The Must-sees 3h30 from Epernay (Private Half day Champagne Tour)

You will discover the historic hillsides of Aÿ-Champagne which are classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its famous Grand Cru vineyards. Do you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry and still has a very special place ? The kings of France had their own presses there from the 16th century and the wines of Champagne were formerly called "Wines of Aÿ". You will discover the historic village and its famous vineyard mainly planted with Pinot noir where we will tell you about the work of the vines, the grape varieties, this exceptional Terroir, sustainable viticulture... We will also stop in front of the headquarters of famous Champagne Houses of Aÿ such as Bollinger, Deutz, Ayala... You will taste the 3 famous Champagne spirits from the Goyard Distillery in Aÿ, which is the oldest Champagne Distillery founded in 1911 : Ratafia of Champagne, Fine of Marne, Marc of Champagne.

We will also pass through this 1st Cru village with its historic hillsides classified as well as World Heritage Site by Unesco and mainly planted with Pinot Noir. We will pass in front of the headquarters of more confidential Champagne Houses : Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat. We will stop in the heart of the vineyards to admire one of the most beautiful views of Champagne from the "Site du Mont du Gruguet" viewpoint. You will discover an exceptional panorama from where you will see both the famous "Côte des Blancs", kingdom of Chardonnay Grand cru and the villages and vineyards of the "Vallée la Marne" on the historic hillsides of Champagne, where Champagne was born .

We will also cross this small wine-growing village in the heart of the vineyards which is located above Aÿ. A charming early 16th century church overlooks the vines.

We will stop in the unmissable village of Hautvillers in its hillsides classified as World Heritage by UNESCO to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Champagne, in the vineyard exactly where Dom Pérignon conducted his experiments. It is the ideal place in the heart of the vineyards to take unforgettable photos of you and this breathtaking landscape! We will visit the first of the 2 families of independent producers/growers that you will discover during this day with explanations of the champagne production process, visit of the presses, wineries and cellars. You will taste there, during a commented tasting, 3 different Champagnes mainly composed of Pinot Noir*. *depending on the season and availability, this visit/tastings may take place in a village of the "Côte des Blancs" or in Aÿ-Champagne.

Hautvillers is a historic village of the 'Vallée de la Marne" called the Cradle of Champagne and known for its history with the famous monk Dom Pérignon "Spiritual father of Champagne". We will visit the church where he officiated for 40 years and where he now rests forever. I will tell you his story and you will finally know whether or not he is the inventor of Champagne !

Another must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site that we will cross is the "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyards. It is considered the most expensive Avenue in the world with its prestigious Champagne houses, its mansions and its 100 kilometers of cellars which hide 200 million bottles. We will cross this Avenue for a good kilometer to explain the history of its superb mansions and production buildings belonging for centuries to the Champagne Houses Moët and Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger to name a few.