Epernay is the beating heart of France’s Champagne region, and it’s a fantastic place for exploring everything bubbly. With its grand Avenue de Champagne lined with famous houses, intimate family wineries, and scenic vineyard vistas, the town offers a range of experiences tailored for curious wine lovers and casual visitors alike. Whether you’re after a comprehensive small-group tour with a gourmet lunch, a private tasting in a boutique house, or an outdoor vineyard adventure, Epernay has a lot to offer. Our favorite? The Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch combines expert storytelling with authentic visits, making it a top pick for its excellent value and memorable experience.
Eager to explore beyond the usual cellar visits? You might enjoy a Jeep tour of the vineyards, offering an exhilarating outdoor perspective on the Champagne landscape. Or, for those short on time but craving a taste of the region’s essence, the Discovery tour with two tastings provides a quick, enjoyable intro. For a more personalized and luxurious experience, the Private Boutique Houses Tour offers an exclusive, leisurely day among smaller producers. Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each of these top-rated experiences to help you decide which fits your interests and style.
1. Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay
At number 1, this Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch has earned a perfect 5-star rating with 86 reviews. It’s a well-rounded, half-day experience perfect for travelers seeking an immersive introduction to Champagne. Starting with a drive along the celebrated Avenue de Champagne, you’ll see the grand facades of some of the world’s most famous houses, setting the scene for a deeper understanding of Champagne’s history and production. The tour also includes a visit to a family-run winery—an authentic peek into smaller-scale, passionate Champagne making.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of educational storytelling and hands-on tasting sessions. You get to sample multiple cuvées, learning how each is crafted and what makes them unique. The highlight? A two-hour 30-minute lunch featuring French cuisine paired perfectly with Champagne, giving you a true taste of the region’s culinary and vinous excellence. The guide makes the complex production process accessible and engaging, and reviews highlight how knowledgeable and personable the guide is.
This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive experience that balances sightseeing, tasting, and a delicious meal. At around $249.63 per person, it offers outstanding value given the quality, personalized attention, and included lunch. Expect a lively, friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager for a deep dive into Champagne’s world.
Bottom line: An ideal choice for first-timers who want a balanced mix of history, tasting, and authentic local charm—all in one memorable package.
2. Discovery tour (2 tastings)
Number 2 on our list, the Discovery tour with 2 tastings, is perfect for those on a budget or short on time. For around $22.51, you get a one-hour guided visit of Champagne Charles Mignon’s cellars, with a focus on the production process. It’s a convivial, straightforward experience that demystifies the steps from grape to glass, with plenty of opportunity for questions. The highlight is sampling four generous glasses of Champagne, which makes this more than just a quick peek.
What makes this tour unique is its simplicity and value. It offers insight into Champagne making without the overwhelm of larger group tours, accompanied by friendly, professional staff. Visitors frequently mention how Allan and Edita, the guides, provide clear, engaging explanations—one reviewer called Edita “very knowledgeable and informative.” It’s an excellent choice if you want a taste of Champagne in an intimate setting, especially if you’re new to the scene.
This tour is ideally suited for travelers with a limited schedule or those who want a relaxed, affordable introduction to the region’s bubbly. Its short duration means you’ll have free time afterward to explore Epernay or visit other sights.
Bottom line: A simple, well-reviewed experience that provides a solid foundation for understanding Champagne, with friendly guides and a generous tasting.
3. The Connoisseurs from Epernay (Private Half day Champagne Tour)
Number 3 is the Connoisseurs from Epernay, a private tour rated 5 stars by 48 reviewers. It offers a more tailored experience, focusing on the Grand Cru vineyards of Côte des Blancs and the UNESCO-listed village of Hautvillers, famously called the “Cradle of Champagne.” This 3.5-hour tour includes visits to small family wineries, visits to the church of Dom Pérignon, and panoramic viewpoints over the vineyards—perfect for those who want a more intimate, educational experience.
This tour shines because of its focus on the viticulture, with explanations of vineyard management and a behind-the-scenes look at production at smaller growers. The private setting allows for personalized attention, and the guide’s enthusiasm makes the history come alive. Notably, visitors comment on the guide Svetlana’s knowledge and friendliness, which enhances the experience. You’ll also visit the iconic church where Dom Pérignon is buried—an essential stop for Champagne enthusiasts.
At $298.40 per person, this tour offers a more exclusive look at Champagne’s smaller producers and the landscape that defines the region. It’s best suited for travelers who want a more refined, relaxed experience with a focus on vineyard landscapes and storytelling.
Bottom line: For those looking for a private, in-depth exploration of Champagne’s vineyards and small producers, this tour delivers a personalized touch and rich insights.
4. Epernay: Jeep tour of the vineyards with tasting and visits
Number 4 brings a bit of adventure with the Jeep tour of the vineyards. Costing $234 per group up to three people, this 2.5-hour outdoor excursion is ideal if you prefer active exploration. You’ll sit in a 4×4 Jeep, bouncing over the hillsides, visiting key vineyard sites, and taking in the scenic views that define Champagne’s rolling landscape.
What makes this experience stand out is its off-the-beaten-path approach. Instead of traditional cellar visits, you get a private, outdoor perspective on the landscape that shapes Champagne. The tour includes tastings at stunning viewpoints, with local producers guiding you through the process of vineyard management and grape selection. The small group size promises an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for couples or small groups who want a fun, memorable adventure outside the usual cellar tour.
