If you’re considering a trip to the Champagne region and want a hands-on experience that combines learning about champagne with tasting and a delicious French meal, this tour might just fit the bill. We’ve come across this experience, and from the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it’s clear that many travelers find it both memorable and worthwhile.
What makes this tour stand out are the knowledgeable guides and intimate setting. You’ll get to explore a family-run winery, participate in a fun and educational tasting class, and enjoy a traditional French lunch—all within a cozy group of no more than twelve people.
One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is priced around $102.17 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the depth of the experience and the quality of what’s included. However, it does require planning ahead, as bookings are typically made about a month in advance.
This tour seems best suited for those who want to deepen their appreciation of champagne, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and prefer a smaller, more personal setting. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a special day in Champagne, it’s an experience that offers both education and pleasure.
Key Points
- Small-group intimacy makes for a more personalized experience.
- Expert-led champagne tasting includes blind tastings and aroma workshops.
- Authentic French lunch paired with regional wines and liquors.
- Visit a family-run Champagne house with a rich history dating back to the 1850s.
- Learn the champagne-making process in a relaxed, friendly environment.
- Pricing offers good value for inclusion of multiple tastings, a guided class, and a three-course meal.
What to Expect from the Tour
This experience kicks off at 10:30 am in Mareuil-sur-Ay, a charming village in the heart of Champagne vineyards. The meeting point at 5 Bd Nicolas François Billecart is conveniently near public transportation, making it accessible if you’re traveling from nearby cities like Reims or Epernay.
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Visit to the Cellars and Champagne House
Your first stop is an inspection of the winery’s cellars dug in the 1850s. You’ll get a real sense of tradition as you see the old-fashioned traditional press—a piece of equipment that’s been used for generations—and learn about the champagne-making process. It’s the kind of insight that adds context to your tasting later on, making you appreciate the effort and history behind each bottle.
Champagne Tasting Class and Olfactory Workshop
The core of this experience is the guided tasting class, where you’ll learn to identify different aromas and flavors in champagne. The guide leads a fun quiz and olfactory exercises, training your nose to detect subtle differences.
According to reviews, this part of the tour is very well-received: “We trained our noses to identify aromas and flavors that can be found in champagne,” one reviewer noted, emphasizing the educational aspect.
Most of the tastings feature at least three Champagnes from small producers, paired with local snacks. The small-group setting encourages interaction, making it a relaxed environment where questions are welcomed.
Blind Tasting Challenge
Adding an element of fun, the blind tasting aspect has guests trying to identify different champagnes without knowing which is which. Many reviews mention how engaging and memorable this activity is, like one saying, “The quiz and tastings made the experience fun and interactive.”
Traditional French Lunch
After the tasting, you’ll sit down to a 3-course lunch of regional French cuisine. Expect homemade specialties like pâté en croute, Langres cheese, and pink biscuit cake. The dishes are paired with a variety of champagnes, local red wine (Coteaux Champenois), and regional liquor (Ratafia).
Guests often praise the lunch for its authenticity and quality: “The lunch was delicious, with regional specialties that complemented the wines.” Plus, the meal can be adapted to allergies or dietary preferences, which is a thoughtful touch.
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End of the Day
The experience wraps up around 1:30 pm, leaving you with a richer understanding of champagne and a memorable meal. Many reviewers mention how this tour helped them appreciate the region’s traditions and the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
The Experience in Detail
The itinerary is designed to balance education, tasting, and relaxation. The visit begins with the cellar tour, where the historic setting transports you back in time. Seeing the traditional methods of champagne production in a family-run winery adds a personal touch that larger, commercial wineries might lack.
Following this, you’ll sit down for the champagne tasting class. This is where the guide’s expertise shines—explaining the nuances of aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. The blind tasting quiz injects a playful competitive spirit, and many guests find it both fun and surprisingly educational. One reviewer shared, “It was very informative, and the games reinforced what we learned.”
The lunch is a highlight for many: a chance to unwind and enjoy regional flavors paired with excellent wines. The fact that the meal can accommodate specific diets is a bonus, making the experience more inclusive.
Throughout the tour, the small-group size (maximum of 12) fosters a friendly atmosphere. Guests often mention how this makes the experience more engaging and less rushed.
What’s Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Six tastings (including blind tastings)
- Visits and tastings at a family-run winery
- 3-course lunch
- Small group (max 12 travelers)
What’s Not Included
- Private transportation (this is worth noting if you’re not staying nearby, as you’ll need to plan how to get there)
Pricing & Value
At around $102.17 per person, this tour offers substantial value. You get multiple tastings, a hands-on educational experience, a full French meal, and personalized attention. Guests consistently mention how worthwhile the cost is, especially given the small-group setting and the quality of the food and drinks.
Practical Tips
- Book ahead: This experience is popular, booked on average 27 days in advance.
- Arrive on time: The tour begins promptly at 10:30 am.
- Dress comfortably: Expect some walking and cellar visits, which may be cool.
- Dietary needs: Notify the organizers if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- No private transport included: Plan your logistics accordingly.
- Language: The guide speaks English, making it accessible for non-French speakers.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits adults eager to learn about champagne in a relaxed setting. It’s especially good for those interested in small-group interactions, as it provides a more personal touch. Food lovers will appreciate the regional French cuisine paired with wines, while wine enthusiasts will enjoy the expert-led tastings and educational component.
Families with older children who are genuinely interested in wine might also find this engaging, but it’s primarily geared toward adults. Travelers seeking a deep dive into the region’s traditions without the commercial feel will find this a rewarding choice.
Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch near Epernay
“We were celebrating my mother's 80th birthday, and this experience was definitely a highlight! Tour was great, tasting was informative, and the lu…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains everything clearly, and the tastings are designed to be accessible, even if you’re new to wine or champagne.
How long does the experience last?
It lasts about 3 hours, from 10:30 am to around 1:30 pm.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a 3-course regional French meal is part of the experience, paired with champagne, wine, and regional liquor.
Can I customize the meal for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the lunch can be adapted to allergies or specific diets, so let the organizers know in advance.
Are the tastings at small producers?
Yes, the tour features champagnes from small wineries, giving you a more authentic and less commercial experience.
How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 12, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
What’s the price?
Around $102.17 per person, which includes tastings, the tour, and lunch—considered good value given the quality and depth of experience.
What’s the best way to get there?
The meeting point is near public transportation; most guests find it accessible from nearby cities.
Is private transportation necessary?
Not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from Mareuil-sur-Ay.
For anyone wanting to combine hands-on wine education, tasting from small producers, and a tasty regional meal, this Champagne Tasting Class and Lunch offers a well-rounded experience. The small-group setting and friendly guides make it feel special and personal, and the focus on authentic, family-run wineries adds an extra layer of charm.
While it’s not a large-scale commercial tour, the value is clear—especially for those who value quality over quantity. If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and delicious day in Champagne, this experience will tick many boxes.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to understand champagne better, this tour offers a genuine taste of the region’s craftsmanship—and plenty of memories to take home.
