The Essential Tour From Epernay With Champagne Tasting

The Essential Tour from Epernay offers a delightful experience exploring the renowned Champagne region. This 2-hour journey features a vintage car ride, guided tour, and champagne tasting – all for a reasonable price. With small groups and knowledgeable guides, guests can expect personalized attention and insightful commentary. From scenic photography stops to an exciting ‘sabrage’ initiation, this tour promises an engaging and memorable exploration of Champagne’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a champagne enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour could be the perfect way to…

Good To Know

• A 2-hour guided tour from Epernay that includes a vintage car ride, champagne tasting, and introduction to ‘sabrage’ in the heart of the Champagne region.

• Knowledgeable English and French-speaking guides lead small groups of up to 7 participants, providing insightful commentary on the history and production of champagne.

• The tour features scenic stops for photography in Aÿ-Champagne and a visit to the Hautvillers Abbey, enhancing the overall experience.

• Positive customer feedback highlights the tour’s excellent value for money, enthusiastic guides, and enjoyable transportation in a vintage Renault Estafette Alouette.

• An additional cost of 15€ per person is required for the champagne tasting and ‘sabrage’ initiation, and warm clothing is recommended for the vineyard conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Essential Tour from Epernay with Champagne Tasting is a 2-hour experience that takes visitors on a journey through the heart of the Champagne region.

Enjoy the heart of the Champagne region with a 2-hour tour from Epernay featuring a champagne tasting experience.

Priced from Kč 1,248 per person, the tour includes a vintage car ride to Aÿ-Champagne, guided tours in Aÿ-Champagne and Hautvillers Abbey, and a champagne tasting in the vineyards.

Highlights include scenic stops for photography and an introduction to the art of sabrage, the traditional method of opening a champagne bottle with a sword.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides in English and French, and it’s limited to a small group of 7 participants.

Itinerary and Highlights

After departing from the starting location at 7 Av. de Champagne, the tour takes visitors on a 20-minute vintage car ride to the village of Aÿ-Champagne.

There, guests enjoy a 30-minute guided tour of the historic town.

The next stop is Hautvillers Abbey, a 10-minute vintage car ride away. Visitors spend 10 minutes exploring the abbey’s highlights.

The tour then moves to the vineyards for a 30-minute champagne tasting. Guests learn the art of ‘sabrage’ before returning to the starting point in 10 minutes.

Throughout the tour, scenic stops provide ample photo opportunities.

Guide and Language

Although the tour is conducted by a live guide, the language options are limited to English and French.

The tour group size is small, capped at just 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Reviewers consistently praise the enthusiasm and expertise of the tour leaders, who provide insightful commentary on the history and production of Champagne.

The tour leaders’ enthusiasm and expertise enhance the experience with insightful commentary on Champagne’s history and production.

Whether you’re an oenophile or a casual sipper, the guide’s engaging explanations will enhance your appreciation for this bubbly delight.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers consistently rate this Champagne tasting tour highly, with an overall score of 4.9 out of 5 based on 51 reviews.

Customers praise the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, who receive a perfect 5/5 rating. The transportation in the vintage Renault Estafette Alouette also earns high marks at 4.8/5.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s excellent value for money, with a 4.8/5 rating. Positive feedback emphasizes the enjoyable experiences, from the scenic stops for photography to the champagne tasting in the vineyards.

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Important Information

The meeting point for this tour is the Epernay Tourist Office, located at 7 Avenue de Champagne, France.

The vehicle is parked on Rue Jean Chandon Moët. Visitors are advised to dress warmly for the vineyard conditions.

There’s an additional cost of 15€ per person for the champagne tasting and initiation to ‘sabrage’ – the ceremonial sabre opening of a champagne bottle.

The tour has a small group size, limited to 7 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide available in both English and French.

Vintage Car Ride to Aÿ-Champagne

After meeting at the Epernay Tourist Office, the tour group boards a vintage Renault Estafette Alouette for the 20-minute drive to the village of Aÿ-Champagne.

The classic van’s distinctive style and sound add to the immersive Champagne experience. During the scenic journey, the guide shares insights:

1. Aÿ-Champagne is one of the Grand Cru villages, known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

2. The vineyards were first cultivated in the 4th century, making the region one of the oldest in Champagne.

3. The village’s name is derived from the Latin word "Agedum," meaning "come here."

4. Aÿ-Champagne has been a center of Champagne production for centuries, with many renowned Champagne houses located in the town.

Guided Tour in Aÿ-Champagne

As the vintage Renault Estafette Alouette rumbles to a stop in Aÿ-Champagne, the group eagerly steps out to begin their guided tour of this renowned Champagne village.

The knowledgeable guide leads them through the charming streets, sharing the history and significance of this Champagne heartland. Visitors marvel at the grand houses and learn about the families who shaped the region’s winemaking legacy.

The tour highlights the village’s UNESCO-recognized vineyards, where the prized Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes thrive. Participants gain insight into the intricate Champagne production process as the guide explains the critical role of Aÿ-Champagne in this renowned French export.

Champagne Tasting in the Vineyards

Having completed the guided tour of Aÿ-Champagne, the group boards the vintage Renault once more, bound for the nearby vineyards.

There, they’ll enjoy a 30-minute champagne tasting amidst the picturesque vines. The experience includes:

1. An introduction to the art of ‘sabrage’ – the dramatic technique of opening a champagne bottle with a saber.

2. Tastings of several premium champagne varietals, each with its own distinct flavor profile.

3. Insights from the knowledgeable guide on the region’s winemaking traditions and terroir.

4. Ample time for photos, capturing the serene vineyard setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The experience is focused on champagne tasting, and outside food and beverages are not permitted. Participants should plan accordingly and purchase any additional items during the tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible, as it involves transportation in a vintage vehicle and walking through vineyards. Visitors requiring accessibility should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss their needs and accommodation options.

Do I Need to Bring Anything Specific to the Champagne Tasting?

For the champagne tasting, you don’t need to bring anything specific. The tour includes a 30-minute tasting in the vineyards, and an additional cost covers the initiation to ‘sabrage’ the champagne bottle.

Can I Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended or customized. It’s a pre-set 2-hour itinerary with a fixed schedule. However, you can purchase additional champagne tastings or the sabrage experience if you’d like to spend more time tasting and learning about champagne production.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Participants of all ages are welcome, though minors must be accompanied by an adult. The tour experience is suitable for both adults and children interested in exploring Champagne’s history and production.

The Sum Up

The Essential Tour from Epernay offers a delightful 2-hour experience featuring a vintage car ride, guided exploration of the Champagne region, and a memorable champagne tasting in the picturesque vineyards. With personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, small group sizes, and a unique ‘sabrage’ initiation, this engaging journey is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the charm of the Champagne countryside.

You can check if your dates are available here: