Luxury and Tradition: A Champagne Vineyard Tour

Throughout this day, you'll uncover the celebrated Côte des Blancs, realm of Chardonnay Grand Cru, and the age-old slopes of the Marne Valley, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the origin of Champagne.

Our exploration journey through the vineyards and hamlets of the Côte des Blancs passes before the Château de Saran, a distinguished estate of the LVMH group (owner of Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, etc.) and the production site of Champagne Moët & Chandon.

A narrated passage is also scheduled along the renowned Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, the heart of the Champagne wine region, where the splendid mansions and manufacturing structures of the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc., are situated.

Visit two families of independent vintners with an explanation of the Champagne crafting process, an inspection of the presses, wineries, and cellars. Sample a variety of Grand Cru/Premier Cru Champagnes: natural Champagnes (without dosage), extra brut, old vines, vintages, aged in oak barrels, etc. Tastings are narrated with tasting guidance. In addition to the Champagnes, savor the three essential Champagne spirits and aperitifs: Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery, the oldest in Champagne. The village of Aÿ-Champagne was the principal center of the Champagne trade in the 16th century.

The French monarchs possessed their own wine presses there, and the wines of Champagne were traditionally referred to as “Wines of Aÿ.” The vineyard, primarily planted with Pinot Noir, is classified as Grand Cru, the highest rank of the Appellation. During our visit to a segment of this historical village and its famous vineyard, we will discuss vineyard cultivation, the diverse grape varietals, the exceptional terroir, and sustainable viticulture. The tour includes a stop before the headquarters of the renowned Champagne Houses in Aÿ, such as Bollinger, Deutz, and Ayala. Journey through additional villages and vineyards classified Premier Cru, including Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, where the Champagne Houses Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat are located. While visiting Hautvillers, known as the “Birthplace of Champagne,” enjoy a private tour of the Church where the tomb of Dom Pérignon, considered the spiritual father of Champagne, is located.

In Hautvillers, we will also pause to appreciate the most magnificent panorama of Champagne, overlooking the Marne Valley, the location where Dom Pérignon conducted his winemaking experiments. It is the perfect locale in the midst of the vineyard to capture memorable photos of yourself and this stunning landscape. For lunch, we have selected Champagne and dining establishments favored by the locals to share this convivial occasion. On the menu, to accompany your Champagne glasses (a bottle for two), you may find gourmet platters of cured meats and cheese with bread and salad, prepared farm meals, regional pastries, and coffee.