Reviews mention the tour’s “great outdoors” and the uniqueness of a private vineyard visit. The only potential drawback is that it’s less about cellar exploration and more about scenery, so if your main goal is tasting inside historic cellars, this might not be your best pick.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing and Champagne tasting with an outdoor twist.
5. Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting
Number 5 offers a lively, alternative way to experience Champagne via the Epernay and Vineyards tour. For $118.68 per person, you’ll hop aboard a double-decker bus—an unusual and fun way to explore the region. This 2-hour 15-minute excursion is filled with commentary, panoramic views, and a bit of theater, including a tasting at Bollinger and other historic houses.
The highlight is the public, festive atmosphere, making it an engaging experience for groups or those who enjoy a more interactive approach. You’ll get explanations of vineyard history, Champagne production, and local anecdotes, with the bonus of being filmed by pedestrians, adding a playful touch. The tour is not in English, which might be a consideration, but reviewers still find it enjoyable even if they don’t speak French fluently.
Designed for those wanting a relaxed, social experience with a taste of Champagne’s landscape and history, this tour suits travelers interested in a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and fun storytelling.
Bottom line: A unique, lively way to explore Champagne’s landscape from atop a double-decker bus, perfect for those seeking a lively, social outing.
6. Epernay: Shuttle to a botanical outing
Number 6 is a different kind of experience—a botanical outing by shuttle. While details are limited, it promises a 2-hour walk through the hillsides near the river, focusing on the biodiversity of the vineyards. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and those curious about the flora that accompanies Champagne production.
The tour’s main appeal is the peaceful, scenic environment and the chance to understand the ecosystem around the vineyards. It’s a good complement if you’ve already visited the cellars or just want a calmer, educational outdoor experience.
Practical considerations include checking availability and times, as these can vary. It’s best suited for visitors wanting a leisurely, educational walk rather than a tasting-focused tour.
Bottom line: A peaceful, nature-based experience that deepens your appreciation for the environment behind Champagne.
7. Champagne: Boutique Houses Tour with Restaurant (Private)
For those craving exclusivity, the Boutique Houses Tour with Restaurant offers a private, tailored experience. Lasting around 8 hours, it includes visits to two boutique Champagne houses, a three-course gourmet lunch, and a private Mercedes vehicle for transportation.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want an upscale, personalized day among smaller producers, often with a focus on culinary pairing. The itinerary is flexible but typically covers visits to both larger and smaller, family-run Champagne houses. The guide helps you discover the nuances of different styles and craftsmanship, giving you a well-rounded perspective.
Based on reviews, the experience is highly praised for its smooth organization and the quality of both tastings and lunch. It’s suited for connoisseurs, foodies, or travelers celebrating a special occasion. The full-day length makes it less ideal if you’re short on time.
Bottom line: A luxurious, private experience perfect for couples or small groups seeking a taste of Champagne’s boutique scene and refined cuisine.
8. Reims: Big and small wineries day tour
Finally, the Reims Big and Small Wineries day tour is a comprehensive, full-day trip with a 5-star review from just one person so far. It covers a mix of historic big-brand Champagne houses and intimate small producers, providing a well-balanced view of the region’s diversity.
You’ll visit an iconic Champagne house with historic cellars, taste a variety of Champagnes, and enjoy a three-course lunch paired with bubbly. The scenic vineyard landscapes and the blend of tradition and innovation make this an excellent choice for those who want an all-in-one experience.
While it’s more expensive at $796 per person, it’s packed with highlights and suited for serious Champagne lovers who want an in-depth, professionally guided day. The full 7-hour itinerary ensures you get a thorough taste of the region’s rich offerings.
Bottom line: A premium, all-encompassing tour that’s perfect for travelers wanting a complete Champagne experience, combining history, tastings, and scenery.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Epernay
When selecting your ideal Champagne experience, consider your budget, time, and specific interests. If you want a comprehensive taste of the region with lunch and storytelling, the Champagne Small-Group Tour offers excellent value. For a more personalized, private adventure, the Boutique Houses tour is unbeatable. Budget travelers or those short on time will appreciate the discovery tour, while outdoor enthusiasts should consider the Jeep Vineyard Tour.
If you’re after something unique and lively, the double-decker bus combines sightseeing and fun storytelling, even if it’s not in English. For those curious about the environment, the botanical outing offers a peaceful walk through the vineyards’ biodiversity. Finally, serious Champagne connoisseurs may prefer the full-day Reims tour with its extensive tastings and scenic views.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or full-day tours, as they tend to fill up quickly—particularly in peak seasons. Consider what fits your pace and interest level, then match that with the tour that appeals most.
Final thoughts
Epernay’s range of Champagne tours makes it a must-visit for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. For a balance of education, tasting, and local charm, the small-group experience stands out, especially if you want a well-rounded day. Those seeking privacy and small-scale boutique visits will find the private boutique tour irresistible. And if outdoor adventure excites you, the Jeep vineyard ride offers a memorable twist.
Whatever your style, booking your Champagne experience early will help ensure you get your preferred date and the best possible service. Cheers to a sparkling journey in one of France’s most beloved wine regions!