Along the way we will head towards the charming village of Hautvillers, the cradle of Champagne. Located on a hillside, it offers a breathtaking view of the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs! Leaning against the nearby forest, nestles a Benedictine Abbey whose intendant-cellarer in 1668 was called Dom Pérignon! Born in 1639 in St Menehould in the Marne, he is one of the monks who participated in improving the quality of wine in our region. His discovery of the blending of different grape varieties and different vintages ensured his posterity. Behind the enclosed garden of the Abbey, the view is breathtaking over the "grand cru" and "premier cru" vineyards of the Champagne Appellation. The ideal place to discover the whole cycle of the vine as well as the hard "handmade" work of the Champagne winegrower. Isn't it "Good wines without good grapes"

It will be time for the lunch break in a traditional French cuisine restaurant 3chez Max or elsewhere depending on availability, two menus will be offered to you as well as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free dishes etc.... All accompanied by a flute of Champagne as well as a glass of red wine and coffee.

After lunch, a small digestive walk will be welcome (according to the weather)! Head for the famous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, historic heart of the divine beverage. Here were born the Great Houses! Estates such as Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët or Pol Roger, De Venoge ... have competed in architectural audacity and magnificence to give Champagne its letters of nobility. They are in tune with the reputation of the wine that ages in their cellars. With a park of 110 km of cellars and no less than 200 million bottles under the cobblestones, this Avenue is considered the richest in the world!

The end of the afternoon will be devoted to the visit of an independent winegrower who, through his family and centuries-old history, will reveal his cellars and part of the secret of his wine to you. The meeting of its gardener winegrowers and their champagnes is always a unique and unforgettable moment because they are the owners of 90% of the 34,000 hectares covered by the Champagne Appellation. By this act, they are the origin, the memory, the family tradition and the fight sometimes! They are the heart of the terroir. The visit ended: The final touch will sparkle in our Champagne flutes for a commented tasting as well as some tips for successful food and Champagne pairings!

Will ring the return time at the same place as the pick-up. Or Gare center in Reims. Either the tourist office in Epernay, 7 avenue de Champagne 5:30/6:00 p.m.

Your guide will take you on a city tour of Reims, passing through the Gallo-Roman remains of the city, its Place Royale and its Gothic cathedral which was the coronation of the kings of France.