Must-See Champagne Tour

Discover the famous Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages and vineyards near Epernay in the historic Coteaux de la Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site planted mainly with Pinot Noir, stretching from Cumières to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and visit an independent producer/winegrower family with tastings of 3 Grand Cru/Premier Cru Champagnes. Discover the famous Champagne spirits during additional tastings.

Did you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century and still holds a very special place? The kings of France had their own wine presses here, and Champagne wines were formerly known as « Vins d’Aÿ ». The historic Coteaux d’Aÿ are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the vineyard is classified as a Grand Cru at the highest level of the Champagne appellation.

This is where we’ll take you, to discover part of the historic village and its famous vineyard, to tell you all about the work of the vine, the grape varieties, this exceptional Terroir and sustainable viticulture. We’ll also stop off in front of the headquarters of Aÿ’s renowned Champagne Houses, such as Bollinger, Deutz and Ayala.

You’ll also discover the Premier Cru villages and vineyards of Mutigny and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, home to Champagne houses Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat. A stop is planned at the Mont du Gruguet viewpoint.

You’ll meet an independent producer/vigneron family, who will open the doors of their cellar, press and winery to show you how their Champagne is made and what makes it special. The visit will be followed by a commented tasting of several of their Champagnes. You’ll also taste the 3 famous Champagne spirits: Ratafia de Champagne, Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne produced by Distillerie Goyard, Champagne’s oldest distillery.

In the famous village of Hautvillers, known as « the cradle of Champagne », you can also thank Dom Pérignon at his tomb during a visit to the church where he served as a monk for decades.

You’ll be told his story and that of Champagne, and you’ll finally find out whether or not he was the inventor of Champagne! You can also admire one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Marne Valley, exactly where Dom Pérignon carried out all his experiments. It’s the ideal spot in the heart of the vineyards to take unforgettable photos of yourself and this breathtaking landscape.