An Epernay Champagne Tour to See the Best Wineries

Discover the region’s top houses with a memorable Epernay champagne tour and explore stunning vineyards while tasting great blends.

For any wine connoisseur, the Champagne region of France is a must-have on the list of places to visit. The French province produces the famous sparkling wine of the same name, and Épernay is one of its top destinations.

Steeped in lush vineyards, the commune is home to some of the largest champagne names in the world. Most of these manufacturers are on Avenue de Champagne, the region’s most famous street. So, you see why a wine tour around Épernay is worth the effort. The best visit should include some of the following stops.

Champagne Möet & Chandon

No Epernay champagne tour would be complete without a visit to the most notable sparkling wine manufacturer – Möet and Chandon. The house boasts some of the latest technologies that allow it to continue producing world-class drinks.

However, it still maintains various traditional techniques to keep the brand genuine. You can learn about all this as you explore the Moët & Chandon 28-Km cellars that form impressive labyrinths to tell a rich history. Taste a few of the house’s leading variants and maybe have a delicious lunch while marveling at the gorgeous scenery the vineyards offer.

Champagne Mercier

The underground tunnels at Maison Mercier are one reason the house is a favorite for champagne tours. Eugene Mercer, the founder, dug the tunnels in 1871 to improve accessibility.

Now, visitors can ride a train along the more than 18 Km of tunnels to discover some of Champagne’s heritage. You can also catch a glimpse of the 200,000-bottle wine barrel, which Mercier made in 1889, and was the largest in the world at the time. During the tour, you can try the brand’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

Champagne Leblanc-Collard

Right in the heart of champagne country is the family-run Leblanc-Collard, showcasing well-kept vineyards. With a history that goes back to 1751, the manufacturer has a wealth of experience in making superior-quality champagne.

Learn how the maison produces its top drinks, from the pressing of the grapes to the meticulous aging. The independent winegrower goes to great lengths to preserve the integrity of the terroir with sustainable practices. Taste a vintage cuvée or one of the brand’s non-vintage blends while exploring the cellars.

Champagne Comtesse Lafond

The Comtesse Lafond Chateau is one of the maisons along Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. It’s a majestic building that speaks of the brand’s elegance from afar. As the only building in its style on the street, it’s hard to miss.

Founded in the 19th century by Comtesse Lafond, the maison is full of history you can discover during your visit. Find out about the prestigious cuvées from the manufacturer that carry the founder’s name. Take a cellar tour to see where the wine-making happens. Taste one or all three grape varieties the manufacturer uses for its most popular offerings.

Champagne Le Gallais

Located a few kilometers from Épernay in Boursault, Champagne Le Gallais offers breathtaking views of the Marne Valley. The champagne house dates back to 1927 with the acquisition of the Boursault estate by Hachod Fringhian.

A guided cellar tour highlights the history of the place and the production process. Several of the house vintages are available for tasting to give visitors a proper insight into the quality of the terroir.

Le Gallais has a champagne and cheese pairing workshop, a wine Masterclass, and a nose workshop that would be perfect for an aficionado who wants to learn more about the business.

Champagne de Castellane

Although it might not be as big a name as other maisons on this list, Castellane is a first-grade manufacturer. The house’s biggest attraction is the 66-m tower that stands out in Épernay. It gives visitors an awe-striking view of the neighboring vineyards. You can take pictures of the fantastic vistas.

The winery makes visits educational with a comprehensive tour of the museum. Learn the basics of wine-making and get lost in the region’s history. Walk the over 6 km of wine cellars and see how the manufacturer ages its wines. Complete your tour with a brut tasting.

Whether you prefer solo or group tours, Épernay provides some unforgettable options. Visit Champagne’s leading wineries with guided tours of the region. From Chardonnay to Rosé, learn how different French sparkling wines are made and the history of the famous maisons.

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