About this tour
A seven-hour private tour through Champagne's finest terroirs, starting in Epernay and sweeping across the Côte des Blancs and Marne Valley. You'll visit two family-run champagne houses, taste six Grand Cru and Premier Cru expressions alongside regional aperitifs (Ratafia, Fine, Marc), and enjoy lunch with a shared bottle. The route takes in Hautvillers—where Dom Pérignon developed his craft—and the village of Aÿ, with stops at scenic viewpoints to understand how slope and soil shape the wine.
Highlights
- Taste six Grand Cru and Premier Cru champagnes at independent producers
- Explore Dom Pérignon's church and vineyards in Hautvillers
- Walk through Aÿ's historic Grand Cru vineyard slopes
- Sample Ratafia, Fine, and Marc—regional spirits rarely found elsewhere
- Private guide shares practical knowledge of vineyard management
- Lunch with shared bottle on Avenue de Champagne
- UNESCO-listed Marne Valley hillsides planted with Pinot Noir
What to expect
Your guide collects you near Epernay and drives you into working vineyard country. The morning unfolds across rolling chalk slopes: you'll stand in the Côte des Blancs, where Chardonnay thrives, then move into the Marne Valley to see Pinot Noir on steeper terrain. At each stop, the guide explains soil, aspect, and why certain parcels command premium prices. You'll visit two champagne houses—modest, family-owned operations—where you taste their wares directly and learn their individual approach. Lunch arrives mid-afternoon at a quiet spot overlooking vines. The afternoon includes a drive down Epernay's famous avenue and a final taste of the three essential regional spirits before heading back.
Good to know
Wear comfortable shoes for vineyard walking. The tour suits all fitness levels but involves gentle slopes and occasional uneven ground. Hotel pickups available within 6 km of Epernay town centre. Public transport options exist if you prefer independent travel to the starting point.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.