyard, we will explain the history of its superb mansions and production buildings belonging for centuries to the Champagne Houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc. It is considered "the most expensive Avenue in the world" with its prestigious Champagne houses, its mansions and its 100 kilometers of cellars which hide 200 million bottles.