Explore the Sights and Sparkling Wines of the Champagne region
Pick up in Epernay
This morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel, AirBnB or accommodation in Epernay or the surrounding area.
Meet your Expert Guide
Meet your English speaking guide who is an expert on Champagne Wines and who will go over the program and itinerary of your private wine tour with you. Then, board your Premium, air-conditioned vehicle and begin your private tour to discover the regional capital of Reims.
Drive through the Champagne wine region
Begin your day with the scenic Route du Champagne. It meanders among the vineyards and picturesque villages, offering a charming bucolic landscape. We take you to the Côte des Blancs for a sightseeing of some of the most famous Grandes Maisons de Champagne such as: Bollinger, Gosset, Deutz, etc. En route the countryside is enamelled with beautiful Grand Cru villages like Ay, Hautvillers, Bouzy, Le Mesnil, or Vernezay. A stop will be possible in the village of Hautvillers during the day to celebrate Dom Perignon.
Guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. Let yourself be captivated by the unique stained glasses and the exceptionally rich statuary - over 2 300 statues - among which the famous Smiling Angel.
It is here that King Clovis was baptized around year 498 giving birth to the Kingdom of the Franks and starting a long lasting tradition: except for just two of them, all the Kings of France were crowned here!
Visit & Wine Tasting at Veuve Clicquot Winery (or similar)
Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, the house played an important role in establishing champagne as a favored drink of Bourgeoisie and Nobility throughout Europe. After the death of her Husband, in 1805, Barbe Nicole Ponsardin known as the widow Clicquot (veuve in French) became the first woman to take over a Champagne house.
Under Madame Clicquot's guidance, the firm focused entirely on the last, to great success. She will also revolutionize the techniques of the Champagne making process. Because of this she was named “La Grande Dame de la Champagne”.
Upon arrival, follow your first Champagne tour of the day. We have booked for you the Bubbly workshop visit. This workshop will help you discover, through a 15 minute walk, the atmospheric cellars and you will be introduced to the making-process of our iconic cuvée the Yellow Label associated with a vintage cuvee
Optional Champagne Pairing lunch at a local domain
The Foureur family vineyard has been Champagne producers since the 16th century. In 1875, they began producing Champagne under their own brand. They are located in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. They own 4 hectares of grand cru vineyard, especially renowned for their Pinot Noir. This allowed them to produce 20 000 bottles, mainly sold in France.
Your private Champagne tour continues far from the commercial aspect of the Grandes Maisons where you will discover here the ancestral methods for the making process of champagne and meet passionate people.
Visit & Wine tasting at a family estate
The House was created in 1875 in the little village of Damery located in the Marne’s Valley. Laure and David are proud to be today the Fifth generation of winemakers. They are focused on the respect of both traditions and ancestral working methods. Their champagne Plaisir d’Antan is for instance a good example of this philosophy.
Made of a 100 percent Chardonnay, this Cuvée is aged in oak casks as it was before the creation of stainless steel vats giving a unique taste to the Champagne. They work as independent winemakers with 12 hectares of vineyards and produce 80 000 bottles.
After the Champagne tasting, it will be time to return to Epernay and this will be the end of our small group full day tour. Please note that we also organize private tours of the Champagne vineyard that include the visit of Epernay and Champagne tastings on the Avenue de Champagne.
Note : In the event that the Champagne House we had originally planned to visit is not available, it will be replaced with a similar Champagne House. The tour of the Champagne House may be conducted with other people, depending on the size of the group. This is common practice in order to provide everyone with an enjoyable and informative experience.
Terms and Conditions
Ophorus requires a deposit of 30% on booking confirmation with balance to be made at least 30 days prior to arrival (in case of last minute registration payment is expected immediately). For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: • 30 to 15 days prior to arrival: 30% of the overall price except the booking fees • 14 to 8 days prior to arrival: 50% of the overall price except the booking fees • 7 days prior to arrival: no refund
