Ambonnay: visit the SECONDE-SIMON Champagne house with an “Immersive Tasting”

Planning a trip to the Champagne region? If you’re after a tour that combines genuine craftsmanship with a taste of local passion, this Ambonnay experience at SECONDE-SIMON is worth considering. It’s not just about popping a cork; it’s about understanding what makes this place special, from the vineyard to the glass.

What really draws us in about this tour is the comprehensive nature — you get a full walk-through of the estate, plus a tasting of five distinct cuvées. The other thing we love? The guide, a passionate family member, makes the whole experience feel warm and personal. The only potential downside? It’s roughly two hours long, so if you’re tight on time, you’ll want to plan accordingly. But if you’re truly interested in champagne craftsmanship and tasting excellence, this experience hits the mark.

This tour suits anyone looking for a deep dive into independent champagne production—whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about how those bubbly bottles are made. It’s especially great for those who want a more intimate, educational experience rather than just a quick tasting.

Key Points

• Full estate tour: Explore the wine press, vat room, and cellar.
• Five cuvées: Tasting highlights include a variety of aromatic profiles and styles.
• Guided by passion: A family member guides you, sharing personal insights.
• Focus on craftsmanship: Learn about Champagne blending and unique terroir.
• Quality over quantity: An exclusive, well-curated tasting experience.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly and conducted in both French and English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

When you book this 2-hour tour at SECONDE-SIMON, you’re signing up for more than just a tasting—you’re stepping into the world of a dedicated independent winery in Ambonnay, part of the Grand Est region. This is a family-run house, proud of their craft, and eager to share their expertise with visitors.

The Estate Tour

The experience kicks off with a guided walk through the estate. You’ll see the wine press, a vital piece of equipment in the champagne-making process, and walk through the vat room, where the magic of fermentation happens. Then, you’ll descend into the cellars, which are often cool, dark, and lined with bottles or barrels aging to perfection.

The guide, who is a passionate family member, shares their knowledge freely, giving context about the estate’s history, its emphasis on independent production, and how terroir influences each batch. From the limestone soils of Ambonnay to the meticulous harvest, this tour aims to connect you with the process behind the champagne.

The Tasting Experience

After the tour, it’s time for the highlight: tasting five cuvées, each with its own personality. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

• A nuance: A lively, fresh Champagne with flavors of plum, mirabelle, and sweet spices. It’s both approachable and refined, a great all-rounder.
• A variation: Their non-vintage rosé, crafted from a subtle vineyard blend with a red wine. Expect notes of strawberries, cream, and redcurrants, finishing with a minerality that adds complexity.
• The mélodie: A Pinot Noir-dominant cuvée, displaying power and finesse with yellow fruits, raspberries, pepper, and vanilla—perfect for pairing with fine dishes.
• The arabesque: A vintage, barrel-aged Champagne showcasing their limestone terroir with a profile featuring woody tones, vanilla, and precise minerality.
• The Imagine: A brut nature with no dosage, offering a lively, structured experience with dried fruits, pear, and zest. For lovers of crisp, unadulterated Champagne, this is a standout.

The guide’s explanations help you appreciate the subtle differences in texture, aroma, and balance—turning each glass into a story. Many travelers, including one who called it “the most complete experience our house has to offer,” find that this curated selection truly demonstrates the diversity and skill behind their production.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What sets SECONDE-SIMON apart is their focus on independent craftsmanship. Unlike larger commercial houses, this estate is dedicated to quality, terroir expression, and blending finesse. The family-led approach shines through, making the tasting feel personal and genuine.

The expert guidance helps demystify the process, making it accessible even for newcomers. Plus, the wines themselves are highly praised, with reviews highlighting their “great finesse” and “characterful” profiles. One visitor, Carmela from Canada, raved, “The wines are absolutely amazing! Each had their own character but all with great finesse.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is accessible for wheelchairs, which is thoughtful and rare for some traditional champagne cellars. It’s conducted in both French and English, accommodating international visitors comfortably.

Booking is flexible—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—and you pay later, which is handy if your plans are still up in the air. The price reflects a premium experience, but considering the full estate tour plus five premium cuvées, many would agree it’s fair value.

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 18, given the tasting nature, but for adults interested in quality champagne, it’s a perfect choice.

What We Think About the Value

While this isn’t a cheap activity, it offers a comprehensive look at champagne production that’s hard to match elsewhere. You’re getting a full estate tour, which many larger houses might charge extra for, plus a tasting of five different wines, each showcasing different styles.

Compared to day tours from Paris or Epernay, this experience offers a more intimate setting, with a passionate guide and well-curated wine selection. If you value depth over breadth, want to support independent producers, or simply love discovering the nuances of champagne, this is a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers who want to go beyond just tasting bubbly and really understand what makes champagne special. It’s great for those who appreciate family-run wineries, craftsmanship, and terroir-driven wines. If you’re curious about the process behind Champagne blending and aging, you’ll find this tour educational and satisfying.

It might not be suitable for travelers on a tight schedule or those with very young children, but otherwise, it offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that’s both fun and informative.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 because of the tasting component and the nature of the experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in both French and English, ensuring clear guidance for most visitors.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including the estate visit and tasting.

What does the tasting include?
You’ll sample five cuvées with varied aromatic profiles, from lively and fresh to complex and barrel-aged.

Is the estate accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating different mobility needs.

Do I need to pay upfront?
No, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility for your planning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a more personal, educational champagne tour, this visit to SECONDE-SIMON in Ambonnay offers a wonderfully detailed look at a family-run winery’s craftsmanship. The estate’s commitment to quality and the guide’s passion really shine through, making it a memorable experience for those wanting to understand what makes champagne so unique.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the combination of estate exploration and curated tastings makes it a worthwhile investment for serious enthusiasts or curious travelers. Expect to learn, taste, and feel connected to the land and the people behind these bubbly bottles.

For anyone who values authenticity, craftsmanship, and a touch of local charm, this tour should be at the top of your Champagne itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: