The Must-sees 3h30 from Epernay (Private Half day Champagne Tour)

Discover the famous "Avenue de Champagne" a must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site in Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyard. This Avenue is considered as "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. A commented passage in Avenue de Champagne is planned to 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.

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 !

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. We will visit a family of independent producer/grower and give you explanations on the Champagne making process, visit to the press, winery and cellar. You will taste there, during a commented tasting, 3 different Champagnes Grand Cru/Premier Cru*. *depending on the season and availability, this visit/tastings may take place in a village of the "Côte des Blancs" or in Aÿ-Champagne.

You will also discover the famous village of Aÿ-Champagne, its hillsides listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its very famous Grand Cru vineyards. Do you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century and still has a very special place ? The kings of France had their own presses there and the wines of Champagne were formerly called "Wines of Aÿ". You will discover a part of this historic village and its famous vineyard mainly planted with Pinot noir where we will tell you about the work of the vines, the grape varieties, this exceptional Terroir, sustainable viticulture... We will also stop in front of the headquarters of famous Champagne Houses of Aÿ such as Bollinger, Deutz, Ayala.. During the tour, in addition to the Champagnes, taste the 3 essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs : Ratafia, Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery which is the oldest in Champagne.

We will also pass through the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Marne Valley with its historic hillsides listed as well as World Heritage Site by Unesco and mainly planted with Pinot Noir. This is the village where more confidential Champagne Houses are located : Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat. We will stop in the heart of the vineyards to admire another amazing panoramic view at the viewpoint called "Mont du Gruguet". You will discover an exceptional panorama from where you will see both the famous "Côte des Blancs", Kingdom of Chardonnay Grand cru and the villages and vineyards of the Marne Valley on the historic hillsides of Champagne, where Champagne was born.

We will also cross the small wine-growing village of Mutigny in the heart of the vineyards which is located above Aÿ-Champagne. A charming early 16th century church overlooks the vines.