Epernay, the heart of France’s renowned Champagne region, offers a captivating winery and cellar tour that delves into the world of this iconic bubbly. For just $51.11 per person, visitors can enjoy the history and craft of champagne-making, exploring family-owned vineyards, historic 19th-century cellars, and indulging in tastings of the region’s finest offerings. With insights from local wine growers and a chance to savor the region’s renowned vintages, this 1.5-hour tour promises an unforgettable experience in the very birthplace of champagne.
Key Points
- Tour a family-owned winery in Epernay, Champagne region, and explore its historic, 1.5-kilometer underground cellars.
- Learn about the champagne-making process from local wine growers during the 1.5-hour English-language tour.
- Taste two fine champagnes, Sélection Brut and Cuvée de Réserve – Vieilles Vignes Brut, as part of the experience.
- The tour is priced at $51.11 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour is suitable for various groups, including couples, families, and solo adventurers, with an overall rating of 4.5/5.
Tour Overview
This winery and cellar tour in Epernay, the heart of the Champagne region, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich history and traditional methods of champagne production.
Priced at $51.11 per person, the 1.5-hour English-language tour allows guests to explore a family-owned winery and its centuries-old cellars.
Guests can explore a family-owned winery and its centuries-old cellars during a 1.5-hour, English-language tour priced at $51.11 per person.
Visitors can stroll through the 1.5-kilometer cellar burrowed 25 meters under chalk, with a capacity of 3 million bottles, while learning about the champagne-making process from local wine growers.
The tour includes a tasting of two fine champagnes and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Epernay.
Winery Visit
The tour begins with a visit to a family-owned winery in Epernay, the heart of the Champagne region.
Guests explore authentic cellars built in the 19th century, burrowed 25 meters under chalk with a capacity of 3 million bottles.
The host describes the champagne-making process, and visitors engage with local wine growers, learning about traditional practices passed down for generations.
Guests then taste two fine champagnes – the sélection (Brut) and Cuvée de Réserve – Vieilles Vignes (Brut) – gaining insights into the winery’s craftsmanship and expertise.
Historic Cellars
Rows of wooden barrels and bottles line the ancient cellars as the guide leads the group through the expansive underground network.
The cellars, built in the 19th century, stretch 1.5 kilometers and burrow 25 meters below ground under chalk. With a capacity of 3 million bottles, the cavernous space showcases the scale of the winemaking operation.
Guests learn about the champagne-making process and hear from the vigneron about the family’s traditional practices passed down for generations.
The tour offers an intimate glimpse into the historic cellars that are integral to the region’s champagne production.
Champagne Tasting
After exploring the historic cellars, guests then have the opportunity to savor two fine Champagnes.
The tasting includes the winery’s Sélection Brut and Cuvée de Réserve – Vieilles Vignes Brut. Guests can engage with the local wine growers, learning about the traditional practices they’ve perfected over three generations.
The Champagnes showcase the region’s terroir and the winemaker’s expertise. Tasting these elegant sparkling wines provides a fitting conclusion to the tour, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the passion and craftsmanship behind Epernay’s renowned Champagne.
More Great Tours NearbyWinemaker Insights
Engaging with the local wine growers provides fascinating insights into their time-honored techniques and intimate connection to the land.
Engaging with local wine growers offers fascinating insights into their time-honored techniques and intimate connection to the land.
The Epernay winery tour allows visitors to meet the vigneron and their family, who’ve been crafting champagne for generations. Guests can learn about:
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Sustainable farming practices that preserve the terroir
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Handpicking grapes at the peak of ripeness
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Fermenting and blending traditional grape varieties
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Aging champagne in the historic cellars for complexity
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Honoring family traditions and artisanal winemaking
This genuine interaction offers a unique window into the passion and expertise behind each bottle of the region’s renowned bubbly.
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Capacity and Craftsmanship
The scale and craftsmanship of the historic cellars in Epernay captivate visitors.
Extending over 1.5 kilometers and burrowed 25 meters under chalk, the cellars boast a capacity of 3 million bottles.
Visitors marvel at the rows of wooden barrels and bottles, a testament to the winery’s rich heritage.
As the guide describes the champagne-making process, guests gain insights into the traditional practices passed down for generations.
Meeting the vigneron and family, they learn about the dedication and craftsmanship that go into each bottle, ensuring an immersive and educational experience in the heart of Champagne.
Ambiance and Experience
How do visitors describe the immersive and educational experience of the winery and cellar tour in Epernay?
Travelers rave about the captivating ambiance, with one reviewer noting, "Stepping into the ancient cellars felt like a step back in time."
The ancient cellars evoke a profound sense of history, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
The tour offers a unique sensory experience:
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Strolling through rows of wooden barrels and bottles, surrounded by the earthy scent of aging champagne.
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Listening intently as the host shares the intricate champagne-making process.
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Engaging directly with the vigneron family, learning about their traditional winemaking techniques.
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Marveling at the vast network of underground chalk cellars, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship.
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Savoring the depth of flavor in the champagne tasting, understanding the nuances between the cuvées.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Epernay winery and cellar tour, with an impressive 4.5/5 overall rating based on 24 reviews.
Guests highlight the value for money, with a 4.2/5 rating, and note the tour’s suitability for a variety of travelers, including couples, groups, solo adventurers, and families.
Visitors are captivated by the historic cellars and the opportunity to engage with local wine growers, learning about their time-honored techniques.
The guided tour, tastings of fine champagnes, and hotel transfers all contribute to the overall exceptional experience, leaving guests eager to recommend this immersive Epernay adventure.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Based on the information provided, it does not appear that bringing outside food and drinks is allowed on this tour. The tour includes a champagne tasting, so it’s likely guests are expected to enjoy the provided beverages during the experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for families with children. While the focus is on tasting champagne, the cellar tour and learning about the winemaking process can be engaging for kids as well. Advance notice of children is recommended.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance. The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment. This ensures availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, it’s always best to check with the tour guide beforehand, as some areas or activities may have restrictions to preserve the experience.
Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?
The tour does not specifically mention accessibility accommodations, but visitors with disabilities are encouraged to inquire about available options when booking. The provider may be able to accommodate special needs with advance notice.
Final Words
This captivating winery and cellar tour in Epernay offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of Champagne. Explore historic 19th-century cellars, engage with local winemakers, and indulge in tastings of the region’s finest offerings. At just $51.11 per person, it’s a memorable and practical experience for those seeking to enjoy the charm and craftsmanship of this iconic French region.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Epernay
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