Epernay is a top destination for lovers of Champagne and fine food. The town’s famous Avenue de Champagne is lined with historic houses, but what really makes Epernay stand out are its unique lunch options that combine local flavor with world-class bubbly. Whether you’re after an intimate tasting at a family-run winery or a more active day exploring vineyards on two wheels, Epernay offers memorable ways to enjoy a midday meal. We particularly like the Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch because it balances expert insight, tasting variety, and a delicious French meal in a small-group setting — perfect for those who want depth without feeling overwhelmed.
Below, you’ll find a range of lunch-focused Champagne experiences. Each offers a different way to savor the region, from classic guided tours to active cycling days, helping you find your ideal Champagne day in Epernay.
1. Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay
At number one, this half-day, small-group tour captures the best of Champagne without the crowds. It includes visits to family-run wineries, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at how real Champagne is made, along with multiple tastings. The tour also drives along Avenue de Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, giving you an up-close look at some of the most renowned Champagne houses.
What makes this experience stand out is the delicious French lunch paired with Champagne. You’ll enjoy local cuisine, perfectly complemented by bubbly, all in a relaxed setting. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, and the intimate group size ensures a personalized experience. The itinerary includes visiting Hautvillers, the charming UNESCO village famous for Dom Pérignon, and tasting at a small producer where you really feel the passion for Champagne.
This tour costs around $249.63 per person for about 5 hours — a fair price given the inclusions. Many visitors comment on the exceptional value, especially since the tour combines sightseeing, tasting, and a quality meal. If you want a comprehensive, relaxed day that balances education and indulgence, this is a top pick.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking an immersive Champagne experience with great food and expert guidance in a small-group setting.
2. Reims: Moët & Chandon and Family-Run Winery Day Tour & Lunch
Coming in at number two, this full-day tour takes you beyond Epernay to explore both the world-famous Moët & Chandon estate and a cozy family-run winery. Starting with Moët & Chandon, you’ll enjoy a guided tour with a House Ambassador, culminating in two elegant tastings that showcase their flagship cuvées.
Later, the tour includes a scenic drive to the historic village of Hautvillers, home of Dom Pérignon, where you can stroll and soak in the atmosphere that inspired generations of Champagne makers. The highlight is a traditional local lunch paired with Champagne, offering an authentic taste of the region’s culinary traditions. The day also features tastings at a smaller Champagne producer, with three different cuvées to sample.
This tour, lasting 6 to 7 hours, is perfect for travelers wanting a deep dive into Champagne’s most iconic brands and intimate family estates. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the richness of the tastings, making it worth the slightly longer schedule.
Bottom line: Best suited for Champagne enthusiasts eager to visit both legendary houses and smaller producers, with a focus on quality food and multiple tastings.
3. From Epernay Full Day Electric Bike Champagne and Lunch
Positioned third, this full-day bike tour offers a different way to experience Champagne. Using electric bikes, you’ll pedal through rolling vineyards and scenic villages, including the traditional wine-growing village of Hautvillers. The e-bikes make navigating the hilly terrain easy, so you don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist to enjoy this trip.
The tour includes four Champagne tastings at different wineries, providing a well-rounded tasting experience. After riding through the countryside, you’ll stop for a regional French lunch, paired with Champagne wines, in a local winery setting. This active approach appeals to those who want to combine outdoor activity with culinary pleasure.
Many visitors rave about how biking through the vineyards allows a more intimate connection with the landscape and the Champagne-making process. Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both fun and educational. The small-group cap of eight participants ensures personalized attention.
Cost is around $225.51 per person for approximately 5.5 hours, making it a great value for active travelers who want a full day of exploration.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who enjoy cycling and want to combine sightseeing, tasting, and a delicious regional lunch in one day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Epernay
When selecting the best Champagne lunch experience, consider your interests and pace. If you prefer a relaxed, in-depth exploration with expert-guided tastings, the Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch is ideal. For those wanting a full immersion into both legendary houses like Moët & Chandon and smaller producers, the Reims day tour offers a comprehensive experience with a meal included.
If you’re an active traveler who loves the outdoors, the full-day electric bike tour combines exercise, scenic vistas, and tastings, perfect for people who want to see the countryside from a different perspective.
All tours offer a great value, but your choice depends on how much time you want to spend, your budget, and whether you prefer guided bus tours or cycling adventures. Be sure to book early in peak season, especially if you want to secure a spot on these popular experiences.
The Sum Up
Epernay offers a range of lunch and tasting experiences that suit different travel styles. The small-group Champagne tour combines intimate tastings with a delicious meal, making it perfect for those who want a balanced and leisurely experience. For a full-day adventure that mixes legendary Champagne houses, local wineries, and scenic cycling, the full-day electric bike tour truly stands out. Meanwhile, the Reims day trip is ideal for those who want a deeper dive into Champagne’s most famous brands and historic villages.
No matter which option you choose, booking early is wise—these experiences are popular and fill up quickly. Whether you’re after a relaxed tasting, an active vineyard tour, or a comprehensive Champagne day, Epernay has a memorable way to enjoy your midday meal and bubbly.
