When you think of Ay in the Champagne region, chances are your mind jumps to sparkling wines and lush vineyards. But this charming town offers more than just beautiful scenery — it’s a hub for exceptional wine tours that cater to different interests and tastes. Whether you want to get hands-on with a Champagne tasting class, explore historic cellars, or experience interactive exhibits that awaken your senses, Ay has something for every kind of wine lover. One of our favorites is the Pressoria Champagne Museum because it combines fun, education, and a chance to taste two different Champagnes in a family-friendly setting. It’s perfect for travelers looking for an immersive, sensory experience with minimal fuss.
If you’re craving a more in-depth, gourmet experience, the Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay offers a guided seminar on Champagne production paired with a delicious French meal. For those who want to combine learning with exploring the vineyards, a guided tour in an electric vehicle of the Ay vineyard might be just the ticket. And if your time is limited but you want a quick, engaging visit, the Pressoria entrance ticket provides a fun, interactive overview of Champagne making, perfect for families or curious travelers alike. The list below covers the six best wine tours in Ay, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Aï-Champagne: Pressoria Champagne Museum with Tasting
At number 1, the Pressoria Champagne Museum with Tasting offers a playful, hands-on approach to understanding Champagne. For just $21 per person, you get a one-day ticket to an interactive, family-friendly exhibit where you can engage all five senses. The museum is housed in a former pressing center and features exhibits that explain how Champagne is made, from the vineyard to the bottle, with plenty of visual and tactile displays. The highlight is the chance to savor two local Champagnes, exploring their effervescent charm.
What makes this tour stand out is its immersive approach — it’s not just a walk through a cellar. Visitors can learn the nuances of Champagne production while exploring the UNESCO-listed hillsides of Aï- Champagne. It’s great for anyone curious about the process but doesn’t want a formal tasting, or for families with kids who enjoy interactive exhibits. The views over the vineyards add a peaceful backdrop that makes this experience both educational and relaxing.
Bottom line: If you want a fun, sensory introduction to Champagne suitable for all ages, this is a perfect choice. It’s affordable, engaging, and offers a true taste of local craftsmanship.
2. Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay
For around $102.17, Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch combines education and culinary delights in a small-group setting. Hosted at Le Clos Corbier, a family-run Champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Ay, this experience begins with a visit to the cellar to see traditional winemaking methods firsthand. Then, you’ll participate in an expert-led tasting class, which includes a blind tasting to sharpen your palate and understanding of different aromas and styles.
What sets this tour apart is the hands-on, intimate atmosphere — only a dozen people share the experience. The tasting includes at least three Champagnes from small producers, emphasizing regional diversity. Afterwards, a delicious 3-course French lunch accompanies the tasting, making it ideal for foodies who want to pair wine with seasonal dishes.
Reviews highlight the quality of the tour and the exceptional lunch. One comment notes, “The family run Champagne winery was stunning, and the lunch was my favorite food of the trip.” It’s suited for those who want a comprehensive, educational experience paired with authentic local cuisine. The only caveat is the three-hour duration — perfect if you have the time but possibly too long for a quick visit.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for its combination of expert insights, regional Champagne diversity, and delicious food. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge.
3. Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting
At number 3, the Pressoria entrance ticket provides a short, lively visit focused on sensory discovery. For just $20.90, you gain access to a museum housed in a former pressing center, which covers the essentials of Champagne production through multi-sensory exhibits. Visitors explore the region’s geology, climate, and harvest processes while engaging with interactive displays.
The highlight is the tasting experience, which features two Champagnes or grape juices, offering an accessible way to understand regional diversity. The visit lasts around 1 to 2 hours, making it perfect for travelers short on time or families seeking an engaging, kid-friendly activity. The views of the UNESCO-listed vineyards make the experience visually rewarding.
Reviewers praise the beautiful views and interactive nature, with one saying, “The whole experience was amazing and very fun for families of all ages.” It’s ideal if you want an educational, interactive, and quick introduction to Champagne.
