Champagne Vineyards: Private Tasting Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Private half-day tour of Champagne villages with tastings

You’ll wander through Champagne’s UNESCO-listed hillsides near Epernay with a local guide, visit Dom Pérignon’s church in Hautvillers, meet an independent producer for Grand Cru tastings, sample traditional champagne spirits, and pause at panoramic viewpoints above the Marne Valley. Expect real stories, muddy shoes, and memories that linger longer than any glass of bubbly.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet — not silence, but that soft hum you get in the vineyards outside Epernay. Our guide, Lucie, waved us into her van right by the hotel (pickup was included, which honestly saved us from figuring out buses). She pointed out the Avenue de Champagne as we rolled past — all those grand old mansions and cellars hiding millions of bottles. I tried to imagine what it smells like underground there. Lucie joked that it’s “the most expensive street you’ll never live on.” She wasn’t wrong.

In Hautvillers, we ducked into the church where Dom Pérignon is buried. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of stone and candle wax. Lucie told us stories about Dom — whether he actually invented champagne or just made it better. I still don’t know for sure, but standing there felt oddly important. Outside, the hillsides stretched green and gold under a sky that couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or not. We stopped for photos at this viewpoint over the Marne Valley; my shoes got muddy but I didn’t care.

The highlight for me was meeting the family producer in Aÿ-Champagne. Their dog greeted us first (tail wagging like mad), then we followed into a small cellar where everything smelled like yeast and oak barrels. The tasting wasn’t rushed — three different Grand Cru champagnes, each poured with a little story about the vines or last year’s harvest. I tried to swirl my glass properly but probably looked clueless. We also sampled Ratafia and Marc de Champagne; both stronger than I expected, but somehow fitting after all that fizz.

We passed through Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Mutigny too — smaller villages where life seemed to move at its own pace. At one point Lucie stopped mid-sentence to wave at a neighbor driving a tractor up the hill. There’s something grounding about seeing how much pride people take in these vines, even when it’s just another Tuesday for them. The views from Mont du Gruguet were wild — you could see both Côte des Blancs and Marne Valley vineyards at once if you squinted past the clouds.

I left with muddy shoes and a head full of vineyard stories (and maybe a slight buzz). If you’re looking for a day trip from Epernay that feels personal but not staged, this private champagne tour is honestly worth it. I still think about that view over the valley sometimes when I’m back home in my kitchen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Champagne vineyards and historic villages

• Visit Avenue de Champagne in Epernay
• Tour Church of Dom Pérignon in Hautvillers
• Enjoy panorama at Hautvillers vineyards
• Visit family Champagne producer and tasting
• Discover village and vineyards of Aÿ-Champagne
• Taste Champagne alcohols and aperitifs
• Stop at Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Mont du Gruguet viewpoint
• Pass through Mutigny village and church

Top questions

How long does this private Champagne tour from Epernay last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included in this Champagne vineyard tour?

Yes, pickup is included within 6 km (3.7 miles) around Epernay.

What villages are visited during the half-day Champagne tour?

You’ll visit Hautvillers, Aÿ-Champagne, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Mutigny.

Are tastings included on this day trip from Epernay?

Yes, tastings of three Grand Cru/Premier Cru champagnes are included along with local spirits like Ratafia.

Will we visit a large Champagne house or a small producer?

You’ll visit a family-run independent producer/grower for your tasting experience.

Is lunch provided during this private wine tour?

No lunch is provided; only tastings of champagne and local spirits are included.

Can I join by public transportation if staying outside Epernay?

Public transport options are available nearby if you’re outside the pickup zone.

Is this Champagne tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as walking is minimal.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup around Epernay, guided visits through historic villages like Hautvillers and Aÿ-Champagne, tastings of three Grand Cru or Premier Cru champagnes plus regional spirits such as Ratafia and Marc de Champagne—all led by a passionate local guide before returning comfortably to your starting point.