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How to Visit the Epernay Champagne Houses in France

Home to the world’s most famous and exquisite Champagne houses, Epernay is the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the Champagne region in northeastern France, this charming town offers an unforgettable experience.

We were not sure what to expect before our first trip to Epernay, but we were very pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to get around, to walk between Champagne houses, and just how much Champagne we’d be drinking! You seriously have to pace yourself on the Avenue of Champagne.

In this blog post, we will share everything you need to know about visiting the Epernay Champagne houses – where to taste, how to get there, tips for your visit, where to eat, and where to stay. So, pop the cork and get ready to immerse yourself in the sparkling world of Champagne!

When planning a visit to Epernay, it is important to research the Champagne houses in advance to ensure you can visit the ones you want to visit. We have a really easy tool for booking your appointments below.

Each Champagne house offers unique tours and tastings. We’ve been to all of these houses and have offered our thoughts and recommendations below.

Planning your trip to Epernay?

• Rent a car from the Paris airport through Discover Cars to drive to Epernay or take the train from Paris.

Where to Stay in Epernay:

• Le Suites du 33 – Located at 33 Avenue de Champagne, easy walking distance of everything, and right next to Champagne de Venoge.
• La Villa Eugène – 5-star luxury hotel with roundtrip airport shuttle, terrace, and garden

Best Tours and Experiences in Epernay:

• Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting – Visit 3 Champagne houses, where you’ll try a variety of champagnes. There’s also an included three-course lunch. (8 hours)
• Epernay full day tour with lunch – Visit 2 Champagne houses, visit Hautvillers where Dom Perignon created Champagne, plus lunch and a tasting class. (8 hours)

Table of Contents

How to Visit Epernay Champagne Houses

Visiting Champagne houses in Epernay is not only a great way to learn about the history and production of Champagne, but it is also an opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. The Avenue de Champagne is an easy walking road that contains many of the major houses and it’s very simple to walk between them.

Self-Guided Tour

I usually prefer to do self-guided touring when I visit wine regions because it gives me the greatest flexibility and I actually really like researching and choosing the wineries I want to go to.

While there is a little more work involved because you have to set up all the tours yourself, there are tools that will help make this super easy. The one I use is called  Rue des Vignerons . It’s a French website that makes booking wine appointments super easy.

You can book online up to 30 minutes before and your appointment is confirmed instantly. This is the website I used to book all of my Champagne tasting appointments.

In our descriptions below, I will give you links directly to Rue des Vignerons for each winery so you can easily book it.

Group/Private Tour

There are many group and private tours to choose from. You can go on a group tour, which are plentiful, often including up to 8 people and are on a pre-planned route so you don’t have to take care of a single detail.

Below are two tours we recommend:

Getting to Epernay

Epernay is easily accessible by train from Paris, which makes it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway destination. From Paris Gare de l’Est, you can catch a direct train to Epernay, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The Epernay train station is within walking distance from the Avenue de Champagne, where most of the famous Champagne houses are located. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Paris and drive to Epernay, which is approximately 140 km away and takes about 1.5 hours.

Champagne House to Visit in Epernay

We highly recommend you drive all the way into Epernay and spend at least a day walking along the Champagne de Avenue, where you’ll find nearly a dozen Champagne Houses to visit.

We really like that it’s possible to walk between each of them, because the tastings are full glass pours. You’ll want to have time to enjoy it, rather than skipping quickly between them.

Pressoria is the brand new sensory interpretation center for champagne wines, housed in the walls of a former Pommery pressing center in the commune of Aÿ. This boutique Champagne house presents a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern innovation.

You’ll start with an immersive tour through the 10 rooms that make up the sensory experience, then you will finish the visit in their tasting room, with an unobstructed view of the hillsides classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You’ll be given a guided tasting of 2 champagnes, to discover the diversity of the wines of the region. It’s a fun way to discover champagne through your five senses.

Champagne Comtesse Lafond

Champagne Comtesse Lafond is a small Champagne House named for the owner’s grandmother. Baron Patrick de Ladouchette has carried on the family’s reputation for great Champagne, with styles ranging from extra brut to rose.

The operation is located in a majestic castle on the Avenue – one that you’ll definitely want to see. They will be happy to give you a complete tour of the domain: the castles’ salons and gardens. You can even learn how to use a Sabre to open a Champagne bottle.

Location: 79 Avenue De Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: 10am-1pm 2pm-6pm

Champagne Gaston Chiquet

In 1746, Nicolas Chiquet planted his first vines, and eight generations have followed in his footsteps. The two brothers, Fernand & Gaston Chiquet, who were winegrowers from the start, joined forces in 1919 to create their commercial company: Chiquet Frères. They were pioneers in Champagne.

After separating from his brother, Gaston Chiquet created his own brand in 1935. Gaston Chiquet and his son Claude expanded the family estate in the 1950s to the terroirs of Aÿ and Hautvillers.

Today, Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet manage a vineyard of 23 hectares located in Dizy, Aÿ (the famous wine of Henri IV), Mareuil sur Aÿ, and Hautvillers.

Villa Signolle

A family-run business since 1802, they offer specialist champagnes for experts and amateurs alike. They do the harvesting, handling and winemaking of all their own grapes, from one of the best terroirs in the Champagne region.

Their villa is on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. You can taste on their terrace or in the lounge, inside a house listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Try the Blanc de blancs Grand Cru Zéro Dosage to test the minerality of the Côte des Blancs, then taste the powerful vintage Blanc de Blancs from 3 different villages. Finish with their Blanc de Noirs to discover the fruit of the southern Champagne region.

Location: 37 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay Hours: 11am to 6:30pm daily

Champagne P. Lancelot-Royer

Created in 1960 by Pierre Lancelot, then passed on to his daughter Sylvie and his son-in-law Michel Chauvet, this 5-hectares vineyard benefits from cellars that are dug into a chalky hill, just behind the house.

They have a press at the top of the hill so they can utilize gravity to transfer the juice to the tanks that are kept underground. Located about twenty kilometers south of Epernay, the Côte des Blancs is undoubtedly the most recognized of the four major regions of the terroir, so you know you’re getting the very best when you visit here.

Location: 540 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 51530 Cramant, France Hours: 10am-12pm; 2pm-5pm daily (no afternoons on Sunday)

Champagne Jacquinot & Fils

Pierre Jacquinot, originally a winegrower and farmer, developed the family vineyard after the First World War, during which he was wounded. In 1929, Pierre Jacquinot set up his own grape pressing business and began producing his own wines. His two sons, Jacques and Jean-Guy, joined the business and together they created the Champagne house.

You can visit for a tasting and tour. It’s one of the deepest cellars in Epernay, located 20 meters underground, dug by hand 1873. Dive into the heart of the champagne making process on a guided tour through the cellar, vats and machinery. Then enjoy 3 non-vintage champagnes, a private Cuvée glass, a Blanc de Blancs, and a Blanc de Noirs.

Champagne Alfred Gratien

The Alfred Gratien Champagne House was founded in Epernay in 1864, and the same line of cellar masters has been perpetuating and passing on their knowledge for four generations: rigorous selection of grapes from the best vintages, respect for the terroirs, vinification in small oak barrels and production of limited volumes. Today Nicolas Jaeger is the head of the cellars and the one who continues the style of the Alfred Gratien house and ensures the continuity of that philosophy. During a tour at La Maison Alfred Gratien, you can visit the century-old cellar, dug 18-meters underground and storing nearly a million bottles. You can do a tasting of 2 Champagnes, or embark on a tasting and tour with either 2 or 4 cuvees. You can also do a Champagne and cheese tasting.

Champagne Le Gallais

In 1927, Hachod Fringhian, the grandfather of Charlotte Morgain Le Gallais, obtained the Clos du Château de Boursault, which had long belonged to Madame Veuve Clicquot. Five generations later, Charlotte runs part of the estate – 7 parcels with their own characteristics – in the family vineyard, overlooking the Marne valley.

When you visit, you can do a simple tasting of their 3 cuvees or you can do a tour and tasting. The tour is the way to go as you’ll learn all about the Champagne making process. You first see their modern wine press, vat room and cellars, located under a 16th century manor house. Then, go for a walk in the vineyard to learn more about the cultivation of the vines.

To end this experience, you will taste 3 vintages in the tasting room, with a panoramic view of the vineyards of the Marne Valley.

Moet & Chandon

One of the most well-known Champagne houses in the world is Moet & Chandon. In Epernay, they also have one of the largest Champagne houses. It’s impressive to look at, even from the outside.

If you take a tour, you’ll have a chance to visit their cellars and see a bit of the over 28km worth of underground cave system they have.

You’ll learn the history of the family, the Champagne and the area from the guide as you walk along. The tour ends with a tasting. You can choose between a Signature Tour, Imperial Tour or Grand Vintage Tour. Prices range from 40-75€.

