THE CONNOISSEURS

THE CONNOISSEURS

All inclusive private experience

• Discovery of the Côte des Blancs and the historic hillsides of Champagne
• Visit of 2 families of winegrowers/independent producers of Champagne
• Minimum 6 Champagne tastings and 3 local spirits

Private
Min. 2 pers.
Duration
Min. 3h30
Guide / chauffeur
Included
Transport included
Yes
Language
Lunch
Not included
Tour of the Cote des blancs in Champagne Tour en Champagne sur la Côte des Blancs
Terroir of the Champagne Terroir de la Champagne
Prices and dates can be seen by selecting :

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

Visit of Champagne with passionated local guide, Visite de la Champagne avec un guide local passionné
Dégustation de Champagne avec des vignerons locaux, Tasting of Champagne with local producers
Ride on the famous Champagne Avenue, Tour sur la célèbre Avenue de Champagne

Discovery of the most famous Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards and villages of Champagne around Epernay, Capital of the Champagne vineyard : The Côte des Blancs famous for its Chardonnay and the Vallée de la Marne, predominantly planted with Pinot Noir.

Visit of the historic village of Hautvillers “Cradle of Champagne”, the church of Dom Pérignon and the vineyard in the historical hillsides listed by Unesco as World Heritage Site.

Pause at the most beautiful viewpoint of Champagne in the heart of the vineyards with explanations of viticulture management.


Visit the production sites of two families of independent producers/growers followed by commented tastings of many Grand cru and Premier cru Champagnes, as well as famous local spirits.

Commented passage through the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay called “the most expensive Avenue in the World” with its 200 million bottles in the cellar.

  • Discover two different subregions of the Champagne Appellation : The Côte des Blancs known as the kingdom of Chardonnay Grand cru and the Vallée de la Marne, renowned for its hillside vineyards producing Pinot Noir, where the Champagne was born.
  • Meet 2 families of independent Champagne producers/growers with an explanation of the champagne production process, visit of the presses, wineries, cellars, and taste many different Champagnes including natural Champagnes (without dosage), old vines, vintages, aged in oak barrels, ect.
  • In addition to the commented tasting of 6 Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, you will also taste the 3 Champagne spirits : Ratafia, Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne, produced by the Goyard distillery which is the oldest in Champagne.
  • Our discovery route through the vineyards and villages of the Côte des Blancs passes in front of the Château de Saran, a prestigious property of the LVMH group (owner of Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, etc.) and the production site of Champagne Moët & Chandon.
  • A commented passage is also planned in the very famous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay where are located the superb mansions and production buildings of the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger.
  • When visiting Hautvillers, “Cradle of Champagne”, enjoy a private tour of the Church, where you will be able to visit the grave of Dom Pérignon, known as the spiritual father of Champagne.
  • We will stop to admire one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Champagne overlooking the Vallée de la Marne in the hillsides listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO where Dom Pérignon performed his experiments. It is the ideal location to take unforgettable photos of you and the breathtaking landscape. 
    Here we will also discuss sustainable viticulture and explain the management of the vineyard.

    What a program !

    Believe me, you will become an expert in Champagne after this tour !

Transportation

From Epernay:
If you are a small private group of more than 3 people and depending on the weather/season, the vehicle may not be the electric E-Mehari, but a premium minivan or van. The electric E-Mehari will be open or not depending on the weather of the day.

From Reims:
The guided tour will start in Reims and we will also cross the Regional Natural Park of the Montagne de Reims and its magnificent forest to reach Epernay.
Depending on the weather/season, the vehicle will either be the electric E-Mehari, a premium minivan or a van.

See our vehicles

Pick-up locations and times

Departure from Epernay :
• 9:30 am or 2 pm in front of the Epernay Tourist Office or at the Epernay train station.
• On request : other times and meeting places in Epernay or in the surrounding villages*.

Departure from Reims :
• 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. at the Reims Tourist Office, at the Reims center train station or at the Reims-Bezannes train station (15 min. from Reims).
• On request : other times and meeting places in Reims or in the surrounding villages*.

From Paris, direct trains will allow you to join us in Epernay or Reims. From Reims, join us also in Epernay by direct train or taxi.

*For all pick-ups within a radius of more than 6 kms (3.7 Miles) around these cities, please contact us before booking, as this may involve additional costs. Contact us

Booking and cancellation conditions : see our conditions

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Jane Flinders
Jane Flinders
03/11/2022
We spent an absolutely brilliant day with Emma touring the vineyards and family champagne houses, easily the best way to explore this area. Emma was knowledgeable, super friendly, patient (we asked a lot of questions!) and explained the champagne making process and history of the region perfectly. We visited a couple of small family houses for tastings which was a great contrast to the other visits we made to the big houses. Highly highly recommended.
Scott & Deb Thon
Scott & Deb Thon
22/10/2022
We had an amazing day with Nina touring vineyards, unique local Champagne houses and going to a great bistro for lunch. Nina is a very knowledgeable and fun tour guide who created an interesting itinerary for us. We had booked and rebooked this tour throughout Covid and Isabelle was always accommodating and friendly. We would highly recommend this tour and look forward to coming again (hopefully soon😎🍾)
Dom Lec
Dom Lec
12/10/2022
Un tour privé en e-mehari de + de 3H30 en compagnie d’une guide très compétente qui nous a fait partager sa passion autour du champagne. Superbe expérience, visite des vignes, des villages environnants autour de Ay, dégustation, explications, tout était au rendez-vous même la météo fin septembre ! je recommande vivement !
Marie Johnson
Marie Johnson
23/09/2022
We had an amazing day tour of the vineyards and small cellars of Champagne! Our tour guide, Nina, was absolutely amazing because she speaks perfect English AND she has a winemaking background – so she was able to answer all our MILLION questions! Highly recommend exploring Champagne with Nina and Ay Champagne experience!
Ashley Zapp
Ashley Zapp
20/09/2022
Such a wonderful private tour experience! Nina is so knowledgeable and an overall wonderful person to spend the day with! We had a blast and learned so much about champagne! 10/10 recommend you book with them for your tour in Champagne country!
Julie Coutu
Julie Coutu
12/09/2022
Amazing tour. Nina was very knowledgeable and the Champagne houses were great. Thank you for a great experience!
Juliette GEORGES
Juliette GEORGES
15/08/2022
Un moment divin ! Magnifique lieu pour une découverte du champagne de la vigne jusque dans le verre. A faire en famille ou entre amis.