Day tour Tasting at Moët & Chandon and 2 Big Houses in Epernay

Planning a trip to the Champagne region? This tour promises a full day of bubbly exploration, combining visits to three prominent Champagne houses, expert tastings, and an authentic French lunch. With a focus on quality and authenticity, it’s a chance to see the craftsmanship behind some of the world’s most celebrated Champagnes.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? For starters, you get to taste seven glasses of Champagne across three different houses, including the iconic Moët & Chandon. The tour also offers a peek into the production process—think cellars, tanks, and even labeling machines—and a fun train ride through the cellars of the third house. On top of that, the included French 3-course lunch with a Champagne aperitif adds a delicious touch to the day.

A potential consideration? The tour operates as a self-guided walking experience with no private guide or transportation, so it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating on their own and walking around approximately 500 meters between sites. Also, since it’s booked around 32 days in advance, it’s good to plan ahead if you want to secure a spot during peak seasons.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate wine and bubbly, want a relaxed yet informative day, and enjoy combining sightseeing with tastings. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to experience the Champagne region without the fuss of large tours.

Key Points

• Multiple Champagne Houses: Visit three major producers, including the renowned Moët & Chandon.
• Tasting Experience: Enjoy seven glasses of Champagne, including double tastings at each house.
• Authentic French Lunch: Savor a three-course meal with a Champagne aperitif.
• Engaging Tours: See how Champagne is made, from tanks to cellars, and ride a small train through the underground tunnels.
• No Private Guide Needed: Self-guided walking tour, suitable for independent explorers.
• Good Value: Combines education, sampling, and a meal—offering substantial value for the price.

Introduction to the Experience

This seven-hour day tour in Épernay promises a comprehensive peek into the world of Champagne, led by Stéphane Demissy of Tours in Champagne. While the tour is self-guided, each stop provides its own guide and a wealth of knowledge, making it a flexible yet structured experience. You’ll visit three of the biggest names in Champagne, enjoy tastings at each, and indulge in a traditional French meal—all in the charming town of Épernay.

The highlight? The chance to taste seven glasses of Champagne, including special double tastings at each house, which translates into a true appreciation for the diversity and craftsmanship behind each label. The tour also strikes a good balance between guided insight and self-exploration, ideal for those who prefer a bit of independence but value expert knowledge.

One thing to note is the walking nature of the tour—there’s no private transportation provided, so you should be comfortable walking about 500 meters between the houses and the restaurant. The small group size (up to 8 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and take photos of the quirky sights like giant barrels and miniature trains.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

Moët & Chandon

The tour kicks off at the iconic Moët & Chandon headquarters, where you’ll be introduced to the company’s history—started by the family Moët and now a global symbol of luxury. The guided walk through the extensive cellars, spanning miles, is a highlight, giving you a real feel for the scale and meticulousness of Champagne storage.

A tutored Champagne tasting follows, led by a knowledgeable sommelier. Reviewers have appreciated the detailed guidance, with one noting how the expert helped them “understand how to take advantage of all the aromas.” This part of the day is about appreciating the nuances—sweet, dry, bubbly, and complex flavors—and learning what makes Moët & Chandon’s Brut Imperial so famous.

Champagne de Castellane

Next, you’ll head to Champagne de Castellane, the biggest tower in Épernay. Climbing the tower offers sweeping views of the town and vineyards—an excellent photo op. Here, you not only explore the house’s history but also see the production process firsthand, from tanks to labeling machines.

The highlight here is another double Champagne tasting, which helps you compare styles and develop your palate. Reviewers have praised the guide’s engaging storytelling, which made the process approachable and educational. The tour’s focus on how Champagne is made—from grapes to bottles—adds valuable context, especially for those curious about the technical side.

The Third House: A Fun Train Ride

The final stop is a smaller Champagne house with a quirky twist: a train ride through the cellars. Guests find this part of the tour surprisingly entertaining—one reviewer called it “a funny ride in the train in the cellars.” You’ll pass by a barrel of 200,000 bottles of Champagne, giving a sense of the scale of production.

