Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the fizz-filled heart of Champagne. This small-group adventure takes you beyond the big houses into vineyards, cellars, and homes of family-run estates crafting exceptional Champagnes from their own grapes.
Travel in comfort, taste rare cuvées, explore charming villages, and enjoy the road less travelled — all while meeting passionate winemakers and fellow Champagne lovers.
Champagne + Fromage Wellington St (Google Map)
0915 am
Hostel (Shared Rooms)
A Relaxed, Immersive Experience
This is a slow sip of the good life. Plenty of time to soak up vineyard views, chat with winemakers, and enjoy unhurried tastings.
Small Group Comfort
Maximum 14 guests ensures a personal, sociable experience. Comfortable minibus travel allows for relaxed days.
Real Connections
Visit family-run estates, meet the people behind the bottles, and gain insights not found in guidebooks.
No Wine Snobbery Required
Perfect for beginners or enthusiasts. Guides explain everything in clear, fun, and engaging language.
Scenic Drives & Hidden Villages
Rolling hills, chalky slopes, forested landscapes, and charming hamlets — every day brings a new picturesque route.
Genuine Hospitality
Stay in hand-picked hotels or B&Bs, enjoy hearty breakfasts, and relax in welcoming surroundings.
Bring Curiosity (and Space in Your Luggage)
Opportunities to buy bottles direct from producers at prices often unavailable elsewhere. Most estates can also arrange shipping.
Depart early morning from your UK pickup point, travel via Eurotunnel or ferry.
Stop en route for lunch and a first tasting at a family-run estate near Reims.
Check in to Épernay accommodation in the late afternoon.
Evening orientation walk along Avenue de Champagne.
Welcome dinner together.
Bus: ~6 hrs (with stops). Walking: light
Sleep: Épernay (3 nights)
Explore the heart of Chardonnay country in the elegant Côte des Blancs.
Visit two exceptional grower-producers in Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Vineyard-side picnic lunch (weather permitting), paired with Blanc de Blancs cuvées.
Afternoon free to explore Épernay’s shops or relax at a wine bar.
Dinner on your own (guide suggestions provided).
Bus: 2 hrs (local). Walking: moderate
Morning visit to the Vallée de la Marne, famous for Pinot Meunier.
Two estate visits — one classic, one experimental — highlighting regional variety.
Rustic lunch in a village auberge.
Afternoon stop in Hautvillers, birthplace of Dom Pérignon. Explore the abbey or enjoy a riverside coffee.
Evening free in Épernay.
Bus: 3 hrs (local). Walking: moderate
After breakfast, check out and visit a final small producer near Château-Thierry for a goodbye tasting.
Depart for Calais and return to the UK in the evening.
Bus: 6 hrs (with stops). Walking: light
