Food & Champagne Experience From Epernay (Private Tour)

Exploring the renowned Champagne region through its flavors and traditions, the Food & Champagne Experience from Epernay offers an exclusive private tour. Led by a passionate local expert, guests enjoy the art of Champagne production, uncovering its secrets and savoring its delights. With visits to prestigious family estates, tastings of sparkling wines, local specialties, and rare spirits, this tour promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. But the true highlight may lie in the unexpected discoveries that await those willing to embark on this journey.

Key Points

• A private, guided tour in Epernay, Champagne, France, with a 92% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.
• Includes visits to 3 family estates, 15 tastings of various beverages, and transportation in electric and premium vehicles.
• Offers opportunities for food and Champagne pairing experiences and tastings of local specialties like Ratafias and Fine de la Marne.
• Flexible meeting and pickup options, with direct pickup from accommodations within 6 km of Epernay or a meeting point in the city.
• Tour price starts from $699.34 per person, with a Lowest Price Guarantee and a Reserve now and pay later option.

Tour Overview and Details

The private tour in Epernay, Champagne, France, boasts a 92% recommendation rate from 25 reviews and a Badge of Excellence.

It includes pickup and drop-off within 6 km of Epernay, visits to 3 family estates, and 15 tastings of Champagnes, local wines, aperitifs, and spirits.

Guests will discover Ratafias, Fine de la Marne, Marc de Champagne, and Coteaux-Champenois.

Transportation is provided in various vehicles, such as an Electric E-Mehari, Premium Van, and Minivan.

The tour starts at 9:30 am and is a private experience guided by a passionate local expert.

What to Expect

This private tour is exclusively for your group, guided by a passionate local expert.

Guests can expect to visit three family estates of Champagne Grand Cru and Premier Cru producers, with opportunities for food and Champagne pairing experiences.

The tour includes 15 tastings, from Champagnes to local wines, aperitifs, and spirits. Guests will discover regional specialties like Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne.

Though not wheelchair accessible, transportation is provided in various vehicles, including an electric E-Mehari.

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Flexible meeting points or direct pickup options are available for this tour.

• Guests can be picked up directly from their accommodation within 6 km of Epernay.

• For those staying outside the pickup radius, a meeting point in Epernay can be arranged.

• Those traveling from Reims can join the tour through a separate option, which is a 40-minute drive from Epernay.

This allows for convenient and customizable transportation to the start of the Champagne experience.

Visiting Family Estates

After being picked up from their accommodation or meeting point, guests embark on a journey to discover the family estates of Champagne Grand Cru and Premier Cru producers.

They visit three estates, learning about the unique terroir and production methods. Guests experience nine Champagne tastings, exploring the subtle nuances between Grand Cru and Premier Cru.

The tour also introduces them to local wines, aperitifs, and spirits, including Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne.

Throughout the experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the craft and tradition of Champagne-making at these family-owned estates.

Discovering Ratafias and Local Specialties

While exploring the family estates, guests also discover the local specialties of the Champagne region.

The tour includes tastings of:

• Ratafias – sweet and syrupy liqueurs made from macerated fruit
• Fine de la Marne – a brandy distilled from Champagne wine
• Marc de Champagne – the pomace brandy produced from grape skins and seeds after pressing

These unique regional products offer a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Champagne.

Guests have the opportunity to sample these distinctive libations and learn about their traditional production methods from the knowledgeable local guide.

Transportation Options

The tour offers guests a variety of transportation options to suit their needs. Visitors can choose from an electric E-Mehari, a premium van, or a minivan.

These vehicles provide comfortable and eco-friendly ways to explore the Champagne region. The tour includes pickup and drop-off within a 6-kilometer radius of Epernay, ensuring a seamless start and end to the experience.

For guests staying in Reims, a 40-minute drive from Epernay, another tour option is available. The transportation accommodates small groups, allowing for an intimate and personalized tour throughout the renowned Champagne estates.

Reviews and Feedback

What do the reviews and feedback for this tour indicate? Based on 25 reviews, the tour maintains an impressive 92% recommendation rate and an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Guests highlighted the:

• Knowledgeable and passionate local guides
• Beautiful views and balanced Champagne tastings
• Small group sizes and engaging experiences

However, some guests expressed concerns about the lunch quality and vehicle comfort.

Plus, a few felt the tour was slightly overpriced.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour price starts from $699.34 per person, with a Lowest Price Guarantee.

Reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding value for money, with some guests feeling the tour was overpriced. However, many guests expressed enjoyment and recommended the experience for its educational and enjoyable aspects.

Booking is available with a Reserve now and pay later option. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience.

Ask Away

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Champagne on the Tour?

Yes, guests can purchase additional bottles of champagne during the tour. The tour includes 15 tastings, but visitors are welcome to buy extra bottles from the family estates visited on the private tour.

Do We Have Time for a Sit-Down Meal During the Tour?

The tour includes 15 tastings, but doesn’t have a scheduled sit-down meal. However, guests may have the opportunity for food and Champagne pairing experiences during the tour. You’ll need to check with the tour provider for details.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary or Tastings?

According to the tour overview, the itinerary and tastings can be customized. Guests can inquire about opportunities for food and Champagne pairing experiences during the private tour. The tour guide is a local expert who can tailor the experience to the group’s preferences.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Snacks on the Tour?

Guests can bring their own snacks or light food items on the tour, but the focus is on the Champagne and local wine tastings. The tour includes 15 tastings and opportunities for Champagne and food pairing experiences.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Estate Visits?

There are no explicit restrictions on photography during the estate visits. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the guide on any specific guidelines at each location.

Final Words

The Food & Champagne Experience from Epernay offers an immersive and exclusive private tour that invites guests to indulge in the rich flavors of the Champagne region. With visits to three prestigious family estates, 15 tastings, and traditional food pairings, this tour promises a memorable culinary adventure. Flexible pickup options and a commitment to quality make this experience a must-do for any Champagne enthusiast.