Location:   20 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay Hours:  Sunday to Wednesday 9:30-11:30 and 2pm-4:30pm Email:  Contact form

Champagne de Venoge

This Champagne house was established in 1837 by the De Venoge family, originating from Switzerland, near the Venoge river, which flows into Lake Geneva. The family has been building their international fame ever since.

The tasting room is a small house outside of the grander main house. You can stop in any time you like for a tasting at the bar. We actually happened to stay in the apartments across the courtyard, Le Suites du 33 , which is a fantastic location for visiting the Champagne houses on the Avenue de Champagne.

Here you will be able to do a tasting of two Champagnes: a brut from their emblematic Cordon Bleu range and a carafe from their Princes range, or two from the Princes range. You can also pair a glass with small snacks, or you can do a full tasting and tour with either 2 or 4 tastings at the end.

Location: 33 Av. de Champagne Website

Champagne Mercier

Mercier was founded in 1858. In 1871, Eugène Mercier started an innovative project to build cellars at the winery in Epernay, in the heart of France’s Champagne country. He told the architects to “count by kilometers and not by meters,”.

A few years later, a whopping 18 kilometers of cellars were open to the visitors. You can visit and discover the Maison Mercier and some of those cellars on an electric train ride that takes you around the cellar. You’ll also have an opportunity to try one flute of Brut Mercier, one flute of Rosé Mercier and one flute of Reserve Mercier. The price ranges from 26-30€, depending on how many you’d like to try.

Location: 68 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm (2 hr break for lunch)

Collard-Picard

Champagne Collard-Picard was founded in 1996 by Olivier Collard and Caroline Collard-Picard. It is a privately owned grower-producer Champagne house. They have both a cellar and a shop. To visit the cellar, you must make an advanced appointment for a visit and private tasting with Mr. Collard.

You can stop in at the stop on the Avenue de Champagne during opening hours for a tasting of their classic, prestige, and exceptional lines, as well as the Coteaux Champenois Rouge. Our favorite is their Premier Cru Rose Champagne, using the “de Saignee” vinification technique.

Location:   15 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay Hours:  Everyday 10 or 10:30-5:30 (open until 7pm Saturdays) Website  

Champagne de Castellane

You’ll see the giant tower of  Castellane  the moment you enter town. This is one of the larger Champagne brands, so you can expect there to be a full and large tour group. When you arrive, you can visit the museum of winemaking and climb the tower.

The tour lasts around 45 minutes and goes through the winemaking process, into the underground cellar and back to the bar where you’ll try a few different Champagnes.

Location:   63 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay Hours:  Every day from 10am-noon and 2pm-6pm Email:  [email protected]

Tips for Visiting Champagne Houses in Epernay

Visiting Champagne houses in Epernay can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Epernay is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the vineyards are lush and green. Keep in mind that during the harvest season (usually September), the Champagne houses may be busier and have limited availability for tours.

What to Wear

When visiting the Champagne houses, opt for comfortable and semi-formal attire. Avoid high heels and sandals, as some tours include walking through the vineyards or damp cellars. Don’t forget to bring a light sweater or jacket, as the cellars can be chilly even during warmer months.

Reservations

It is highly recommended to book your Champagne house tour and tasting sessions in advance. The best way to do that is to click those handy buttons I included above to make a reservation through Rue des Vignerons .

When making your reservation, be sure to let the house know if you have any special requests or preferences. Some houses may be able to accommodate dietary restrictions or offer private tours for an additional fee.

It’s also important to arrive on time for your appointment, as many houses have a tight schedule and may not be able to accommodate late arrivals.

Where to Stay

Epernay is a beautiful city with a wide range of accommodation options, but not a lot of hotels, and even less international brands you might be looking for.

My top two recommendations are:

Le Suites du 33  – It’s located at 33 Avenue de Champagne, so it’s within easy walking distance of the Champagne houses. Breakfast and parking are included. There’s also a tasting bar for Champagne de Venoge on site.

Hôtel La Villa Eugène – A luxurious 19th-century mansion with a beautiful garden, Hôtel La Villa Eugène offers spacious, elegant rooms and exceptional service.

Where to Eat in Epernay

• La Grillade Gourmande : This gourmet restaurant serves delicious traditional French dishes, including a selection of mouthwatering desserts. Paired with a glass of Champagne, your meal is guaranteed to be memorable.
• La Cave à Champagne : With an impressive selection of over 250 Champagnes, La Cave à Champagne offers a unique dining experience. Enjoy their carefully crafted menu that complements the wines perfectly.
• Le Theatre : Classic French dishes in a lovely 19th-century building near the Theater in downtown Epernay. Choose from the extensive list of Champagnes to pair with your meal.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Before You Go

Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in wine tasting. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.

• How to Visit Champagne Houses in France
• Best Wine Regions to Visit in France
• Where to Go Wine Tasting in Burgundy, France
• Where to Go Wine Tasting in Bordeaux, France

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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13 Top Champagne Houses in Epernay France You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Nestled in the picturesque champagne region of France, just a stone’s throw away from Paris, is the charming town of Epernay. It’s a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast, as it is home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient churches, and lush vineyards, Epernay provides a beautiful vista for  drinking bubbles. 

But how do you decide which of the great champagne houses in Epernay to visit? In this guide I’ll give you a quick overview of how to get to and get around Epernay and then we’ll get right into the top 13 Epernay champagne houses, what makes each one unique and your options for a champagne tasting. And I’ll give you my top three recommendations for the best champagne houses in Epernay.

➡️ Book Your Champagne Tastings in Epernay

Getting to Epernay and Getting Around

Epernay train station is on the high-speed TGV train line to Paris and it takes just over one hour to get between the two. The largest town in Champagne, Reims, is on the same train line. Trains between Epernay and Reims run roughly once an hour and take about 20 minutes.

The train stations for both Epernay and Reims are only a short walk from the town centers, so train travel is a great option to get to and around Epernay. 

There are some great  hotels in Epernay  but many people choose to stay in the larger Reims. There are lots of  interesting things to do in Reims  plus there are some good hotels. I have chosen to stay in Reims on both of my visits to Champagne and have then visited Epernay by train. This option worked well for me.

By car, Epernay is easily accessible via well-maintained highways. Take the A4 motorway from Paris east towards Reims, then exit onto the D951 road towards Epernay. Depending on traffic, the drive should take about an hour and a half. From Reims, it’s a quick 30-minute trip along the D951 as well.

I also used uber during my stay and I generally didn’t have to wait too long for rides. However, Uber availability and costs can fluctuate extensively.

Once you arrive in Epernay, getting around the city is a breeze. The town is relatively small, so walking is often the easiest way to move between champagne houses and cellar visits.

If it is a special occasion you might want to look at private tours like  hiring your own guide/driver  to take you around Epernay. 

It is also very easy to visit Epernay as a day trip to Paris. Book your train tickets and champagne tastings or go on one of these  organised day trips from Paris to Champagne.

13 Top Champagne Houses in Epernay

My top 3 picks.

#1 TOP PICK

Champagne Mercier ✔️ Unique Tour ✔️ Great Value ✔️ Delicious Champagne

Moet & Chandon ✔️ Most Famous Name ✔️ Wow Tour ✔️ Stunning Courtyard

Villa Signolle ✔️ Boutique Experience ✔️ Blanc de Blanc Expertise ✔️ Taste in a 19th century villa

Champagne Houses on the famous Avenue de Champagne

Yes, believe it or not, there is an actual  Avenue of champagne in Epernay,  and the street is home to some of the most famous names in bubbles. The Avenue de Champagne begins in the heart of Epernay and his home to houses such as Moet, Pol Roger, Perrier Jouet and many more. 

Unsurprisingly, it is a beautiful street and a lovely stroll experience. The architectural style of the houses on Champagne Avenue is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also highly convenient as it means all of the champagne houses on Avenue de Champagne are within walking distance of each other and within walking distance of the center of Epernay and Epernay station. 

I will divide this article into the champagne houses on the actual Avenue and then those houses that are in Epernay but may require some transport beyond your feet.

Champagne Mercier began producing champagne in 1858. The doors to its grand old cellars in Epernay swung open in 1869, and today, in my opinion, it is one of the best champagne-tasting experiences in the region. Here is why I liked it so much:

• the unique mini train that takes visitors through 18 kilometres of underground wine cellars
• the tunnels also feature sculptures by Gustave Navlet
• The giant Mercier Cask – this huge champagne barrel was drawn by 24 oxen from Epernay to Paris in 1889. 
• In my opinion, this was one of the best value champagne tastings in Epernay.
• And of course I enjoyed the champagne!

There are two tasting options at Mercier:

• Mercier Duo: tour the cellars and taste two glasses of Mercier champagne with a sommelier. 
• Golden Bubbles: As above but with three glasses of Mercier champagne. 

