Ay is a fantastic place for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. Its location in the Champagne region means you can enjoy a wide range of tours—from immersive museums to intimate tastings in family-run cellars. One of our favorite experiences is the Pressoria Champagne Museum, which combines sensory education with a relaxed stroll through champagne vineyards. This interactive, family-friendly museum is a delightful way to learn about champagne production while engaging all five senses. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll appreciate how well-designed the exhibits are, and the tasting of two local champagnes adds a tasty finale.
If you’re interested in more hands-on learning, the Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay offers a combined experience of guided tasting, educational insights, and a delicious French meal. For those who prefer quick visits, the Pressoria entrance ticket provides a fun, sensory overview of champagne making in just about 1 to 2 hours. If you have more time, a guided vineyard tour and tasting allows you to explore the landscape and meet the grower behind the bottles.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each of our top six tours—helping you choose the perfect experience for your trip to Ay and its surrounding Champagne countryside.
1. Aÿ-Champagne: Pressoria Champagne Museum with Tasting
At number 1 on our list, the Pressoria Champagne Museum with Tasting offers an engaging, sensory-focused visit. For just $21, you gain access to a museum designed to excite your senses through interactive exhibits. The museum is located in Aÿ-Champagne, at the foot of UNESCO-listed vineyards, making it a perfect introduction to the region. You’ll learn how champagne is made, from the grapes to the bubbles, all while exploring a family-friendly space that stimulates sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
One of the highlights is sampling two local champagnes, which helps put theory into practice. The museum emphasizes understanding how different factors—geology, climate, and harvest—affect flavor. Visitors consistently rave about how accessible and fun this experience is, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want a relaxed, educational outing. The peaceful vineyard stroll afterward adds a scenic touch to a value-packed visit. Bottom line: a highly recommended choice for those new to champagne or seeking an affordable, interactive introduction.
2. Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay
Ranked second, the Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay combines education, tasting, and a delicious meal. For about $102.17, this 3-hour experience starts at Le Clos Corbier, a traditional Champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Ay. The tour kicks off with a visit to the cellars, followed by an expert-led tasting class where you’ll learn the art of tasting, aroma identification, and the nuances that distinguish small producers from larger brands.
What makes this tour stand out is the intimate atmosphere—the group is limited to twelve people, fostering personalized attention. After the tasting, you’ll sit down for a 3-course French lunch featuring local ingredients, making this a comprehensive experience in both education and cuisine. Guests often note that the combination of learning and eating adds real value, with some calling it the highlight of their trip. The guide’s passion and knowledge shine through, making complex topics accessible. This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking more than just a tasting—it’s about understanding champagne and savoring French flavors in a friendly, relaxed setting.
3. Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting
Coming in third, the Pressoria entrance ticket offers a compact yet immersive experience of about 1 to 2 hours. Located in Aÿ-Champagne, this ticket grants access to a state-of-the-art interactive museum built in a former pressing center. The focus is on engaging all your senses as you explore the process of making champagne, from vineyard to bottle, with exhibits that appeal to children and adults alike.
The highlight is the guided tasting of two champagnes or grape juices, paired with stunning views of the vineyards. Many visitors appreciate the playful, sensory approach that makes learning about wine fun, and the museum’s design is praised as highly engaging. Several reviews mention the breathtaking scenery and the quality of the tasting experience, which offers good value at just around $21. Perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for a memorable, educational activity that suits all ages.
4. Afternoon Champagne visit & tasting class near Epernay
Position four goes to the Afternoon Champagne visit & tasting class, a 1.5-hour session at Champagne Guy Méa. For $49.90, this small-group experience takes you to a family-run Champagne house that uses traditional methods. You’ll tour their cellars and learn firsthand about the terroir of Montagne de Reims from an expert guide. The intimate setting, limited to just eight participants, ensures personalized attention.
Guests rave about how informative and engaging this tour is—many mention how they appreciated the detailed explanations of production and tasting techniques. The experience includes sampling three champagnes, paired with light snacks, in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of champagne and enjoy a more exclusive, small-group experience. The only potential drawback is that it’s relatively short, but it packs in plenty of education and tastings in a brief window.
5. Guided tour of the Aÿ vineyard and Champagne tasting
Ranked fifth, this guided vineyard tour and tasting offers a more personalized, eco-friendly perspective. Led by a local winegrower, the two-hour trip includes an electric car ride through the Aÿ vineyard, where you’ll see the landscape that makes this region special. The guide shares insights into the profession, vineyard classifications, and the techniques used to craft Champagne.
This tour is especially appealing for travelers who want to connect with the land and meet the person behind the bottles. The owner’s passion and inside knowledge make the experience feel authentic and relaxed. Several reviews highlight how the guide’s hospitality and the scenic views make this a memorable outing. While the price is slightly higher at $69.46, the focus on sustainable, small-scale production offers a more intimate look at Champagne craftsmanship. Best suited for those interested in the farming side of wine and preferring a private experience.
6. Champagne Cellar tour and tasting
Finally, at number six, the Champagne Cellar tour and tasting is a classic visit to a family-owned winery in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. For $46.69, you get to explore century-old cellars where vintages are stored and learn about the aging process. The tour includes a walk through the estate, the vat house, and underground galleries—each step accompanied by explanations of the production process.
This experience is ideal for travelers interested in tradition and history, with the bonus of tasting three glasses of vintage Champagne. The family’s multi-generational expertise shines through, and reviews commend the knowledgeable guides and the authentic cellar environment. The total duration is about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable stop for a half-day. It’s a good choice for those who value the story behind the wine as much as the taste.
How to Choose the Best Champagne Tour in Ay
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a quick, fun introduction, the Pressoria Museum offers excellent value and engaging exhibits. For a deeper dive into tasting and French cuisine, the Champagne Class and Lunch provides a full experience. If you prefer local, small-scale production, the guided vineyard tour delivers a personal look at the land and the craft.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Pressoria entrance ticket, while those seeking a more exclusive experience might opt for the Afternoon Tasting Class. Think about how much time you want to spend and whether you’re more interested in the production process, the taste, or the landscape itself.
Booking early is always wise, especially in high season, as these tours tend to fill quickly. Each experience offers a distinct way to enjoy Ay’s famous bubbly, so pick the one that suits your curiosity and schedule best.
Whether you’re after a quick sensory overview or an in-depth exploration of Champagne-making, Ay’s tour options are plentiful and varied. For a relaxed introduction, the Pressoria Museum is hard to beat. For a more personalized, behind-the-scenes experience, the guided vineyard tour offers a truly memorable peek into the land and the craft. Whatever your choice, booking ahead will ensure you get the most out of your trip to this sparkling region.
