Surrounded by 34,000 hectares of chalky vineyards, Épernay is the undisputed centre of the champagne universe. Whether you’re an aficionado or simply partial to a bottle of bubbly, this quintessentially French town is a must-visit for all things champagne.
Read on as we explore the best Épernay champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne and beyond, including the legendary brands, boutique vintners and growing independents shaping the industry in the 21st century.
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Épernay: the heart of Champagne
In the heart of France’s Champagne region, the commune of Épernay is widely regarded as the epicentre of champagne production. After all, this elegant town is home to the renowned Avenue de Champagne – the main artery of champagne production in Épernay.
Nicknamed Faubourg de la Folie (or ‘crazy suburb’), this UNESCO World Heritage site is a grand boulevard lined with gorgeous houses, hotels and prestigious champagne maisons – among them, Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. Directly beneath the paving lies more than 100 km of cool chalk cellars cradling millions of aging bottles.
With its historic charm and refined atmosphere, Épernay offers a truly immersive experience encompassing the heritage, craftsmanship and celebratory spirit of champagne, and is an essential pilgrimage for wine enthusiasts and epicurean travellers.
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Iconic & unmissable champagne houses
From Moët to Perrier-Jouët, the best Épernay champagne houses are household names, with hundreds of millions of bottles enjoyed around the globe every year. Here are our favourites from Épernay and nearby areas, including the region’s major city, Reims.
Ruinart
To begin at the beginning, Ruinart is the oldest established champagne house on the planet, having produced exquisite sparkling wine since 1729. Based in Reims, Ruinart leans on close to 300 years of tradition to develop expressive chardonnay-dominated cuvées in delightfully distinctive bottles. Whether joining us on a luxury tour or planning your own tailor-made holiday, a visit to Ruinart is a must.
Moët & Chandon (Dom Pérignon)
As the world’s best-selling champagne brand, Moët & Chandon is among the most prestigious champagne houses in Épernay, producing exclusive cuvées since 1743. This includes the illustrious Dom Pérignon – a solely vintage champagne named after a 17th-century Benedictine monk, made using pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Such is its standing in the world of wine, Dom Pérignon has become shorthand for the joie de vivre.
Veuve Clicquot
With its distinctive yellow label, the historic Veuve Clicquot is one of the world’s most iconic champagne maisons. It’s been considered an industry pioneer since founder Madame Clicquot produced the first single vintage champagne in 1810, and the first blended rosé champagne soon after. Located in nearby Reims, Veuve Clicquot’s many unique tour options makes it an essential visit when near Épernay.
Perrier-Jouët
Considered one of the best champagne houses in Épernay, Perrier-Jouët is celebrated for its elegant floral-style champagnes. Founded in 1811, the maison has long been associated with art and beauty, reflected in everything from its intricate anemone motif to its stunning 18th-century Avenue de Champagne location, fondly known as Maison Belle Époque. A visit offers the opportunity to explore historic cellars and indulge in this fine champagne in the most beautiful of settings.
Pommery
Established in 1858, Pommery is another exceptional champagne maison in Reims, just a short drive from Épernay. The joy of a visit to Pommery is being able to taste this elegant champagne in a majestic 50-hectare estate – similar in size to the Louvre – complete with Elizabethan-style château and ancient chalk caves. These winding cellars are also home to regular contemporary art installments, fulfilling the wishes of the late Madame Pommery.
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The best boutique & small champagne houses to visit in Épernay
While the leading Épernay champagne houses may be first on your list, don’t overlook the younger boutique producers injecting innovation and excitement into the industry. Here are our picks for the best small champagne houses to visit in Épernay and surrounding areas.
Hatt & Söner
Hatt & Söner is far from a household name, but it’s highly respected by people in the know. This secretive boutique maison was born from a compelling story set during the German occupation of France and the multi-generational friendship between the Vallois and Ruscon families. A visit to Hatt & Söner in Bergères-les-Vertus offers a rare experience: the chance to create your own exclusive cuvée, tailored to your preferences after a blind tasting.
Champagne Vollereaux
Champagne Vollereaux may be a boutique producer, but it’s far from young – boasting six generations of family ownership and remaining independent to this day. Since 1805, the small maison in Pierry near Épernay has blended centuries of expertise and traditional techniques with modern innovation and sustainability to produce relaxed artisanal champagne cuvées that regularly dazzle the wine world.
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils
The highly respected Pierre Gimonnet & Fils is an artisan grower-producer celebrated for elegant cuvées that boast exceptional aging potential. With vineyards in Grand Cru villages such as Cramant and Chouilly, the estate focuses exclusively on smaller-batch chardonnay-driven champagnes. They’re renowned for crafting refined Blanc de Blancs that express the purity and minerality of the region’s famously chalky soils.
Champagne Michel Gonet
Champagne Michel Gonet is a family-run estate with roots dating back to 1802. Based in the village of Avize, but with a tasting venue on Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne, the maison specialises in distinctive chardonnay-driven cuvées. Having remained outside the mainstream spotlight, Michel Gonet holds an under-the-radar appeal, attracting enthusiasts with champagnes known for their purity, elegance and depth.
Champagne Roger Coulon
The progressive family-run Champagne Roger Coulon is another exceptional small producer, located north of Épernay in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny. Now in its eighth generation, the estate farms organically certified vineyards and harvests at high maturity, resulting in pristine champagnes with natural depth and balance. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour through the cellars, before an intimate tasting in the estate’s tranquil grounds.
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Planning the perfect Épernay tour? Why not let us handle it instead?
An Épernay champagne tour is a true bucket-list journey for wine lovers, yet organising a seamless tour of the area can be a logistical minefield. Instead, enjoy effortless enjoyment of this iconic region with our unforgettable luxury driving tour of Champagne complete with five-star accommodation, exclusive tastings and special experiences from iconic and boutique producers.
If you want to learn more about this tour or any of our extraordinary European adventures, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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