• Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers - The journey will lead to the delightful village of Hautvillers, known as the birthplace of Champagne.

Perched on a hillside, it provides a stunning view of the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley, and the Côte des Blancs!

Nestled against the nearby forest is a Benedictine Abbey, where Dom Pérignon served as intendant-cellarer in 1668. Born in 1639 in St Menehould in the Marne, he was among the monks who enhanced the quality of wine in the region. His innovation in blending different grape varieties and vintages secured his legacy. Behind the Abbey’s enclosed garden, the view is spectacular over the “grand cru” and “premier cru” vineyards of the Champagne Appellation. It’s the perfect spot to explore the entire vine cycle and the meticulous “handmade” efforts of the Champagne winegrower.

“Good wines without good grapes” is a saying that rings true here.

• Chez Max - Lunch will be enjoyed at a traditional French cuisine restaurant, Chez Max, or another venue depending on availability. Two menus will be available, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all accompanied by a flute of Champagne, a glass of red wine, and coffee.
• Avenue de Champagne - After lunch, a leisurely walk will be a pleasant way to aid digestion (weather permitting)! The destination is the renowned Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, the historic heart of the divine beverage. This is where the Great Houses were established!

Estates like Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, and De Venoge have showcased architectural brilliance and grandeur, elevating Champagne’s prestige. They reflect the esteemed reputation of the wine aging in their cellars. With 110 km of cellars and over 200 million bottles beneath the cobblestones, this Avenue is considered the wealthiest in the world!

• Scev Champagne Blosseville Marniquet - The afternoon will conclude with a visit to an independent winegrower, who, through his family’s rich history, will unveil his cellars and share some of his wine’s secrets.

Meeting the gardener winegrowers and experiencing their champagnes is always a unique and memorable occasion, as they own 90% of the 34,000 hectares within the Champagne Appellation. They embody the origin, memory, family tradition, and sometimes the struggle! They are the essence of the terroir.

The visit will culminate in a sparkling tasting in our Champagne flutes, accompanied by tips for successful food and Champagne pairings!

• Reims Central Train Station - Marks the return time at the same location as the pick-up.
  Or Gare center in Reims.
  Alternatively, the tourist office in Epernay, 7 avenue de Champagne
  5:30/6:00 p.m.
• Reims - The guide will lead a city tour of Reims, showcasing the Gallo-Roman remnants, Place Royale, and the Gothic cathedral, the site of the French kings’ coronations.
• Avenue de Champagne - Enjoy an audio-guided tour of the cellars in remarkable caves aboard a little train.

• Private transportation
• Lunch included
• Included cellar visits and tastings

• Personal expenses

My birthplace is Epernay, situated in the heart of the Champagne region and home to the Auban-Moet maternity ward, which was established in 1893 through the generosity of the Moët & Chandon family. Infants born in this location are greeted with a taste of Champagne from the moment they take their first breath! A tradition that, for many, defines a lifestyle. Consequently, I was drawn to the chalky terrains to engage in work that deepened my connection with nature and vineyards. The beauty and camaraderie that I encountered across these skies, landscapes, and communities are experiences I cannot contain within me. Welcome to the realm of Champagne!!

• Visits to the Grandes Maisons as well as independent winegrowers may vary according to the availability of their schedules.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.