Following the ride, enjoy another double tasting, ending the day with plenty of bubbles and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. This stop balances education with fun, making the whole experience memorable.

Tasting, Food, and Atmosphere

The three-course French lunch with a Champagne aperitif is a lovely addition, allowing you to savor local cuisine paired perfectly with bubbles. The meal’s inclusion makes the tour feel like a proper celebration, not just a series of tastings.

Throughout the day, the overall atmosphere is friendly and inviting. Reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides at each house, noting how they shared personal insights and made the experience engaging without feeling rushed. The small group size enhances this intimacy, ensuring you can ask plenty of questions and take photos of the colorful cellars and quirky sights.

Analyzing the Value

At $581.06 per person, this experience offers a well-rounded exploration of Champagne—visiting three major houses, tasting seven glasses, and enjoying a gourmet lunch. While the price might seem steep, it includes a substantial amount of Champagne and a memorable meal, which would likely cost more if booked separately.

One reviewer mentioned it as being “well organized and easy to follow,” emphasizing its value for travelers seeking a balance of education and indulgence. The inclusion of a guide’s insights—especially at Moët & Chandon—adds depth to the experience. Since transportation isn’t provided, your walk around the 500 meters between sites is manageable and keeps the tour relaxed.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: The tour is popular, usually booked about 32 days ahead.
• Walking shoes are recommended since you’ll explore the town and walk between sites.
• Arrive at the meeting point on time—10 am at Moët & Chandon.
• Carry a camera: There are plenty of quirky photo opportunities like giant barrels and miniature trains.
• Enjoy the meal: The 3-course lunch is a highlight—be sure to savor every bite and toast with your Champagne.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want an immersive yet flexible Champagne day—perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers comfortable with walking. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to taste different styles and learn from knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of a meal makes it a good choice for anyone wanting a complete, satisfying day with plenty of bubbles.

It might not be the best fit for travelers seeking private guides or luxury transportation, but if you’re happy exploring on foot and enjoy a relaxed pace, this tour offers depth, entertainment, and plenty of tastings.

This Champagne tasting tour in Épernay delivers a memorable, educational, and indulgent experience. With visits to three major houses, expert-guided tastings, and a delicious French lunch, it offers a well-balanced day that captures the essence of Champagne production and enjoyment.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides provide a personal touch, making the journey not just about drinking but also about understanding the craftsmanship behind each bottle. While the price reflects the quality and inclusions, many reviewers agree it offers great value for Champagne lovers looking for a comprehensive, authentic experience.

If you’re keen to explore Champagne without the fuss of large tours or private guides, this tour hits the sweet spot—offering fun, education, and bubbles in equal measure. Perfect for curious travelers who want a taste of everything that makes the Champagne region special.

Is transportation included in this tour? No, transportation isn’t provided. The houses and restaurant are within about 500 meters of each other, so you’ll walk between sites.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

Do I need to bring my own guide? No, each house has its own guide, and the overall experience is designed to be self-guided but well-organized.

How many glasses of Champagne can I expect to taste? You’ll enjoy a total of 7 glasses throughout the day, including double tastings at each house.

Is the tour suitable for wine beginners? Absolutely. The guides provide explanations that help even beginners appreciate the different styles and aromas of Champagne.

What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you’ll explore the town and walk between sites.

Can I do this tour if I have dietary restrictions? The included lunch is standard French cuisine; if you have specific restrictions, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

What’s the best time to book? Aim to book around 32 days in advance, especially during high season, to secure your spot.

Will I learn about Champagne production? Yes, you’ll see how Champagne is made—from tanks to cellars—and learn about the history of each house through guided insights.

Is this experience good for solo travelers? Yes, the small group size and flexible format make it suitable for solo explorers wanting an engaging Champagne day.

This tour offers a fantastic balance of education, tasting, and authentic French charm—making it a top choice for Champagne enthusiasts eager to get the most out of a day in Épernay.