Epernay, often called the Champagne capital of the world, is the perfect place to explore France’s bubbly heritage firsthand. Unlike larger cities, Epernay’s intimate size and concentration of Champagne houses mean many tours focus on authentic visits to family-run wineries, exclusive tastings, and scenic vineyard strolls. We’re particularly fond of tours that combine rich stories with hands-on experiences — like the Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay, which offers a well-rounded half-day in a small-group setting. This tour captures the essence of the region: tasting top-tier Champagne, enjoying a delightful French lunch, and exploring both famous houses and small producers.
Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious connoisseur, these tours showcase the range of what Epernay has to offer. From brief cellar visits to full-day private excursions, there’s something to match your schedule and curiosity. Below, we’ve curated the top six options, highlighting what makes each one unique and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay
This is the tour we most recommend for those who want a taste of everything — history, Champagne tastings, a scenic drive, and a delicious meal, all within about five hours. Starting in Epernay, you’ll explore the famous Avenue de Champagne, where many of the largest Champagne houses are located. But the real highlight is visiting a family-run winery, which offers a more intimate experience, free from the crowds of the big brands.
The tour includes a rundown of the Champagne-making process, with tastings of different cuvees at several stops. The lunch is typically a well-curated French meal, perfectly paired with Champagne, giving you a real sense of the region’s gastronomy. The itinerary features a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hautvillers village, home to Dom Pérignon’s church, and a walk along the vineyard-lined hills.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of education, tasting, and authentic local charm. The reviews consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and warmth, making it a favorite for first-timers and seasoned fans alike. At $249.63 per person, it offers excellent value considering the inclusions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a full, immersive half-day experience with great variety, excellent tastings, and a scenic drive through the Champagne region.
2. Discovery Tour (2 Tastings)
If your schedule is tight but you still want a genuine Champagne experience, the Discovery Tour offers a quick yet satisfying peek into Champagne production. Lasting about an hour, this tour at Champagne Charles Mignon focuses on showing how Champagne is made and offers the chance to taste four generous glasses of Champagne.
The tour emphasizes a friendly and approachable atmosphere, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those on a budget. Allan, the guide, is known for his engaging explanations, making complex processes easy to understand. The price of around $22.50 per person makes this an excellent introduction without a big time commitment.
Guests often comment on the generous tastings and knowledgeable staff, with many appreciating the opportunity to ask questions about Champagne’s history and production. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to get a sense of the region’s craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: A no-fuss, budget-friendly introduction to Champagne making, perfect for travelers short on time or looking for a casual experience.
3. The Connoisseurs from Epernay (Private Half-day Champagne Tour)
For those seeking a more personalized, behind-the-scenes experience, the Connoisseurs Tour delivers just that. This private tour lasts about 3.5 hours and takes you into the Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs and the historic village of Hautvillers, known as the “Cradle of Champagne.”
Your guide will introduce you to small family producers, where you’ll visit vineyards, see the presses, and explore traditional cellars. The tour also includes a private visit to the church where Dom Pérignon is buried, with stories that clarify his true role in Champagne history. One highlight is the viewpoint overlooking the vineyards, perfect for photos and learning about viticulture.
What makes this tour exceptional is its focus on small producers and the terroir—offering tastings of unique Champagnes that bigger houses don’t provide. Visitors appreciate Svetlana’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge, with reviews praising the private, relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine lovers who want a tailored, intimate experience exploring small vineyards and historical sites with a knowledgeable guide.
4. Epernay: Jeep tour of the vineyards with tasting and visits
Looking for something a little different? The Jeep Tour of the Vineyards combines outdoor adventure with wine tasting. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll explore the outdoor landscapes of Champagne’s vineyards aboard a rugged Jeep, perfect for those who enjoy a more active approach.
This tour offers a private, off-the-beaten-path experience, with visits to magnificent viewpoints that reveal the sprawling vineyards and rolling hills. The guide shares insights into viticulture and Champagne production, making the experience both fun and informative. Tasting local Champagnes at scenic stops adds a delicious complement to the scenery.
The group size is small, and the experience feels exclusive. It’s especially good for travelers who want a more dynamic, outdoor-focused way to see the vineyards, away from the formal cellar visits.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers seeking a unique outdoor experience combined with tastings and stunning vineyard views.
5. Champagne: Boutique Houses Tour with Restaurant (Private)
For those wanting an all-day, luxury experience, this private Boutique Houses Tour offers a seamless blend of visits, tastings, and fine dining. Starting from either Épernay or Reims, you’ll enjoy a private Mercedes ride through the countryside to two select boutique Champagne producers.
Each house visit includes a tasting of their best bottles, often with behind-the-scenes insights into their craftsmanship. The three-course lunch is carefully curated to complement the Champagne, making this a gourmet outing. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you see hidden gems and learn about the nuances of different production styles.
This experience is best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort, privacy, and culinary excellence. The full 8-hour itinerary allows plenty of time for relaxed exploration and personalized attention, with the bonus of visiting less commercialized producers.
Reviews rate this experience as highly memorable, especially for those seeking a luxurious, customizable day in Champagne.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a private, gourmet, and tailored Champagne tour.
6. Reims: Big and small wineries day tour
Though focused on Reims, this Big and Small Wineries Tour is a comprehensive day trip that pairs the grandeur of iconic Champagne houses with the charm of smaller producers. Lasting about 7 hours, it offers a well-balanced look at both large historic cellars and intimate boutique wineries.
The tour includes a visit to a prestigious Champagne house, exploring their massive underground cellars before sampling the signature cuvees. Then, you’ll visit smaller producers for tastings of unique, handcrafted Champagnes. The lunch is a three-course affair, carefully paired with Champagne, rounding out the day.
Guests appreciate the diversity of experiences and the chance to see both tradition and innovation in Champagne production. The guide’s storytelling makes the history of Champagne accessible and engaging, with reviews praising the scenic vineyard vistas and variety in tastings.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a full-day, varied experience that combines the grandeur of historic houses with the intimacy of small producers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Champagne Tour
When deciding among these options, think about your budget, time availability, and interests. For a well-rounded half-day with lunch, the Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch is hard to beat. If you only have an hour or want a quick overview, the Discovery Tour offers great value.
Serious wine aficionados will love the Private Connoisseurs Tour, with its focus on small producers and vineyard visits. For those craving outdoor adventure, the Jeep Vineyard Tour provides scenic views and a fun ride through the vineyards.
Finally, if luxury and personalized service are your priorities, the Boutique Houses Tour offers a full day of exclusive visits with gourmet meals. For a comprehensive experience, the Reims day tour combines grand houses with boutique producers for a well-rounded perspective.
Remember to book early, especially for private or luxury experiences, as they tend to fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Epernay offers a wide variety of Champagne experiences tailored to different interests and budgets. For a crowd-free, intimate introduction, the Small-Group Tour is a top pick. If time is limited, a quick discovery tour provides a taste of the region’s craftsmanship.
Serious enthusiasts should consider the private Connoisseurs Tour for a deeper dive, while outdoor lovers will enjoy the Jeep vineyard excursion. For a luxurious, full-day experience, the Boutique Houses Tour delivers elegance and exclusivity.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance will ensure you secure your spot for an unforgettable Champagne adventure in Epernay.