• Mareuil-sur-Ay - The itinerary includes workshops, experiences, tastings, and visits to renowned vineyards and villages typical of the Champagne region around Epernay, the Capital of Champagne: Aÿ-Champagne, celebrated for its Pinot Noir Grand Cru and prestigious Houses like Bollinger and Deutz, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, home to Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat, Oger in the Côte des Blancs, and Monthelon.

To enhance understanding of the gourmet pairings selected for the day, the journey begins at a producer with an engaging workshop to explore the aromas of Champagne, followed by a tasting of various Champagnes. Successfully passing the olfactory and taste test will earn a Champagne knowledge certificate!

Throughout the day, participants will taste 9 Grand Cru/Premier Cru Champagnes, including blended or single varietals like Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noirs, and discover non-dosed natural Champagnes, extra brut, brut, dry, rosé, from very old vines, vintages, single plots, or aged in oak barrels.

• Ay-Champagne - The tour also includes a discovery of the 3 famous Champagne alcohols: several Ratafias will be tasted, along with Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery. Ratafia, a sweet wine made from the same grape varieties as Champagne, is a hidden gem not widely exported, offering an unmatched range of flavors and aromas. Fine and Marc are popular Champagne brandies enjoyed as digestives.

All tastings are commented on and selected to harmonize with typical dishes. In Ay, visitors will also explore a Champagne bar and food, discovering the Coteaux-Champenois, a renowned Champagne wine with a Controlled Designation of Origin (CDO) available in red, white, or rosé.

The Coteaux-Champenois will be paired with foie gras and snails for the adventurous, or alternatively, sea bass rillettes with truffle, scallops, or white pudding.

• Ay-Champagne - In the renowned village and vineyard Grand Cru of Aÿ-Champagne, a stop is planned in the heart of the vineyard to understand the vine’s cultivation, grape varieties, exceptional terroir, and sustainable viticulture.

The village of Aÿ was the main hub of the Champagne industry in the 16th century. The kings of France had their wine presses here, and the wines of Champagne were once called “Wines of Aÿ.” The vineyard, predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, is classified as Grand Cru at the highest level of the Champagne Appellation.

• Monthelon - Lunch is arranged at a winemaker’s, where guests will taste his Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, along with different Ratafias (including a unique one produced from a forgotten grape variety of Champagne) paired with a mixed platter of charcuterie and cheeses, featuring regional specialties like Jambon de Reims, exceptional local cheeses such as Chaource and Langres, cured ham, duck rillettes with Ratafia, duck breast, and of course, the traditional French baguette.

The sweet touch includes a chocolate filled with ratafia and a dessert based on a famous sweet culinary specialty of the region: the Biscuit Rose of Reims.

• Avize - In the morning, during this gourmet tour, participants will explore the Marne Valley and its historic hillsides, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where Champagne originated.

In the afternoon, on the way to the third winegrower, the tour will pass through the famous Côte des Blancs, the kingdom of the Chardonnay Grand Cru of Champagne, and its renowned villages Cramant and Avize.

• Oger - During the visit to this third family of independent Champagne producers, established for several generations in one of the most renowned villages for its Chardonnay Grand Cru, the Champagne making process will be revisited during a tour of the press, winery, and cellar.

At snack time, guests will taste other Grand Cru Champagnes accompanied by Biscuits roses of Reims from the Biscuiterie Fossier, following the original recipe dating back to 1756, and in the form of a crunchy macaroon.

The day will conclude with a delightful French surprise discovery, guaranteed to be loved!

• Avenue de Champagne - A guided passage is also planned along the famous “Avenue de Champagne” in Epernay, the capital of the Champagne vineyards, where the magnificent properties and production buildings of the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc., are located.

• 15 commented tastings: 9 Champagnes Grand Cru/1st Cru plus famous local wine, alcohols and aperitifs
• Discovery of several Ratafias, Fine de la Marne, Marc de Champagne and Coteaux-Champenois
• Private visits, workshops, experiences, tastings and food/Champagne pairing included
• Pick up and drop off is in Epernay or in the perimeter of 6kms (3.7 miles) around Epernay
• Private transportation
• Passionate local private guide/chauffeur
• Visits to 3 family estates of Champagne Grand Cru and Premier Cru producers

Engage in a lively workshop to explore the diverse aromas of Champagne and its three iconic grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay.

Enjoy 15 guided tastings, featuring 9 Champagnes from Grand Cru and Premier Cru, along with renowned wines, spirits, and aperitifs from the region. These tastings are paired with local dishes and products to uncover the culinary secrets of the Champagne region.

During visits to four authentic Champagne locations chosen for you, over 15 flavors will delight your palate!

Experience a guided tour along the renowned “Avenue de Champagne” in Epernay, famously known as “the most expensive Avenue in the world,” with its 200 million bottles stored in cellars.

Explore the celebrated Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages and vineyards surrounding Epernay, nestled in the historic hillsides of the Marne Valley, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Côte des Blancs.

Visit three families of independent Champagne winegrowers/producers and learn about the Champagne production process.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.