Bottom line: This ticket offers a compact, fun, and visual overview perfect for those new to Champagne or traveling with children.
4. Afternoon Champagne visit & tasting class near Epernay
At number 4, the Afternoon Champagne visit & tasting class is a 1.5-hour small-group experience at Champagne Guy Méa, a family-run producer. The tour begins with a visit to the traditional cellars, where you’ll learn about terroir and Champagne production from a knowledgeable guide. You will then sample three different glasses, gaining insight into the nuances of each style.
What makes this tour special is its intimate group size — limited to only eight people — allowing personalized attention. The guide’s background in local terroir makes the tasting more meaningful, especially if you’re interested in how soil and climate influence flavor profiles. The pricing offers good value considering the inclusion of a vineyard stroll, a rare feature for short tastings.
Reviews mention the expertise of the guide and the fun of the tasting, with one raving, “Alvaro was a wonderful guide, and the tasting was interactive and informative.” It’s ideal for travelers wanting a short, immersive experience with a focus on quality over quantity.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking an authentic, small-group experience with a focus on terroir and Champagne tasting.
5. Guided tour of the Ay vineyard and Champagne tasting
Number 5 is a 2-hour guided tour through the Ay- Champagne vineyard, led by a local winegrower. This eco-friendly tour takes place in an electric vehicle, making it a relaxed yet informative way to explore the landscape. The guide shares insights into the history of the region, the vineyard classifications, and the winemaking process, ending with a private tasting right in the vineyard.
What makes this experience stand out is its personalized approach. The host’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through as you walk among the vines and learn how Champagne is crafted from start to finish. The scenic landscapes provide a fantastic backdrop, and the tour’s focus on sustainable practices appeals to environmentally conscious travelers.
With rave reviews calling the host “remarkable” and “professional,” it’s clear this is a quality, intimate experience for those who want a more personal connection to the land and its wines. Ideal for visitors who prefer outdoor, less commercialized experiences.
Bottom line: If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and eco-conscious vineyard experience, this guided tour is a top pick.
6. Champagne Cellar tour and tasting
Finally, the Champagne Cellar tour and tasting offers a glimpse into a family-owned winery in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. For $46.69, you get a 1.5-hour tour of century-old cellars, including visits to the estate’s vaults, vat house, and underground galleries. The highlight is tasting three vintage Champagnes, with commentary on how the winery’s traditions have been preserved over three generations.
This tour appeals to those interested in historic cellars and family-run estates. The informative guide explains the elaborate process of Champagne production, from grape growing to bottling. The experience is rated 4/5, with visitors praising the fascinating cellars and intimate atmosphere, though it’s slightly shorter than other tours.
It’s best suited for travelers keen on history and tradition, and willing to pay a bit more for a more authentic, artisanal experience. The tasting of three different vintages provides excellent value for those looking to deepen their understanding of Champagne.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for history lovers and those wanting to experience a genuine family estate with a focus on tradition.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Ay
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a quick, fun intro suitable for families, the Pressoria Museum is hard to beat. If you want a more comprehensive and gastronomic experience, the Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch offers great value. For a personalized vineyard visit, the guided electric tour of the Ay vineyard delivers in-depth insight into Champagne’s terroir.
Timing also matters: tours like the Pressoria entrance ticket are quick and flexible, perfect for a half-day. Longer tours with meals or vineyard visits are best booked in advance and during the warmer months when the vineyards are at their most photogenic.
Booking early is advisable, especially for highly-rated experiences like the Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch or the guided vineyard tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Ay offers a diverse array of wine experiences that cater to different interests, schedules, and budgets. For a family-friendly adventure with interactive exhibits, the Pressoria Museum is a fun start. For those eager to learn about regional terroir and enjoy a gourmet meal, the Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch stands out. And if you prefer a more personal, scenic, and eco-friendly tour, the guided vineyard experience offers a memorable connection to the land.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these authentic Champagne adventures. Each one promises a memorable taste of Ay’s sparkling hospitality and craftsmanship.
