The Must-Sees of Champagne during Harvest

Discover 4 famous villages and vineyards classified Grand cru and 1er cru around Epernay as well as their historic hillsides classified as World Heritage by UNESCO during the harvest .
Enjoy this special atmosphere during the harvest with the visit of a family of independent producer / winegrower and several tastings.

Did you know that my village of Aÿ - just 5 minutes from Epernay and 35 minutes from Reims - was the main center of the Champagne industry and always has a very special place?
The kings of France had their own presses there from the 16th century and the wines of Champagne were formerly called "Wines of Aÿ".

The historic hillsides of Aÿ are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and the vineyard is classified at the highest of the appellation: Grand cru.
This is where I will take you to discover the historic village and its famous vineyard !

In a friendly and authentic atmosphere, immerse yourself in the heart of the harvest in private in this exceptional classified Champagne vineyard . You will harvest few bunches of grapes and meet the pickers and winegrowers working in the vines.

You will also visit other villages and vineyards classified 1er cru with exceptional panoramas around Aÿ: Mutigny and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (Mont du Gruguet) and taste 3 famous local spirits: Ratafia of Champagne, Fine of Marne and Marc of Champagne.

You will also meet a family of producers / winemakers (the good addresses of the locals ) who will open the doors of their cellar, their winery but also their press in operation and to discover the process of making their champagne, its specificities and the process of pressing the grapes during harvest.

The visit will be followed by several champagne tastings. If when we arrive, the press is in operation, you will have the chance to taste fresh grape juice !

And do you really know who Dom Pérignon is? you will be surprised by the real story ... I will show you in the vineyards of Hautvillers where all his experiments took place and where the first champagne cellars he dug are located .... you will then thank him in the church where he officiated and where he now rests forever!

An additional stop is planned in the most beautiful panoramic view of Champagne in the Valley of Marne.

Hautvillers is one of the most charming and famous villages in Champagne, it is called the "Cradle of Champagne".
It is also one of the few villages with Aÿ where UNESCO has classified its historic hillsides as World Heritage.