Address: 68 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30-12, 2-430 

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Champagne Mercier

2. Villa Signolle

The roots of Villa Signolle-Champagne Michel Gonet weave back to the 19th century. Villa Signolle made a name for itself with its outstanding Blanc de Blancs champagne. This means champagne that has been made with only white grapes eg no pinot noir. 

I really enjoyed my tasting at Villa Signolle because it was more like visiting someone’s beautiful home than a tasting. The tasting room is actually one of the salons of their 19th-century villa or on the flowery terrace depending on the weather. This is a much more sedate and charming champagne-tasting experience. 

Tasting Options:

• Taste three blends (including two blanc de blancs) in a 90 minute tasting
• Blind wine-tasting game. Taste six different cuvees and finish with a blind tasting of one of the six. Can your palate remember? 90 minute tasting.

Address: 37 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 11-6:30

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Villa Signolle

3. Moët & Chandon

In 1842, Moët uncorked its first-ever vintage of champagne wines and by the 1860s, their Brut Imperial was the toast of the town. With the largest patch of vines in Champagne and about 30 million bottles aging in 28 kilometers of cellars, Moet is of course arguably the most famous name in champagne with a rich history.

Unsurprisingly, Moet et Chandon offer some of the more expensive tasting options in Epernay. It is possible to visit the courtyard at Moet et Chandon and get a photo with a statue of Dom Perignon and not visit the most famous champagne house in the world, but how many times will you realistically be in Epernay?

• The Signature Experience: 90 minutes with an overview of Moet et Chandon from a house ambassador. Taste two champagnes and compare, including the house’s latest vintage (the second champagne will be non-vintage).
• Grand Vintage Tour: 90 minutes including a cellar tour and a tasting of two vintage champagnes in a private tasting lounge.
• A La Volee: This two hour tour offers a unique experience: tasting two vintage moet champagnes that have just been disgorged. A third glass of vintage champagne is included in the tour.  

Address: 20 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Mon-Sunday 9:30-6, close at 11:30 on Mondays

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Moet & Chandon

4. Perrier-Jouet

It seems appropriate that Perrrier-Jouet began in 1811 with a love affair between Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët. They are known for their slightly more floral, Chardonnay-led blends and, of course, their beautiful bottles. 

If you visit Perrier-Jouet in summer, they often have a pop-up cafe in their beautiful courtyard, which is well worth visiting.

There are two tasting options:

• Art of Chardonnay: Taste two champagne blends in a one-hour tasting
• Art of Vintage: A guided tasting of the latest vintages from the house. 

Address: 26 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Thursday-Monday 11:30-8:30 (closed Tue & Wed)

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Perrier-Jouet

5. Chateau Comtesse Lafond

Comtesse Lafond started this family-owned brand in the 1800s, and today, it is run by her great-great-grandchild, Baron de Ladoucette. This is one of the smaller producers in Epernay, which makes for a more personalised experience. It is also housed in a spectacular castle on Champagne Avenue.

This is also one of the only champagne houses in Epernay that offers a saber experience (the opportunity to learn and experience removing a champagne cork with a sword).

Tasting Options

There are three options for tastings 

• Taste 3 cuvees and take a tour of the chateau
• Taste 3 different champagnes in three different locations on the property and experience a sabrage of your own (the cork being removed from the champagne with a knife) 
• Taste three different champagnes in the Comtess Lafond showroom.

Address: 79 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 11-1, 2-6

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Chateau Comtess Lafond

6. Champagne de Venoge

Champagne de Venoge traces its origins to the ambition and vision of Henri-Marc de Venoge, who, in 1837, left his native Switzerland for the rolling hills of Champagne with the dream of creating his own eponymous champagne house. 

The brand’s pioneering spirit was evidenced by Henri-Marc’s son, Joseph de Venoge, who would later introduce the notable “Cordon Bleu” label — a symbol of excellence that endures within the brand’s identity to this day.

The house was previously a 19th-century stable and is home to a champagne bar that can be visited at any time. 

• Tasting of Cordon Bleu Brut and Princes (two glasses) (with and without cheese options) lasting 30 minutes.
• Princes tasting: 2 flutes from the Princes range (with and without a tuna and sardine platter) lasting 30 minutes.

Address: 33 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-5 (hours may be extended in summer)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Champagne de Venoge

➡️  Book a Guide to take you around Epernay’s Champagne Houses

Champagne Houses in Epernay but not on Champagne Avenue

7. jacquinot et fils .

The story of Jacquinot et Fils begins with Pierre Jacquinot, who, alongside his two sons, Jacques and Jean-Guy, officially established the brand in 1947 in the aftermath of World War II. However, the Jacquinot family’s roots in the Champagne region trace deeper, with their winemaking prowess honed over several generations, dating back to the 1920s when Pierre began selling his still wines from Epernay.

The house is home to one of the deepest cellars in Epernay, located 20 meters underground. This chalk cellar was dug by hand in 1873.

90 minute tour through the champagne-making process with a tasting of three non-vintage champagnes.

Address: 36 Rue Maurice Cerveaux, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat and Sun 1030-5

➡️ Book Your Visit to Jacquinot et Fils

8. Champagne de Castellane

Champagne de Castellane was founded in 1895 by nobleman Viscount Florens de Castellane. The viscount, known for his flamboyance and an eye for branding, chose the red cross of Saint Andrew, a symbol of the ancient province of Champagne, as the emblem to adorn his bottles, ensuring that his champagnes would be instantly recognizable.

This Epernay Champagne house rapidly gained notoriety, not only for its exceptional bubbly but also for the iconic “Tower Castellane,” which was completed in 1905 and became a brand symbol. This remarkable structure, which soars above the vineyards of Épernay, offers panoramic views of the region and is one of the landmarks of Epernay.

• Cellar Tour with one glass of champagne over 60 minutes
• Cellar Tour and Tower (reservation necessary) Visit the famous Tower Castellane and enjoy two glasses of cuvee over 90 minutes

Address: 63 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-12, 2-6

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Champagne de Castellane

9. Champagne Alfred Gratien

Champagne Alfred Gratien was founded in 1864 when Alfred Gratien, at the age of 23, established his eponymous Champagne house in Épernay. The house is known for its dedication to aging its champagnes much longer than the minimum requirements, with non-vintage bottles resting on their lees for about three years, and vintage champagnes even longer, often reaching up to 10 years.

• Tour and Tasting Discovery includes two glasses of vintage champagne and takes 90 minutes
• Tour and Tasting L’Empreinte includes four glasses of champagne and takes 90 minutes
• The Alfred Gratien style is two glasses of cuvee and takes 30 minutes
• Champagne and Cheese workshop includes four tastings and four cheeses over 60 minutes

Address: 30 Rue Maurice Cerveaux, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 (closed Sunday and Monday)

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien

@boutiqueadventurer Champagne Avenue in Epernay France is my idea of heaven! #champagne #epernay #champagneavenue ♬ RUNAWAY – KAYDEN

Champagne Houses Around Epernay

10. pressoria.

Pressoria isn’t actually a champagne house. It is a sensory interpretation center housed in a former Pommery pressing center in the town of Ay near Epernay. If you want to understand more about the process of making champagne, this is a great option. It’s a full-on exploration of the region’s sparkling heritage—from the grand old presses to the intricate craft of fermentation. 

In addition to an immersive tour through 10 rooms, you’ll be given a guided tasting of two glasses of champagne. 

Address: 11 Bd Pierre Cheval, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne, France Opening Hours: Friday-Wednesday 930-630 (Closed Thursdays)

➡️ Book Your visit to Pressoria

11. Gaston Chiquet

Champagne Gaston Chiquet carved out its place in champagne history when Gaston Chiquet registered the brand in 1919, but the family’s roots in the vineyards of the Vallée de la Marne stretch back to as early as 1746. 

It was Gaston, alongside his brothers Fernand and Marcel, who took the bold step of becoming one of the first growers in the region to produce their own champagne, setting a new precedent for what would become the esteemed Récoltant-Manipulant (RM), or Grower Champagne movement, where producers craft champagne solely from their own vineyards.

They own prime parcels in the villages of Dizy, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Hautvillers. Their champagnes have a particular emphasis on Pinot Meunier. Today, the tradition continues with the family’s eighth generation.

Taste two cuvees and one vintage champagne over one hour. 

Address: 912 Avenue Gén Leclerc. 51530 Dizy Hours: Mon-Sat 8-6 (closed Sundays)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Champagne Gaston Chiquet

12. Champagne Le Gallais

Back in 1927, Charlotte Morgain Le Gallais ‘ grandad, Hachod Fringhian, got his hands on the Clos du Château de Boursault, a patch that once was part of Madame Veuve Clicquot’s empire. Fast forward through five generations and you’ve got Charlotte at the helm, overseeing seven unique plots that make up a slice of the family’s vineyards, all perched with a view over the Marne valley.

