About this tour
Join the annual grape harvest in Epernay's Champagne vineyards for a full eight-hour day of hands-on picking, pressing, and tasting. Work alongside a family-run operation in the working vineyard, handle freshly crushed juice before fermentation begins, and share lunch with fellow harvesters. You'll tour the cellars, taste champagne at various stages, and leave with genuine stories rather than polished tourism.
Highlights
- Pick grapes alongside family vineyard workers during harvest season
- Watch pressing equipment turn fruit into juice in real time
- Taste unfermented grape juice fresh from the press
- Tour underground cellars and sample champagnes in production
- Shared lunch with other harvest participants in vineyard setting
- Air-conditioned transport to and from venue included
What to expect
Expect physical work. You'll spend hours in the vineyard bending, picking, and carrying grapes—this isn't a gentle stroll. The day moves between rows of vines, the pressing house, and cellar spaces. Weather dictates comfort; bring layers and sturdy footwear you don't mind getting stained. Lunch is communal, often noisy and cheerful. The cellar tour includes explanations of fermentation timelines and blending, followed by tastings of different vintages. Finishing time is mid-afternoon, giving you the evening free.
Good to know
Book during September–October harvest window only. Moderate fitness required—cardiovascular issues may make this difficult. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes with grip. Alcohol tastings are 18+ only; pregnant women and those with health conditions should avoid tastings. Public transport serves the area if you prefer not to drive.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.