Epernay Car Tours: Top 5 Champagne Experiences

Planning a visit to Epernay and eager to discover the best Champagne houses? You know, Epernay is the sort of spot where dreams float on bubbles of joy! Doing it by car, more or less, gives you the freedom to explore at your own speed. Here are five sensational car tours that’ll take you through scenic vineyards and into the heart of what makes good Champagne. I mean, from grand estates to hidden gems, there’s definitely something to suit your taste.

1. The “Avenue de Champagne” Stroll and Beyond

First thing’s first, of course, you simply cannot miss the “Avenue de Champagne” itself. Anyway, imagine a street lined with lavish mansions, and guess what, most of them happen to be legendary Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. What you want to do is start with a leisurely cruise down this famed avenue. Very many Champagne cellars open their doors for tours and tastings, very, very offering insights into production and, well, of course, a sample or two! Maybe after that, get off the main drag and explore the roads that curve through the vineyards, taking in the beautiful views over the valley.

2. A Vineyard Venture to Hautvillers

Just a little trip from Epernay sits Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon perfected the art of Champagne. Very much explore the abbey where he served as a monk. It’s really quite interesting actually to see where some pretty special magic happened! Too it’s almost wander through the vineyards blanketing the hillsides, soaking in the spectacular outlook that once inspired Dom Pérignon himself. Most often you’ll stumble upon boutique wineries offering super-personal experiences Champagne enthusiasts would love. Still you can sample their craft without the big crowds.

3. Côtes des Blancs – The Chardonnay Route

Are you keen on Chardonnay? Well, that’s exactly what the Côtes des Blancs region is famous for! This area produces elegant Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. Arguably what makes it nice is that a car lets you wind along scenic routes past the quaint villages and premier vineyards. Actually, it’s about finding estates offering in-depth tours of their winemaking. I mean, many have generation-old family cellars, you know?

4. Marne Valley Meander

Follow the snaking Marne River and discover tucked-away wineries in the Marne Valley. Marne Valley Meander offers stunning views. It may not be as talked about as the Avenue de Champagne, but its family-operated houses hold real charm. Just driving along, that is, you can see it all: rolling hills, perfect vineyards, the sparkling river, everything you’d want from a French trip. It’s perfect for finding unique cuvées at prices more agreeable to the average joe. And the best part? Tasting with folks actually growing the grapes!

5. The “Route Touristique du Champagne” Full Loop

If you want a structured journey, consider “The Champagne Tourist Route.” Usually well-marked, and winding over countless miles of vineyard dotted countryside, it showcases just how huge, beautiful and essential the Champagne area truly is. Often there’s clear road signage, and stopping to enjoy the different villages gets pretty easy. The route winds through various regions, each known for a distinct style, from powerful Pinot Noirs to chiseled Chardonnays. I mean, do it at your own pace, enjoying smaller family vineyards as you go.