• Tour and Tasting Le Gallais Experience with three glasses of vintage champagne over 90 minutes.
• Tasting of Three Cuvees over 30 minutes
• Initiation to Sabrage where you learn to open your own bottle with a sword 

Address: 2 Rue Gilbert Maurice, 51480 Boursault, France Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 930-530 (closed Sunday and Monday)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Champagne Le Gallais

13. Lancelot Royer

The roots of Champagne P. Lancelot-Royer are deeply entrenched in the chalky soils of Cramant, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs known for producing some of the finest Chardonnay grapes in all of Champagne. The house was created in 1960 by Pierre Lancelot and then resumed by his daughter and her husband. 

The tour and tasting includes two glasses of champagne over one hour. 

Address: 540 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 51530 Cramant, France (About 20 km south of Epernay) Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-12, 2-5 (Except Sunday when it is closed in the afternoon)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Lancelot Royer

My Top Tips for Visiting Epernay:

• Book all of your tastings ahead of time particularly if you are visiting on a weekend or during the summer
• Check out my guide to  Visiting Champagne France  before your trip
• If you’re interested in staying in Epernay, check out my guide to the  best hotels in Epernay.
• If it is a special occasion why not get  your own private tour guide to take you around Epernay  and the surrounding area?
• If you’re looking for some good French brasseries that won’t break the bank, I recommend  L’Oben  and  Le P’tit Champenois.  I have had excellent meals at both.
• There are several really cute wine bars in the heart of Epernay that offer wine tasting and opportunities to purchase champagne. I really liked  La Fine Bulle.
• If you are thinking about staying in Reims you might want to read my guide on the  top things to do in Reims , best champagne houses in Reims  and my guide to the  best hotels in Reims.

I covered all of the costs involved in putting together this guide to champagne houses in Epernay. However, this article does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Best Epernay Champagne Houses Tours & Tastings

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Best Champagne Houses in Epernay, France

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Epernay is a famous French city located in the heart of the acclaimed Champagne region in northern-central France. Known for famous vineyards and the regal Avenue de Champagne, Epernay is a must-see city while touring Champagne’s wine routes. When you travel to Epernay, you’ll see rolling hills, visit authentic underground Champagne cellars, and much more. 

Located only an hour-and-a-half drive from Paris, Epernay is both an easy and stunning endeavor during your trip to France. Epernay is conveniently located close to many famous vineyards in the Champagne region of France. With Winalist, you can discover the best wine experiences in Epernay, as well as in other nearby Champagne cities such as Reims and Troyes. Get started planning your visit to Epernay and visit the Champagne region’s famous vineyards today.

If you’re planning a visit to Epernay in the Champagne region, you won’t be disappointed. Known for its famous Avenue de Champagne, a historic street lined with stately buildings, and its many cellars, Epernay provides wine experiences, guided city tours, unusual walks, innovative tastings, visits to the cellars, demonstrations of champagne making processes, and more: everything is there.

With Winalist, you will be able to dive into the artisanal world of Champagne winemaking - all in the company of experienced winegrowers. Winalist has created a list of wine tourism activities for you to enjoy once in Epernay, all of which are sure to be unforgettable. Check these incredible, hand-picked itineraries out below and book your visit to Epernay today.

Epernay Champagne Houses

You can get to Epernay, France in a variety of ways. If you’re staying in Paris, you can rent a car and drive to Epernay to discover to some the best wineries in France ; it only takes a little over an hour to get to this city from the nation’s capital city. Similarly, you could always book a wine tour to Epernay from Paris . This way, you can be shuttled through the Champagne wine region, taste delicious wines, and stop by beautiful Epernay. Discover these memorable experiences by using Winalist’s search tool at the top of the page and entering the details of your desired wine experience in Epernay or other nearby cities.

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• - Champagne Mercier
• - Champagne Moët & Chandon
• - Champagne Le Gallais

To enjoy a champagne tasting in Épernay, there are many choices of visits to cellars, vineyards or even champagne houses. As you walk along the magnificent Avenue de Champagne, you can visit the Mercier cellar . This champagne cellar will surprise you with its length of 18 kilometers, which you can discover by little train.

Yes, Epernay is worth a stop if you enjoy quaint wine-centric towns and want to experience authenticity and history in the Champagne region of France. Epernay has countless champagne houses, champagne tasting rooms, champagne tours, city tours, and more - all waiting for you to explore! Discover these memorable experiences by using Winalist’s search tool at the top of the page and entering the details of your desired wine experience in Epernay or other nearby cities.

Epernay is the perfect Champagne day trip from Paris. While you’re visiting Epernay, be sure to visit the famous Avenue de Champagne. You may also wish to vist Château Perrier, a museum in central Epernay. Of course, no Epernay trip would be complete without wine cellar tours in the city’s underground wine cellars. Find incredible experiences, such as full day tours to Epernay, by using Winalist’s wine experience search tool above.

For the best weather, you’ll want to visit Epernay during the months of May, June, July, August, and September. If you want to avoid crowds, perhaps try visiting this city during the cusp of its peak season, such as during the early spring or late fall months. Grape harvest period in Epernay (and the Champagne region in general) typically takes place during September and October. So, visiting Epernay during the fall months is the primary choice for many experienced visitors.

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Best Champagne Houses in Epernay, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Champagne in Epernay

Épernay is a small city located in the historical Champagne-Ardenne region, today part of the Grand Est region . While the city of Reims is the capital of the Champagne region, Épernay is the capital of champagne wine, a must-stop for wine connoisseurs because of the collection of esteemed champagne producers in town. 

Épernay is best known for the Avenue de Champagne , a famous street of prestigious champagne producers and the best place to shop for bubbly.

The Avenue de Champagne in Épernay is nicknamed the world’s richest avenue because of the millions of bottles of luxury champagne brands stored in the cellars underground. Many of the best champagne houses in Epernay are located along this elegant street.

Épernay is the perfect destination for a Champagne day trip from Paris . From the French capital, you can be champagne-tasting in Epernay in 1 hour and 20 minutes by train or 1 hour and 35 minutes by car! Go on reading for the best Epernay champagne houses to visit.

READ MORE: one of the most famous French drinks , check out these fun facts about the champagne wine

Champagne Tasting in Epernay Trip Planning

Book your train tickets to Epernay .

If you visit Epernay as part of a Champagne road trip , compare car rental companies and get the best price with DiscoverCars . If this is your first time in France by car, check out our tips for renting a car in France .

For self-guided champagne trips , book the visits to your favorite champagne houses in Epernay well in advance with RueDesVignerons . RueDesVignerons is the number 1 platform in France for wine and spirits experiences. Compare champagne houses and tours, read customer reviews, and book your wine experiences with the best price guaranteed – Click here to book with RueDesVignerons

For a total champagne experience , book your stay at the boutique hotel Le 25bis by Leclerc Briant . Located at the Avenue Champagne, enjoy champagne breakfasts every day from one of the most prestigious champagne producers!

Do you prefer touring the best champagne houses in Epernay with an expert guide? No problem! Here are the best Champagne tours in Epernay from Paris:

• Champagne, Epernay, and family-run wineries tour
• Small-group champagne day trip with 6 tastings
• Small-group champagne day trip with 8 tastings and lunch
• Vintage champagne tour with lunch and tastings
• Moët & Chandon champagne tour with tastings and lunch

Best Epernay Champagne Houses to Visit

Visiting one of the great champagne houses in Epernay is one of the top things to do in the capital of champagne wine. Located on the Avenue de Champagne or nearby, you will be spoilt for choice to visit and tour one of these impressive 19th-century mansions and their kilometers of cellars.

While we strongly recommend visiting the small champagne producers, with excellent “auteur wines,” the big champagne houses will allow you to see the unique underground cellars dug at the end of the 17th century and taste some of the most iconic champagne wines.

Where to find good champagne in Épernay? Here’s the list of the best champagne houses Epernay has to offer and their most popular proposals for champagne tasting in Epernay. Enjoy!

TIP:  If you plan to buy a few bottles of champagne in Epernay (who could resist?!),  make sure you pack your wine properly  so it arrives safely home!

1. Moët & Chandon

• Address: 20 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay
• Wine prices: 60€ – 200€

Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by a wine merchant, Claud Moët. This world-famous champagne house in Epernay has the largest network of underground cellars (28 km) in the Champagne region.

Pinot Noir, the Meunier, and Chardonnay form the basis of Moët-Chandon champagnes. This is the world’s largest, perhaps most famous, champagne house, producing 30 million bottles annually.

Some of Moët & Chandon’s tours include:

• Signature -1 hour 30 minutes, cellar tour, 2 tastings
• The Imperial Moment – 1 hour 30 minutes, a tour of the biggest cellar, 2 tastings
• Grand Vintage – 1 hour 30 minutes, cellar tour, 2 tastings
• Moët Collection – 2 hours, cellar tour, maximum six people, 2 tastings
• À la Volée – 2 hours, cellar tour, champagne demonstration, Grand Vintage tasting, 2 vintage tastings
• Terroir Treasures – 2 hours 30 minutes, cellar and vineyard tour, 2 tastings

Click here to see all the tour descriptions and prices

• Address: 68 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay
• Wine prices: 40€ – 40€

The Champagne Mercier House dates back to 1858 and was founded by 20-year-old Eugene Mercier. Despite his age, Mercier had big plans to revolutionize the champagne industry.

