Ay Champagne may be a tiny village, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to workshops and classes for wine enthusiasts. This area is perfect for those who want more than just a quick sip—here, you can really get your hands dirty (or at least your nose close to the bubbles). We particularly like the Champagne: Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch because it combines a playful learning experience with regional cuisine, making it a great full-day outing. Meanwhile, the Aÿ-Champagne: Champagne House Tour and Tasting Class offers an intimate, affordable peek into family-owned vineyards—a perfect choice for those short on time but eager to dive into Champagne making.
Both of these experiences are designed to give you a deeper appreciation for Champagne—whether it’s learning tasting tricks or wandering through historic cellars. If you’re craving an immersive, authentic experience in the heart of Champagne country, these classes are well worth considering.
Below, we’ll run through each of these workshop options, highlighting what makes them stand out and how they might fit into your trip planning.
1. Champagne: Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch
For around $105 per person, this 3-hour experience at Le Clos Corbier offers a comprehensive introduction to Champagne tasting. What sets this apart is its hands-on approach: you’ll learn tasting tips that reveal the secrets of Champagne, train your nose and palate through engaging workshops, and compare three different champagnes. The highlight is the inclusion of a traditional regional lunch, which features local specialties, making this a true taste of Champagne life.
This class is perfect for those who want to combine learning with dining. The cellar visit at the family-owned domain adds a personal touch, giving you insight into small-scale Champagne production that big commercial houses can’t match. With a 4.9-star rating from 365 reviews, it’s clear that most visitors find this experience both enjoyable and educational. One reviewer noted, “The tasting tips really opened my eyes to how nuanced Champagne can be,” which sums up the value of this class.
Bottom line: If you’re after a relaxed, informative experience that ends with a delicious regional lunch, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s ideal for wine lovers eager to deepen their appreciation of Champagne in an authentic setting.
2. Aÿ-Champagne: Champagne House Tour and Tasting Class
At just $47 per person for a 1.5-hour tour, this experience offers excellent value. It features a visit to Le Clos Corbier, where you’ll explore the press and historic cellars—an essential part of understanding Champagne production. The highlight is tasting three different family Champagnes, including a prestigious Grand Cru Vintage. During the tour, you also enjoy some simple snacks, making the experience both accessible and satisfying.
This tour is well-suited for visitors short on time but eager for a genuine glimpse into Champagne making. Many reviews emphasize the intimate atmosphere; one guest shared, “It felt like visiting family, and the tasting was exceptional.” Because this experience focuses on small-scale production, it offers a more personal, less commercialized perspective on Champagne.
While it doesn’t include a full meal, the combination of cellar exploration and tasting is enough to satisfy curious travelers. Its 4.8-star rating from 189 reviews underscores its popularity.
Bottom line: If you want a concise, affordable immersion into Champagne making and tasting at a family vineyard, this class provides a memorable snapshot of the region’s craftsmanship.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two Champagne workshops, consider your priorities. If you want a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience with regional lunch, the Champagne: Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch is perfect. It’s better suited for those who want to spend a relaxed afternoon savoring food and bubbles.
On the other hand, for a shorter, more focused visit that offers a behind-the-scenes look at small-scale Champagne production, the Aÿ-Champagne: Champagne House Tour and Tasting Class suits travelers with limited time or a tighter budget.
If you’re traveling during busy periods, booking early is wise—these popular experiences can fill up quickly. Also, think about whether you prefer a fuller class experience with food or a shorter, intimate cellar tour.
Final Thoughts
Both of these workshops offer authentic insights into Champagne, whether through immersive tastings or personal cellar tours. For those who want a fuller experience with regional food, the Champagne: Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch stands out. If your schedule is tighter but you still want to understand the craftsmanship behind Champagne, the Aÿ-Champagne: Champagne House Tour and Tasting Class provides excellent value and a real sense of local tradition.
In the end, your choice depends on your interests and timing. If you’re a wine lover eager to truly understand Champagne, both experiences promise memorable moments—so consider booking early to secure your spot. Whether you prefer a leisurely tasting and lunch or a quick, insightful cellar visit, Ay Champagne has just the class to enhance your trip.
