Experience the Art of Champagne with a Class and Lunch near Epernay
This tour takes you into the heart of France’s Champagne region, starting from the charming village of Mareuil-sur-Ay. For just over three hours, you’ll visit a traditional family-run Champagne house, Le Clos Corbier, where you’ll explore historic cellars from the 1850s. The highlight? A guided champagne tasting class, combining expert insights with fun, hands-on activities like a blind tasting challenge. To round out the experience, a delicious 3-course French lunch paired with regional wines provides a true taste of local life.
What we love most is how this tour balances education and enjoyment—you’ll learn about champagne making in a relaxed setting, and the small group size (max 12 people) fosters a warm, friendly vibe. Plus, sampling small producers offers a refreshing alternative to big-name brands, giving you a sense of the region’s authentic craftsmanship.
One thing to consider is the lack of private transportation included—so it’s best suited for those comfortable getting to the meeting point in Aÿ-Champagne. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic experiences, small-group intimacy, and a well-rounded immersion into French culture and bubbly.
Key Points
- Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a convivial atmosphere.
- Expert-led champagne tasting with blind tests sharpens your senses and knowledge.
- Regional lunch pairs traditional French dishes with champagne, offering true local flavor.
- Visit to historic cellars gives insight into the champagne-making process and regional history.
- Diverse tastings include at least three champagnes from small wineries, plus regional wine and liquor.
- Accessible location near Paris and Epernay makes this a convenient day trip for many travelers.
A Full Breakdown of the Experience
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Starting Point in Mareuil-sur-Ay
You’ll meet your guide at 10:30am at a classic Champagne house in the village of Mareuil-sur-Ay, a picturesque spot surrounded by vineyards. The setting immediately sets the tone—authentic, relaxed, and intimate. We loved the way the guide welcomed everyone, setting a friendly tone that carried through the entire tour.
Tour of the Cellars and Champagne Making
The journey begins with a visit to cellars dug in the 1850s—imagine walking through tunnels that have stored bubbles for over a century! Here, you’ll see a traditional press used in champagne production and learn the secrets behind the delicate process that turns grapes into sparkling wine. The guide’s explanations are clear and engaging, making complex processes accessible whether you’re a wine novice or a bubbly enthusiast.
Champagne Tasting and Olfactory Workshop
Next, you’ll settle in for a champagne tasting class. The guide, often a knowledgeable local, will teach you how to recognize the different aromas and flavors, sharpening your nose with an olfactory workshop. We found this part both fun and educational—”training your nose” to identify scents like fresh bread, citrus, or toasted nuts adds a playful element.
The blind tasting portion is a highlight, challenging you to distinguish between three champagnes from small, family-run wineries. Multiple reviews mention how engaging and enjoyable this is—some describe it as a friendly competition that sparks a bit of rivalry in identifying the wines. You’ll also sample regional snacks, which elevate the tasting experience by providing palate cleansers and local flavors.
Lunch: French Cuisine Paired with Champagne
After working up an appreciation for bubbly, it’s time for a three-course lunch. The menu features homemade regional specialties such as pâté en croute, Langres cheese, or pink biscuit cake—all paired with different champagnes. This is a casual affair, but one that feels authentically French and generous in flavor. The lunch is flexible to accommodate allergies or dietary preferences, which many reviewers appreciated.
Along With champagne, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Coteaux Champenois, a local red wine, and Ratafia, a regional liquor—adding depth to your understanding of regional drinks. Guests consistently praise the quality and authenticity of the meal, describing it as “delicious” and “fabulous.”
End of Tour and Additional Tips
The tour wraps up around 1:30pm, leaving you with plenty of time to continue exploring the region—whether that’s visiting other wineries or enjoying the scenic vineyards. The whole experience, from start to finish, is designed to be immersive and fun, with many reviews emphasizing how it fosters a sense of discovery and camaraderie.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews highlight guides like Xavier, Emilie, and Marie as engaging, friendly, and well-informed. Their ability to share detailed insights while keeping the atmosphere relaxed makes all the difference.
Authentic Small Producers: Sampling wines from small wineries offers a genuine taste of the region, often missing from larger, commercial tours. This focus on family-run businesses makes the experience more personal and memorable.
Interactive Learning: The blind tasting, aroma exercises, and quizzes turn a wine tasting into a playful, educational activity—perfect for those wanting to deepen their understanding without feeling overwhelmed.