Some of their most popular champagnes include Blanc de Noirs and Brut Rosé, but Brut Mercier remains the House’s most authentic and elegant choice. As you descend into the 18km network of cellars, you will be amazed. There are more than rows and rows of champagne bottles; the walls are decorated with sculptures. All of Mercier’s tours include the famous cellar mini-train ride at no additional cost.

Mercier’s champagne tours are:

• Exploring the Vineyards – 2 hours, a tour of cellars and vineyard, 2 tastings
• Bubble Talk – 1 hour 30 minutes, cellar tour, 3 tastings

3. Nicolas Feuillatte

• Address: Plumecoq, CD 40A, Chouilly (4.5 km from Epernay center)
• Wine prices: 17€ – 57€

Just under 5km from Avenue de Champagne is Nicolas Feuillatte . The ultra-modern aesthetic of this Epernay champagne house reflects the house’s infancy and founding in 1972. The champagne experience at Nicolas Feuillatte is unique, fun, and educational.

Nicolas Feuillatte is often cited as the most popular champagne brand in France, as the highest-selling label across French supermarkets in 2022. Their most iconic champagne is the rich Réserve Exclusive Brut, which matures for three years.

Nicolas Feuillatte offers some of the best champagne tours in Épernay:

• Beginner’s Guide – guided tour, 1 tasting
• To Discover – guided tour, 2 tastings
• To Compare – guided tour, 3 tastings
• Blind Tasting Workshop – guided tour 3 champagne grapes, 3 tastings, mystery cuvées
• Hop On! – private pick up from Epernay train station, guided tour, 3 tastings

4. Champagne Comtesse Lafond

• Address: 79 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay
• Wine prices: 20€ – 60€

Another of Avenue de Champagne’s houses is Champagne Comtesse Lafond . This stunning château was the home of Countess Lafond, who began developing wines and champagnes in the 19th century.

Their dry Champagne Comtesse Lafond Brut is one of their most popular champagnes, which comprises Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

They might be one of the smaller champagne houses in Epernay, but this makes for a more intimate experience. To top it off, they are one of the only houses that offer the saber experience (slicing the top of the champagne bottle with a sword).

Champagne Comtesse Lafond’s tour offer includes:

• Showroom Tasting – 30 minutes, 3 cuvées tastings
• Cellar Tour and Tasting – 1 hour, property tour, 3 cuvées tastings
• Sabrage Tour and Tasting – 1 hour, property and cellar tour

5. Pol Roger

• Address: 32 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay

Pol Roger is between Moët & Chandon and Mercier on Avenue de Champagne. Pol Roger is still owned and run by descendants of Pol Roger, who started his champagne house in 1849. It may be one of the smaller Épernay champagne houses, but it still produces around 110,000 cases yearly.

One of the House’s most prestigious labels is Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, a homage to Winston Churchill’s love of Pol Roger since 1908.

Often, some of the most prestigious wine producers don’t open their doors to the public, and that’s the case with Pol Roger. Indeed, this is the only one on this list of champagne houses in Epernay that can’t be visited, but when you walk along the Avenue de Champagne, the building is beautiful to see from the outside!

6. Maison Perrier-Jouët

• Address: 26 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay
• Wine prices: 50€ – 500€

The Maison Perrier-Jouët was born in 1811 after the union of Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adelaïde Jouët, two entrepreneurs passionate about champagne wines. Perrier-Jouët House quickly identified the potential of Chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs. Since then, Chardonnay has become the House’s signature grape variety, giving birth to the floral and delicate style for which Perrier-Jouët champagnes are renowned worldwide.

When in Epernay, try one of these tours: 

• Art of Chardonnay – 1 hour, guided tour with 2 cuvées tastings
• Art of Vintage– 1 hour, guided tour with tastings of its vintage cuvées

7. Champagne Jacquinot et Fils

• Address: 36 Rue Maurice Cerveaux, Épernay
• Wine prices: 30€

Around 650 metres from Avenue de Champagne is Champagne Jacquinot et Fils . This small champagne house in Épernay is best known for its Private Cuvée, with bold and acidic flavors.

The family estate dates back to the 17th century, but it was in 1918 when Pierre Jacquinot first developed the vineyard. The estate is known for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier in its vineyards. Today, winemakers still manually press the grapes on a press that dates back to 1929.

Champagne Jacquinot et Fils is the best champagne house to visit on this list, according to RueDesVignerons’ users. Explore one of the deepest cellars of the champagne houses on this tour:

• Tour and Tasting – 90 minutes, 3 tastings

And there you have it, the list of the best champagne houses Epernay has to offer for a day full of bubbles. Which Epernay champagne house would you like to visit during your Champagne trip?

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Épernay and its region

Welcome to the capital of Champagne

Champagne wine trail

The beating heart of the Champagne region

An invitation to discover Champagne in all its diversity: vines, gardens, emblematic Houses, monuments, wine cellars, and much more besides…

From Épernay and its iconic Avenue de Champagne all the way to Villenauxe-la-Grande, once a thriving centre for ceramic production, via myriad viewpoints overlooking rows upon rows of vines stretching to the horizon, a multifaceted tour of Champagne, the wine and the region, awaits.

The Champagne wine trails are a great way to get to know our region. Take your time meandering along them, one day won't be long enough! If you’d like to take advantage of the things to see and do along them, why not plan a trip over several days and book accommodation nearby? If you’re short of time, you can also select the activities that appeal to you the most to make your  stay in Champagne a memorable one!

A trail through the Champagne culture heartlands

Set off for a trip through the Champagne heartlands, in which you will be able to get a true feel for the place, from its distinctive landscapes to its historic landmarks. Remember to stop off at some of the Champagne Growers and Houses along the way! They will be delighted to welcome you, show you round their vineyard and wine cellar, give you some of their cuvée wines to taste and above all share their passion with you.

Our trip begins in Épernay. This town nestling amidst vineyards is steeped in Champagne culture. As you stroll down Avenue de Champagne, you can't help but gaze in admiration at the elegant iconic Houses that gracefully line it one after the other. In the midst of them stands Château Perrier, which houses the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum. Within the walls of this magnificent residence set in the midst of tree-filled grounds, nothing less than a journey back in time awaits you: you’ll learn all about the region’s archaeological  history , as well as the story of Champagne’s wines.

All along the trail, the Champagne wine region beckons you in deeper for an engaging encounter with the Champagne producers themselves. Through these encounters, you’ll learn about a family history and know-how that is passed down the generations to perpetuate the techniques for making the world’s most famous wine.

Head to the village of Chouilly to see a Garden of Vines. Designed as an open-air museum, it presents the vine in all its forms: left to itself and pruned in compliance with the various types of pruning authorised in Champagne, with and without supports, etc. And there’s no lack of information on hand, so visitors can learn everything there is to know about this wonderful and ever-fascinating plant.

It’s now time to head to our next destination. Pierry is just round the corner and its Château is well worth a visit! This stately 18th century estate has a rich and fascinating history. Take a trip back through time in the Kings’ Gallery, which exhibits portraits of the Kings of France and the dynasties of Champagne. At intervals through the summer months, the Château organises a Champagne picnic in its lovely English garden. Why not treat yourselves! If you have time, a refreshing country walk in the Hors du Rû garden is also heartily recommended while you’re in Pierry!

Chavot-Courcourt

A few minutes further along the trail is Chavot-Courcourt. Located just outside the village, make your way to Saint-Martin Church. Surrounded by vines on the hilltop , you can't miss it! The views are absolutely breathtaking from here - especially at sunset. You can see right across the vines which stretch as far as the eye can see.

The hillside villages

Champagne’s topography is altogether distinctive, shaped by sloping hillsides. This means there are viewpoints galore for fans of sweeping vistas to enjoy! The villages of Grauves, Morangis and Monthelon are perfect examples. Nestling amidst hillsides, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to which way you decide to climb for gorgeous views over the surrounding scenery below. Why not also make a trip to the village of Cramant where unrestricted views await over the vineyards from the panoramic look-out point. Bring a picnic to tuck into under the pergolas or relax on the sun loungers overlooking the endless rows of vines.

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Let’s head to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger now, a key destination in the Côte des Blancs growing area. You’ll find the Clos Saint-Vincent vineyard here. In this leafy setting, you’ll be able to wander in the garden of aromas in search of the Champagne grape varieties. Stop for a moment to admire the views over the historic Clos du Mesnil, where a large picnic table has been installed. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, you can set back out along the trail again.

