Cellar tours in Epernay, nicknamed the“Capital of Champagne” , are a must for lovers of fine bubbles.
With its emblematic Avenue de Champagne and numerous wineries, the city and its surroundings offer a unique experience for discovering history, manufacturing secrets and, of course, tasting the finest champagnes. Here’s a selection of Epernay’s most prestigious wineries and independent winegrowers to visit.
Cellar tours of Epernay Moët & Chandon : The icon
Address: 20 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay
Website: www.moet.com Telephone: 03 26 51 20 00
Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is one of the world’s most renowned houses. Its 28 km-long cellars house some of the world’s greatest vintages.
The guided tour will plunge you into thehistory of Dom Pérignon and allow you to discover the excellence of their production. Several tasting formulas are available, ideal for a Moët & Chandon Épernay cellar visit.
Anecdote: Sabrage according to Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte, a great lover of Moët & Chandon, is said to have instituted the tradition of sabering bottles after his victories. A practice still used today during celebrations!
Maison Mercier: A trip on the Little Train
Address: 68 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay
Website: www.champagnemercier.com
Telephone: 03 26 51 22 22
Founded in 1858, Maison Mercier is known for its modern, immersive approach to visits.
You’ll discover the 18 km long caves, with a small automated train.
The tour ends with a tasting featuring the house’s flagship cuvées, perfect for a Champagne Mercier tasting with a mini-train.
Anecdote: Mercier’s giant thunderbolt
In 1889, Eugène Mercier had a giant 160,000-liter tank built, called “Le Foudre Mercier”. Transported to theParis Exposition Universelle by 24 oxen, it caused a monster traffic jam in the capital.
Cellar tours in Epernay Pol Roger: L’Élégance
Address: 32 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay
Website: www.polroger.com
Telephone: 03 26 59 58 00
Famous for being Winston Churchill’s favorite champagne, Maison Pol Roger offers private tours by appointment.
This family-run business showcases its ancestral know-how and refined champagnes. Ideal for a Champagne Pol Roger Épernay tasting experience.
Anecdote: Churchill and Pol Roger
Winston Churchill was a fervent Pol Roger fan, so much so that a special cuvée bears his name.
Churchill said, “I can’t live without champagne. In victory, I deserve it; in defeat, I need it.”
Champagne Leclerc Briant : A commitment to organic and biodynamic farming
Address: 25 Bis Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay
Reservations :
Website: www.leclercbriant.fr
Telephone: 03 26 97 51 22
Committed toorganic and biodynamic farming, this house offers a unique experience for lovers of natural, environmentally-friendly champagnes.
A must for organic champagne tasting in Épernay.
Anecdote: Underwater Champagne
Leclerc Briant has conducted a unique experiment: aging champagne under the sea in the Bay of Saint-Malo to observe the effects of the marine environment on the wine!
Cellar tours in Epernay: Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the big houses or more confidential winemakers, Épernay and the surrounding area are full of fascinating cellars to explore.
Each domaine has its own world, its own unique know-how and its own specialities.
For the best possible experience, remember to book your visit to Epernay.