Regional Flavors: The lunch isn’t just a meal; it’s a demonstration of regional French cuisine, paired thoughtfully with local wines and spirits, enriching your appreciation of Champagne’s culinary culture.
Intimate Setting: With a maximum of 12 guests, the tour fosters meaningful conversations and personal interactions, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.
Accessibility and Value: For $102.17, you get a well-rounded experience—cellar visits, tastings, expert guidance, a three-course meal, and regional drinks—making it excellent value for a premium experience.
The Itinerary in Detail
10:30am — Meet at the Champagne House in Mareuil-sur-Ay
Expect a warm welcome and a brief introduction before heading inside. The location’s picturesque vineyards and traditional building set a charming scene. We loved how this small, family-run winery feels more personal than big commercial houses, giving you a real sense of regional pride.
10:45am — Guided Tour of Cellars and Champagne Production
You’ll descend into tunnels where champagne ages gracefully. The guide explains every step—from grape selection to pressing, fermentation, and bottling—making the science accessible. Seeing the traditional press and the old cellars adds a tangible connection to the craft.
11:15am — Champagne Tasting Class & Aromatic Training
Seated comfortably, you’ll learn how to identify key aromas in champagne, a skill that elevates your tasting experience. The quiz format adds a competitive edge, with some guests describing it as “fun and competitive.” You’ll sample at least three champagnes from small producers, with regional snacks to cleanse your palate.
12:00pm — Blind Tasting Challenge
This is the highlight for many. You’ll attempt to identify wines blindly, testing your nose and palate. Guests have said it’s engaging and a real eye-opener, especially when discovering how aromas can be so nuanced.
12:30pm — French Lunch Paired with Champagne, Coteaux Champenois, and Ratafia
The meal features regional classics like pâté en croute and regional cheeses, paired with different champagnes to show how flavors complement each other. The casual but authentic setting makes this a relaxed, convivial part of the day. Many guests describe the lunch as “delicious,” and the flexibility for dietary needs is a plus.
1:30pm — Tour Concludes, Leaving You with New Knowledge and Tastes
You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for champagne and regional French cuisine. Some guests use this experience as a stepping stone to explore more wineries or enjoy the scenic vineyards nearby.
Why This Tour Is a Great Choice
If you’re seeking authenticity, personalized attention, and a fun learning experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who love wine or are curious about the Champagne region, but want more than just a tasting—something interactive and engaging. Travelers who value small-group intimacy and regional cuisine will find this experience particularly rewarding.
For travelers on a limited schedule, its convenient location near Epernay and Paris makes it a perfect day-trip option. The inclusion of a traditional French lunch and regional drinks elevates it from a simple tour to a well-rounded cultural experience.
FAQ
Is transportation included? No, private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point in Aÿ-Champagne.
How long does the tour last? Approximately 3 hours, from 10:30am to around 1:30pm.
What is included in the price? The tour includes a guide, six tastings, entrance fees at the winery, a three-course lunch, and regional drinks like Coteaux Champenois and Ratafia.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? Yes, the lunch can be adapted for allergies or specific diets, which many guests appreciated.
What kind of wines will I taste? You’ll sample at least three champagnes from small, family-run wineries, plus regional red wine and liquor.
Is this suitable for wine beginners? Absolutely. The guide’s explanations and interactive activities make it accessible and fun for all levels.
How many people are in each group? The maximum is 12, ensuring a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Are the cellars accessible? The tour involves visiting historic cellars, which are underground tunnels—expect some walking and potentially uneven surfaces.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, on average, 27 days ahead, to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
What is the best way to prepare? Come ready to learn and taste with an open mind. Dress comfortably and bring a sense of curiosity!
Final Thoughts
This Champagne tasting and lunch near Epernay offers a genuine slice of regional France through engaging, small-group experiences. It’s perfect for those who want to understand how champagne is made, taste from small producers, and enjoy a relaxed French meal. The guides’ friendliness and expertise make it both educational and fun, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a complete newbie.
If you’re looking for a day that combines history, flavor, and regional charm—all while keeping things personal and relaxed—this tour hits the spot. The value is excellent, especially considering the quality of the visit, tastings, and meal, making it a standout choice for an authentic Champagne experience.
For travelers who appreciate authentic stories, expert guides, and regional cuisine, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded taste of one of France’s most iconic regions.