Bergères-lès-Vertus

Next stop: Le Mont Aimé. At the end of a steep narrow track, so brace yourselves! From the top, cast your eyes over the Champagne plains and Côte des Blancs  growing area, with its recognisable chalky soils. If you haven't yet stopped for lunch, this is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are even tables available to use! 

Or you could eat in a restaurant if that’s more your scene than a picnic. Carry on as far as Château d’Étoges, a majestic estate set within peaceful natural surroundings. You have a choice between either its brasserie L’Atelier, or its fining dining restaurant L’Orangerie. 

A dozen or so miles south-east lies Sézanne: that’s our next destination. This pretty village is home to the Couvent des Récollets, which was built from 1619. There is something quite delightful about its architecture which is graced with three buildings from different periods. Have a look inside the chapel to admire the bright and colourful paintings by Frère Luc, a 17th century monk and painter. A treasure-trove of other places to visit can be found in Sézanne too, including its moors and pastures popular with nature lovers. Go for a leisurely stroll along its narrow streets and "malls" , typical picturesque alleys. In Rue de la Juiverie you’ll find a remarkable sundial which has adorned the front of a fine old townhouse since 1783.

Villenauxe-la-Grande

We have almost reached the end of the trail. Our last stop is Villenauxe-la-Grande. Clay is found in abundance in this region, and the village’s miners extracted it from their soil for 150 years. The village thus grew to become a thriving centre for ceramic production and now accommodates the Écomusée de la Mine d'Argile et de la Céramique. Find out about this time-honoured tradition and, while you’re here, why not pick up some pieces of locally crafted ceramic ware to take home with you.

That marks the end of this trail through the Champagne heartlands. What a wonderful blend of nature, landscape, culture and history to get a true feel for the place!

During Champagne tastings, remember to drink in moderation. Breathalysers and spittoons are available: feel free to ask for them.

See the trail in pictures

Selection of activities along the trail

Champagne Larnaudie Hirault

Champagne forget chemin.

Champagne Lassalle Hanin

Champagne Pierre-Emmanuel Paquay

Champagne tours by cris event, champagne michel tixier, champagne perseval-farge, champagne guyot-guillaume, champagne ariston jean-antoine.

Champagne Philippe Doury

Champagne fromentin leclapart.

Champagne Mailly Grand Cru

Château Perrier – Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum

The jardin de vignes – vineyard management and grape varieties, centre vinicole champagne nicolas feuillatte, château de pierry, saint-martin church in chavot-courcourt, viewpoint in grauves, the jardin de vignes – the vineyard as the seasons change and winegrowers’ shelters, the jardin de vignes – grape varieties and changes over time, couvent des récollets, ecomusée de la mine d'argile et de la céramique, château d'étoges - brasserie l'atelier or the orangerie gastronomic restaurant, office de tourisme epernay en champagne.

Travel blog

Cycling getaway across Champagne’s hillsides

A unique sporty getaway to discover the stunning landscapes that the Champagne region has to offer.

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Épernay Champagne: best Champagne houses to visit in Épernay and Reims!

Rolling hills, old churches and grape vines everywhere: welcome to the Champagne region, a beautiful area to the north-east of Paris. We are here, together with friends Thomas and Christine, at the invitation of some Champagne houses in the area of Épernay. In three days we visit several houses, vineyards and boutiques. Next to that, we enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the good French life.  In this blog, I will tell you all about the best Champagne houses to visit in and around Épernay Champagne.

The Champagne region: where is it located?

In the middle of the French Ardennes, an area where the subsoil consists of a thick layer of lime chalk and fertile soil, lies the Champagne area. It’s the perfect basis for growing grapes! According to the stories, Dom Perignon invented the Champagne in 1688, by applying a second fermentation, which creates bubbles. This delicious drink got so popular so that currently there are 15700 different Champagnes, from the 200 Champagne villages of this region. There are over three hundred different Champagne houses and part of them can be visited for a tasting or sometimes for a tour of the wine cellars. Especially the cellars of the house De Castellane are very impressive: six kilometres of wine cellars where thousands of bottles of Champagnes are being stored.

In this blog, we will talk about Champagne houses in the northern region of the Champagne region. Are you interested in the southern region of the Champagne? Then read this blog on the Côte des Bar .

Map of the Champagne region:

Below you will find a map of France with the location of the champagne region.

Épernay Champagne: The Champagne vineyards

Unlike wineries in New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa, you often won’t get a tour of the vineyards when visiting a Champagne house. Most houses have dozens of vineyards in different places in the region or buy the grapes from farmers. In this way, a mix can be made of the three main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Do you like to see the vineyards? Drive out of the city and there they are. Everywhere around you will see beautiful vineyards which you can easily access to just wandering around a bit. Bring some baguette, cheeses and a bottle of Champagne, and you have the perfect French Picnic.

Read this travel guide on the Champagne region for more information on this area, activities in the neighbourhood of Epernay and nice restaurants!

Best Champagne houses to visit in Épernay!

A visit to a Champagne house often means a small tasting and sometimes a guided tour. Generally, you pay for the tasting and/or the tour an amount varying between € 10 and € 30 pp. With some houses, you get the amount of the tasting back after buying several bottles of Champagne. The prices for a bottle of Champagne start from € 20 and can go up to several hundreds of euros. So take a well-filled wallet with you.

It might take some time, but definitely worth it: finding out which Champagne houses in Épernay you want to visit. We have done our best to put down a list of the best champagne houses to visit (in Épernay and the surrounding area)!

Visiting Champagne with a baby:

With our 7-month-old baby, we will visit the northern champagne region again in June 2023. This time we stay in Hautvillers in a spacious apartment with its own kitchen and several bedrooms. We have a wonderful time and enjoy our favorite drink to the fullest. With a baby you are much less flexible in visiting champagne houses and that is why we deliberately choose Hautvillers, here several champagne houses are close to each other.

Tip: nowadays you really need to make an appointment in advance at most champagne houses. We visit more than eight houses, but we can hardly visit any of them without an appointment. So really make an appointment!

Our favourite champagne houses in Épernay

Épernay champagne: champagne de castellane.

The house of De Castellane immediately stands out because of the beautiful buildings in Art Nouveau style and the large tower that can be seen from all over Epernay. Not only from the outside, but the building is also beautiful, when we are welcomed inside by the nice Dutch guide Steffie, she takes us through an enormous wine barrel into the impressive wine cellars. Steffie tells us about the history of the house: founded in 1895 by the viscount Florens de Castellane.

Florens got a lot of help from his cousin Boni de Castellane, a man from the high society of Paris who, in addition to his knowledge of Champagne, also had a talent for Marketing. For example, he designed the red and white cross that is characteristic of De Castellane Champagne. Nowadays De Castellane is part of the Laurent-Perrier group.

Wine cellars over 6 kilometres long!

During our tour, we walk through parts of the wine cellars, which are over 6 kilometres long in total. Everywhere around you, there are thousands of bottles, sometimes bottles, sometimes already packed. A bottle of Champagne must age at least 2 years before it has the right flavour at De Castellane and sometimes even stays more than 10 years in the cellars. Steffie shows us, among other things, how the residue from the second fermentation is collected and then removed from the bottle.

After this, the bottle can be labelled and packed. During our tour, we walk through the factory where we can see how all of this is done. After the tour, we taste the famous Brut and the Brut Rosé, after which we decide to buy some bottles. A visit to Champagne The Castellane is not complete without climbing the tower. It gives you a beautiful view all over Epernay and the surroundings. Interested in this tour and tasting at De Castellane? Check the opening hours on the website and contact them in advance to be sure of a spot.

Ay Champagne: Henri Giraud

Champagne Giraud is a relatively small family house from 1625, a hidden gem in Ay, a place just 10 minutes from Épernay. We were given a guided tour by the spontaneous Melissa, a lady with lots of knowledge and humour, who told us about the house, the Champagnes and the production process. T he owner, Claude Giraud, attaches great importance to high quality and modernization of the production process.  For example, since January 2018, a ‘zero residue of pesticide’ label has been used, they are no longer working with steel fermentation tanks, but with oak casks and next to that they have a tree-planting project in the Argonne forest. All this results in a limited collection of delicious Champagnes.

After the tour, we taste three different Champagnes, rising from light to increasingly heavier Champagnes. We buy a bottle of the Esprit Nature Brut, delicious light Champagne that is perfect for the summer. Besides the Champagnes, a visit to this house is also very nice if you like art. They have a big art collection, both modern and classical art with as absolute eyecatcher the large paper tree that refers to the oak where the wine barrels are made from. Do you want to visit this house? This only goes by appointment, so be on time! Click here for the location of this champagne house in Ay.

Other nice champagne houses in Épernay or the surroundings

Hautvillers champagne: champagne g. tribaut.

