Top 5 Champagne Houses in Epernay

Champagne houses in Epernay are bound to make your trip to France unforgettable. Tucked away in the Grand-Est region of France, Epernay is just 1.5 hours west from Paris by train (or 2 hour drive) and a stone’s throw away from Reims – it reigns as the glittering capital city of Champagne with some of its most esteemed wineries located along its famed ‘Champagne Avenue’.

In 1730, the Chanoine brothers’ choice to establish a Champagne House in Epernay allowed wealthy wine merchants from near and far the opportunity to capitalize on their wealth. Consequently, this prosperous period left behind an exquisite architectural legacy that one can enjoy when visiting Epernay – something made possible due to Ruinart’s founding of Reims just a year prior.

This ageless tradition continues to this day, with Champagne being exported worldwide. In Epernay and its vineyard, a great number of employment opportunities are available in the production of Champagne.

Winalist has tapped into the immense popularity of Champagne houses by offering top-notch wine tours and tastings in Epernay.

Don’t miss out on your chance to explore one of France’s most iconic spirits – go check it out today! Winalist will help you discover the best Champagne houses to visit in Epernay. With just a few clicks, you’ll be able to discover the best experiences that this region has to offer. Let’s get started.

Best Champagne Houses in Epernay to visit

Hidden beneath the city of Epernay is a prestigious trove, ready to be explored. Away from heat and light, millions of bottles are perfectly preserved in the basements: these Champagne Houses are what make up Epernay’s renowned reputation for excellence. Today we invite you to an exclusive journey through some of the finest cellars and houses that produce this exquisite beverage!

1. Champagne Mercier: a guided cellar visit in a train

The Mercier family journey began during the Second Empire when Eugène, a young man barely in his 20s, resolved to start a champagne house that would carry his name. His goal was revolutionary for its period – delivering quality champagne to all consumers without comprising on excellence.

For nearly 150 years, the renowned Champagne Mercier has been one of France’s most celebrated champagne houses. Initially, tours and tastings in their 1-long cellars were only accessible by horse carriage! Today, over 100 thousand people annually explore Maison Mercier with a variety of guided visits and wine samplings.

2. Champagne Mumm Perrier-Jouët

Champagne Mumm has a long and rich history, one that dates all the way back to the 12th century. Established in 1761 and with an impressive legacy at hand, Champagne Mumm is sure to impress any and every connoisseur!

In 1852, Georges Hermann Mumm proudly christened the House with his own name and 10 years later put forth the iconic “Cordon Rouge” vintage. With a passion for independence and all things natural, G.H.Mumm acquired Maison Perrier-Jouët in Epernay to produce wines of unmatched floral complexity. As one of France’s oldest Champagne Houses, Maison Perrier-Jouët continues to embody excellence through its dedication towards quality vintages that will transport you on an unforgettable journey!

3. Champagne Moët & Chandon: the famous one

Throughout the centuries, Champagne Moet et Chandon is renowned for its inventive nature and unique viticultural methods. This luxurious champagne house boasts a perfect blend of modern tech and age-old expertise that sets it apart from other brands in terms of excellence. From creating new toasting customs to employing innovative technologies, this exquisite brand continues to surprise with every sip.

One of the most famous in the world, the prestigious cellar in Epernay is a monument of sparkling wine, over more than 28 kilometers dug into the chalk soils of Champagne. The visit begins in the famous Avenue de Champagne, and is available in several formulas:

4. Champagne Pierre Mignon

For 5 generations, Champagne Pierre Mignon has been producing Exceptional Champagnes in the purest respect for tradition while favoring innovation. Their vineyard extends over more than 18 hectares in the best Crus of Champagne (Marne Valley, Côte des Blancs, Epernay region).

In love with his terroir and passionate about wine, Jean-Charles Mignon creates Champagnes with passion and regularly produces new cuvées with character. Awarded many times by all the organizations specializing in wine and gastronomy, the Maison Pierre Mignon welcomes you with the greatest kindness. Whether you are an amateur or already initiated, your sommelier guide will help you discover the treasures of the cellar around a beautiful table, in a luxurious atmosphere.

Our favorite one: the “Champagne and Caviar” experience! So french.

5. Champagne de Venoge

Unlike Maison Mumm, Maison De Venoge adopts the cordon bleu to distinguish itself in the Champagne region. Distributed today in more than 40 countries across the globe, this house, which is more confidential to the general public, is nevertheless widely renowned among Champagne connoisseurs. The top of the range of the house is symbolized by the Louis XV and Grand Vin des Princes cuvées, remarkable for their elegance and complexity. As for its more “traditional” champagnes, we can recognize them as having an excellent quality-price ratio. Treat yourself to a visit to the shop after your visit!

More Visit-Worthy Champagne Houses in Epernay

1. Champagne Leclerc Briant

Created in Cumières in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc, the Domaine moved to Epernay in 1955. From 1980, Pascal Leclerc took up the torch to perpetuate the work of his ancestors. In 2012, the House was sold to an American couple passionate about France and its unique terroir.

Modern and confidential, the vineyard of Maison Leclerc Briant is always on the lookout for innovation, without seeking growth at all costs. We still wanted to include them in this ranking of the best Champagne Houses to visit in Epernay, because their work in wine tourism is very interesting. You will discover the family’s historic plot of vines called La Croisette, as well as all the places used to transform the precious grapes into Champagne (chai, vats, cellars, presses).

The icing on the cake: access to the roof terrace offering a panorama of Epernay and its surroundings. The ideal place to savor one of the prestigious vintages of Champagne Leclerc Briant.

2. Champagne Comtesse Lafond

While strolling along the renowned Champagne avenue, you’ll likely stumble upon a majestic castle and feel urged to enter. Luckily for you, it is open! Owned by Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Champagne Comtesse Lafond guarantees an extraordinary experience in this remarkable region of France.

3. Champagne Boizel

If you’re really looking for one of the best Champagne houses in Epernay to visit, Champagne Boizel won’t disappoint. With immense pride, the Boizel family carries on a valuable 200-year history that has been passed down from parent to child since 1834. Beyond recipes, assembly secrets or customs, each generation strives to uphold tradition and keep alive the spirit of Boizel for future generations.

The love of Champagne is alive and well, yet without getting too attached to outdated customs. Maison Boizel has embraced modernity with open arms in their cellars located on Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. They proudly invite you to witness the beauty of their freshly renovated cellars for yourself!

Adventure into the realm of French Champagne and get to know those who work around-the-clock from vineyard to glass. Epicureans in pursuit of finesse, character, and elegance can locate something that will excite their curiosity. Experience first hand all involved in producing one of the greatest champagnes on Earth!

More information and booking: Book Champagne Boizel tour and tasting

Enjoy your Champagne trip in Epernay!

Once you’ve spent a great time in Epernay you could also explore other nearby villages like Avize, Hautvillers (the famous village where you’ll discover the Church of Dom Pérignon), Mailly-Champagne or a bit further the larger cities of Troyes wineries or Chateau-Thierry (on your way back to Paris)
For your exploration of the various cities in the Champagne region, we have prepared a complete guide to visiting Champagne for you !

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