This is a nice house on the edge of the village of Hautvillers. Picturesque Hautvillers is located on a hill surrounded by vineyards. From the conservatory you have a beautiful view over the vineyards, valley and rolling hills beyond. We enjoyed the Blanc de Blancs here the most. And with a very reasonable price of 22.10 euros per bottle, we took quite a few bottles with us. Also nice are the small bottles of champagne that they sell here (Demi Cuvee de reserve, of 375 ml). We bought a bottle to drink in the evening in our apartment.

Unfortunately, there are no guided tours here, but you can always walk in here for a tasting and that is a big advantage compared to many other champagne houses. Making an appointment in advance is therefore not necessary, but not wrong. Click here for the location of this champagne house in Hautvillers

Hautvillers Champagne: Champagne J.M. Gobillard et Fils

The Champagne house J.M. Gobbilard et Fils is also to be found in Hautvillers. Inside it is possible to do a popular tasting, the tasting room is always full. A guided tour is not possible here. Diagonally opposite this house is the little church Abbaye Saint-Pierre , the place where Dom Perignon is buried, certainly nice to visit swell. Click here for the location of this popular champagne house in Hautvillers.

Hautvillers Champagne:  Champagne Marion Bosser

This beautiful champagne house (actually more of a boutique) in the middle of Hautvillers is a small family house led by a woman, Elodie. Together with her mother, Men does not use the heavy (and therefore seen as masculine) grape Pinot Meunier. So all champagnes are made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

We are welcomed by Elodie’s mother, Bernadette, who founded this house and talks about her daughter with pride. In the nice inner garden we drink, among other things, the Brut Rosé and the Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs. This last one is our favorite and we will take it home. An appointment is not necessary with this house, so that is a big plus. The inner garden also offers a nice place to find some shelter from the sun, but to be outside. There are no guided tours here. Click here for the location of this nice champagne house in Hautvillers.

More champagne houses in Hautvillers for next time:

Other champagne houses in Hautvillers that we would have loved to visit but were closed or full are Champagne Jean-Philippe Bosser  which is known for its high quality and decent prices, Champagne Gauvain Jean-Pierre where you seem to be able to drink champagne in the garden with a beautiful view and Champagne Lopez Martin a small and warm family house.

Épernay Champagne: Champagne Charles Mignon

This small family house is located on the outskirts of Épernay. The tour and tasting are done by the daughter of the house, Manon. She takes the time to answer all your questions and describes in detail the entire Champagne production process. The courtyard where we drank Champagne was less beautiful, but the delicious Champagne more than made up for it! Click here for this nice champagne house in Épernay.

Champagne in Épernay: Champagne boutiques/shops

The Avenue de Champagne is located in the heart of Epernay. A beautiful street which you definitely should visit. On this street, there are all kinds of beautiful big Champagne boutiques where you can buy champagne and sometimes taste them. I definitely recommend you to go inside some boutiques, but don’t expect too much. There are mainly big brands located here and we found it very commercial.

The boutiques we visited were Collard-Picard  and  Moët et Chandon . At Collard-Picard we ordered the Champagne tasting menu in the courtyard. The Champagne was nice, but it was a pity that the ladies who served us the Champagne, obviously just spoke their pre-studied tekst about every Champagne. The building of Moët et Chandon was beautiful to see, huge and very impressive. Inside it was a bit like a Victoria Secrets store. Merchandise products were everywhere. From bath towels to beach bags and standing chairs. Other champagne boutiques that are located here are Mercier , Pol Roger , Champagne Boizel  and  Perrier-Jouët .

Visit Champagne houses in Reims

The above mentioned Champagne houses and boutiques are all located close to Epernay. However, perhaps you have Reims as a base from which you would like to explore the champagne region. Do keep in mind that Reims is a big city and there are only champagne boutiques (shops from a certain brand which will sell the champagne) in the city. This is not the place where the champagne is made. Of course, there are many different champagne tours departing from Reims. So, therefore, you will find below some Champagne houses and tours which you can do from Reims! We have not been able to visit them yet, but according to other people we spoke with, they are very nice to do and visit!

Reims Champagne: Visit the town Passy-Grigny in the middle of the Marne Valley.

Reims champagne: visit the taittinger champagne house and see the vineyards of montagne de reims.

Taittinger is a name you probably have heard before. This famous Champagne house has won many awards and has beautiful wine cellars. During this tour, you will explore these wine cellars, taste a glass of Taittinger Champagne and will then explore the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the most northern part of the champagne area. You will finish this tour with a tasting at a local family champagne boutique! Click here for more information.

Reims Champagne: Visit the Veuve Clicquot boutique and have lunch and a tasting at a local Champagne house

Another big name in the champagne world is, of course, Veuve Clicquot. And that is also where you will start off this day: at their boutique to taste their delicious champagne. This will be followed by a tour through Reims after which you will take off to see the Montagne de Reims (the northern-most part of the Champagne region), with its cute grand cru villages and beautiful vineyards. Hungry yet? You will have a special champagne lunch at a local family champagne house where you will also get an extensive tour around the production facility to see how champagne is created. As finish touch, you will have a tasting of three of their best champagnes. Click here for more information.

Keep in mind: if you are really coming to visit and learn about multiple champagne houses, then we recommend you to stay in the area of Épernay and visit the champagne houses on your own. 

Traveling further south? Then consider visiting  Noyers sur Serein , Chablis or the Mâconnais in Burgundy!

Where to sleep in the Champagne region?

You are in France, so what is more idyllic than staying in a beautiful castle? Unfortunately, I have to shake you awake, accommodation in this area is not cheap and often fully booked months already. So be early with booking your accommodations. Below are my tips for nice hotels in or just outside of Épernay.

Comfort Suites €

This was the hotel where we slept. From the outside a beautiful castle, and inside … oh it was a bit like a hospital but a little further for the price really more than fine! Prices from 54 euros per night (2 people).

This new Chambres d’hofes is located in Baye, just south of Épernay. From the outside you are in a beautiful old castle, inside there are beautiful modern rooms fully equipped. From 160 euros per night including breakfast.

Hôtel La Villa Eugene €€€€

This very chic hotel has a beautiful swimming pool, typically French rooms and the bathroom has a roll-top bath. What else do you want? The location is also great, it is located in the heart of Épernay. Prices from 220 euros per night

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Mercier’s exceptional wine cellars

A visit full of surprises in the vineyards of champagne.

Along the 18 km of Mercier’s underground wine cellars, everything has been designed to impress the visitor: a panoramic elevator, huge low-relief sculptures carved into the wall, giant wine barrels … And, of course, you can round off the visit with a glass of champagne!

Founded in 1858, Mercier has a long history , and one that is different from the other champagne producers of the same period. A unique character , stemming from the colourful personality of Eugène Mercier . A visionary and nonconformist, Eugène Mercier challenged the traditions of the Champagne region by creating a ‘champagne for all occasions’ . Champagne was no longer reserved for the elite, but retained its remarkable quality . 

Designed to impress, the Mercier underground wine cellars are among the most visited in the Champagne region, with more than 100,000 tourists each year.

To promote his brand, Mercier staged many events to attract publicity: a floating bar attached to a hot-air balloon and anchored to the foot of the Chateau de Vincennes (which strong winds transported as far away as Belgium); a film in collaboration with the cinema pioneers , the Lumière brothers …

At Epernay, the Mercier family have opened up their exceptional wine cellars , which were developed by their audacious grandfather, to the public. Designed to impress, the Mercier wine cellars remain the most visited cellars in the Champagne region , with more than 100,000 tourists each year. 

A panoramic elevator, huge sculptures and wine casks

The visit starts with a film which retraces the history of the founder Eugène Mercier. Take the panoramic elevator and find yourself 30 m above the ground! Aboard the little train, with your multilingual audioguide , you travel along the impressive 18 km of tunnels . The wine cellars are the first to have been designed on one level and are set out geometrically. They were inspired by the design of New York and are intended to be easily accessible to visitors!

These splendid galleries are decorated with sculptures , carved into the chalk stone walls by artist Gustave Navlet , which you see as you travel along the tunnels. In the high vaults you can see the famous giant barrel , which contains 213,000 bottles of champagne!

Returning to the surface, enjoy a glass of Mercier champagne . At the far end of the galleries, the Bacchus vault turns out to be a surprising reception room . Beneath the 15-m high ceilings, this sumptuous space is decorated with two gigantic frescos , carved into the chalk stone. An ideal location to prolong the pleasure during private or professional occasions : seminars, cocktail receptions, weddings, etc.

Maison Mercier

68-70, avenue de Champagne

51200 Épernay

Phone: +33 (0)3 26 51 22 22

E-mail: [email protected]

Champagne Mercier website

Vignobles & Découvertes

Champagne VINEYARD : DISCOVER ALSO

Celebrate the end of the Champagne Day in Troyes

Choose a region on the map or in the list below

• Bergerac and Duras
• Loire Valley
• Rhône Valley
• Relax and unwind
• Discover great places to eat
• Discover historic sites
• Taste and buy wine
• Stay at the vineyards
• Walk or pedal in the vineyards
• Learn about wine
• Meet the winemakers
• Go off the beaten track

CHAMPAGNE DE CASTELLANE 

A unique heritage.

Best Champagne Houses to visit

Visit your favorite Champagne House. On the Champagne House map you’ll find the location of each Champagne House in the Champagne region. We advice you to book your visit in advance because availabilities are limited. After your booking you will receive a booking confirmation by email. Book now and pay on arrival.

Destination

Price per person, number of persons, duration of the activity.

Champagne Pommery

Reims Champagne: Tour will lead you to the beautiful and impressive wine cellars. Open on Sunday!

Champagne G.H. Martel & C°

Nice small location, perfect champagne! Good information about the champagne making

Champagne Mumm

Champagne Mumm in Reims promise you “only the best”. Well organised visit, excellent value for money

Champagne Bollinger (Ay)

The Bollinger Tour is an amazing experience, very informative and personal. A must!

Champagne Mercier

Unique cellar Tour by mini train and Champagne tasting in Épernay. Open on Sundays!

Villa Demoiselle - Champagne Vranken

Located on the domain Vranken-Pommery in Reims - Beautiful, unique and great staff!

Champagne Lanson

A true journey of initiation. Champagne Tour includes a visit of the walled vineyard

Champagne Daniel Dumont

Great Tour, excellent host and amazing Champagnes. Highly recommended!

Champagne Pol Couronne

Incredibly informative class learning how to use the saber to open a bottle. Delicious!

Champagne Boizel

The elegance of the Boizel House and Champagnes is carried out in detail.

Champagne Charles de Cazanove

Great guide, very informative, lovely Champagne tasting and great value!

Champagne Comtesse Lafond

Beautiful Chateau on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Personal, friendly and great Tasting!

Champagne Alfred Gratien

Wonderful experience in the center of Epernay. Great guide. Excellent tasting!

Champagne Canard-Duchêne

Champagne Tour near Reims: Cellar Tour, Vineyard visit + Champagne Tasting

Champagne Jacquinot & Fils

Enjoy an excellent Tour in Epernay with an enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte

Really informative and enjoyable tour, with a knowledgeable and very engaging guide.

Champagne Charles Mignon

Nice relaxed and informative tour, in a lovely boutique setting in Epernay. Recommended!

Champagne Michel Fagot

A very nice cellar tour in Rilly-la-Montagne, close to Reims. Magnificent Champagnes!

Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire

An organic Champagne House, with rare and atypical Champagnes, nearby Epernay

Champagne Trichet-Lorain

Enjoy a tasting or educationel Masterclass near Reims. Excellent experience!

Champagne Michel Gonet

Grand Cru Champagne tasting on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Great host, detailed explanation.

Champagne Le Gallais

A Champagne House located within the walls of Château de Boursault. Great vineyard tour!

Champagne Michel Tixier

A small Champagne house in Chigny-les-Roses (nearby Reims). Vineyard tour with electric bikes

Champagne Esterlin

Glamorous Tasting on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Served with Fossier pink biscuits

Champagne Ayala

Visiting the caves and a Champagne Tasting in Aÿ. Top quality Champagne Tour

Champagne Yveline Prat

Warm welcome. Very nice and interesting Tasting in Vert Toulon

Champagne Henri Giraud

A beautiful Grand Cru Champagne House since 1625 in Aÿ. Great experience, very clear and detailed explanation.

Champagne Mangin et Fils

Small winegrower in Leuvrigny. An absolute must if you visit the Champagne region.

Champagne Château de Boursault

Very nice property with picturesque vineyards and castle. Solid Champagnes.

Champagne De Venoge

Excellent Champagne tasting + food pairing on the Avenue de Champagne, Epernay

Explore Champagne’s largest network

Of underground wine cellars..

Discover the secrets behind an iconic Champagne and a symbol of French luxury.

At the heart of the Moët & Chandon Maison lies a unique experience, a moment suspended in time.

Explore the 28-kilometre maze of underground tunnels that form the Moët & Chandon cellars and discover how we make our champagnes – a secret process passed down over the years from one Cellar Master to the next.

More than three centuries of heritage, passion and savoir-faire lie beneath your feet as you walk along the cobbles of Avenue de Champagne.

Situated 10 to 30 metres underground in chalky soil, the Moët & Chandon cellars are the largest in the Champagne region. With a temperature ranging from 10 to 12°C, they are the perfect place for storing the bottles that are currently maturing there.

Are you ready to uncover our secrets?

Brush up on your wine-tasting skills and knowledge of our champagnes thanks to our sommeliers’ explanations.

Finish your unique experience of our Maison in one of our specially provided tasting areas.

AVAILABLE TO TASTE (CHOICE ACCORDING TO YOUR TOUR)

• MOËT IMPÉRIAL
• MOËT IMPÉRIAL & ROSÉ IMPÉRIAL
• MOËT GRAND VINTAGE BLANC & ROSÉ (current vintage)
• MOËT ICE IMPÉRIAL BLANC & ROSÉ (summer only)

Our Maison Ambassador will reveal to you the elaboration of Moët Imperial champagne, the flagship of the Maison, as well as of that of our ‘’Grand Vintage’’ Cuvées. The explanation will be illustrated by a comparative tasting of those two, including our current vintage.​

Cellar tour and tasting of 2 glasses – Moët Imperial and Moët Vintage champagnes.

• Tour: 1 hr 30 min
• Number of people per group: 15
• MOËT GRAND VINTAGE BLANC

Dare to step into the biggest Champagne cellar in company of our Maison Ambassador and discover 2 facets of Moët & Chandon style – white and rosé.

Cellar tour and tasting of 2 glasses – Moët Imperial and Rosé Imperial champagnes.

• Number of people per group: 19
• MOËT ROSÉ IMPÉRIAL

For the tasting of the Maison ‘’Grand Vintage’’ champagnes as an interpretation of one exceptional year, you will be escorted into a private tasting lounge.

Cellar tour and tasting of 2 glasses – Grand Vintages Blanc and Rosé champagnes.

• Number of people per group: 10
• MOET GRAND VINTAGE BLANC
• MOET GRAND VINTAGE ROSÉ

Peek behind the scenes and behold the creative universe that brings you the new cuvée of Haute Œnologie « Collection Impériale ».

Be among the first to discover this champagne through a invigorating multi-sensorial experience accompanied by a cellar tour.

• Tour: 2 hr 00 min
• Number of people per group: 6
• Moët Impérial Champagne
• Grand Vintage Blanc matured in a Magnum bottle
• Collection Impériale création N°1

Destined to grand wine lovers, this tour will make you travel in time through our vintages. The tasting comprises a glass of our current "Grand Vintage" champagne and a glass of an older vintage with more than 14 years of maturation.

Content: Cellar tour and tasting of our Moët Grand Vintage and Grand Vintage Collection champagnes.​

• MOËT GRAND VINTAGE COLLECTION BLANC

An experience based on our wine-growing and historical heritage : discover the vineyards of the private Fort Chabrol site with a visit to our cellars and a tasting of our vintage champagnes: Grand Vintage Blanc and Grand Vintage Rosé.

• Tour: 2 hr 30 min
• MOËT GRAND VINTAGE ROSÉ

Moët & Chandon 20 avenue de Champagne, 51200 Epernay, France

By car: 1 hour 30 min. from the Paris Périphérique ringroad via the A4 motorway

By train: 1 hour 20 min. from Paris Gare de l'Est to Epernay station Moët & Chandon is a five-minute walk from the station.

The cellars have a lift and a special entrance for wheelchair users

What is the difference between the various tour packages?

All the tours take exactly the same route through the cellars. The only difference is in the tasting sessions offered at the end of each guided tour.

Do you offer tours without tasting sessions?

No, all our tours include tasting sessions.

Can we come for a tasting session without taking a tour?

Yes, we began allowing visitors to come and taste our champagnes in 2020.

Are bookings mandatory?

As places are limited and tours led by a professional guide, we recommend you book your visit online at: www.moet.com.

Can children come on a tour?

Our tours are for everyone and we offer free admission for children under 10 and a reduced price (without the tasting session) for teenagers aged 10 to 17.

Does the tour include a visit to the cellars?

We visit part of the 28 km of cellars, where maturing bottles intended for production are visible.

Do you organise any tours of the Moët & Chandon vineyard and production buildings?

The Maison’s vineyard extends throughout the entire Champagne region, and no plots are immediately adjacent to the visitor’s centre. Our production buildings are not open to the public.

Can we go to the shop even if we haven’t been on a tour of the cellars?

Of course! The shop is open to everyone.

Are pets allowed on-site?

We have an obligation to meet the standards associated with our food safety certifications and, as such, no pets are allowed on our premises.

Can visitors buy something to eat on-site?

We do not have any catering facilities - we only offer champagne tasting sessions.

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« Much like his champagne, as soon as Monsieur Moët enters the rooms boredom disappears. »