Private Champagne De Castellane, Mercier Cellars From Paris

Discover the renowned champagne houses of Mercier and de Castellane on this private tour from Paris. Enjoy the rich heritage and time-honored production methods that have made these labels iconic. From the historic Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers to guided tastings, this comprehensive experience offers an insider’s view into the world-famous Champagne region. Whether you’re a seasoned champagne enthusiast or seeking an introduction to fine sparkling wines, this tour promises to delight the senses and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of champagne-making. Prepare to uncover the stories and secrets that lie behind the bubbles.

Key Points

• This private champagne tour from Paris includes guided visits and tastings at the renowned Champagne Mercier and Champagne de Castellane houses.
• The 11-hour tour provides an in-depth exploration of the history and production methods of these legendary champagne brands.
• Pickup and drop-off service is included, with transportation in comfortable Mercedes vehicles for a smooth journey.
• The tour also features a visit to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, the birthplace of champagne, and its panoramic viewpoint.
• The tour caters to both champagne enthusiasts and those seeking an introduction to fine sparkling wines, with a minimum age of 18 for tastings.

Overview of the Tour

This private champagne tour from Paris offers visitors an immersive experience, with guided visits and tastings at two renowned champagne houses – Champagne de Castellane since 1895 and Champagne Mercier since 1858.

Lasting 11 hours, the tour includes pickup and drop-off, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the journey.

At each location, you will learn about the history and production methods behind these iconic champagne brands through in-depth tours and tastings.

The itinerary also includes a lunch break in Épernay and a visit to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Champagne region.

This comprehensive tour is designed to cater to both champagne enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable introduction to the world of fine sparkling wines.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a 07:30 pickup from the hotel, allowing guests to start their champagne journey without the hassle of navigating the Parisian traffic.

The first stop is at Champagne Mercier, where visitors will enjoy a guided tour and tasting from 10:00 to 12:00.

After the tasting, there’s a lunch break in Épernay from 12:00 to 14:00 to refuel.

In the afternoon, the group heads to Champagne de Castellane for another guided tour and tasting from 14:00 to 15:30.

The final stop is the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers and its viewpoint, where guests can soak in the picturesque champagne region before the 16:15 drop-off at their hotel or Airbnb address.

Transportation Details

After exploring the detailed itinerary, let’s now examine the transportation arrangements for this private champagne tour from Paris.

Guests are provided with Mercedes vehicles – either an E220 business-class car for 2-3 people or a larger Mercedes minivan for groups of 3-7 travelers. These comfortable, high-quality vehicles ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to the champagne houses.

Pickup and drop-off services are included, with the tour operator arranging to collect guests directly from their hotel or Airbnb address in Paris. This seamless door-to-door service allows travelers to relax and fully enjoy the champagne tasting experience without the hassle of navigating public transportation or driving themselves.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Aside from the comprehensive transportation arrangements, this private champagne tour includes guided tours and tastings at both the Champagne Mercier and Champagne de Castellane cellars, providing guests with an immersive experience into the world-renowned Champagne region. Plus, the tour features a visit to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers and its scenic viewpoint, where the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon is credited with pioneering the Champagne production method. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and all fees and taxes are included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience for guests.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Guided tours and tastings at Champagne Mercier and Champagne de Castellane	Meals (other than the lunch break)
Visit to Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers and viewpoint	Personal expenses
Bottled water	Transportation to/from Paris

Age and Accessibility Restrictions

Adhering to local regulations, the minimum age for champagne tastings on this tour is 18 years, though children are welcome to participate in the guided tours.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility issues, as it lacks accommodations for strollers or wheelchairs. For safety reasons, pets are also not permitted on the tour.

The private nature of the experience means the group size is limited, with transportation provided in either a Mercedes E220 business-class vehicle for 2-3 people or a Mercedes minivan for 3-7 people. This ensures a comfortable and personalized journey through the Champagne region, though guests should be mindful of these age and accessibility restrictions when booking.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests to adjust their plans without penalty should any unexpected circumstances arise.

This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind and ensures customers can book the experience without worrying about non-refundable fees.

Whether plans change due to work commitments, personal matters, or unforeseen events, guests can cancel their reservation up until a day before the scheduled tour date and receive a full refund.

This user-friendly policy reflects the tour provider’s commitment to customer satisfaction and their understanding that travel plans can sometimes be unpredictable.

Guests can book this champagne experience with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel if necessary.

Highlights of the Champagne Houses

Moving on to the highlights of the champagne houses, the tour offers guided visits and tastings at two renowned establishments: Champagne de Castellane since 1895 and Champagne Mercier since 1858.

Guests can expect to explore the rich histories and production processes of these iconic champagne brands during the immersive experiences.

At Champagne Mercier, visitors will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and tasting, learning about the brand’s centuries-old traditions and sampling their acclaimed champagnes.

The tour then moves to Champagne de Castellane, where guests will be taken on a 1.5-hour guided exploration of the cellars and treated to additional tastings.

This comprehensive experience provides an exclusive opportunity to discover the heritage and excellence of these legendary champagne houses.

Visiting the Abbaye Saint-Pierre D’hautvillers

After exploring the renowned champagne houses, the tour culminates with a visit to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, a historic abbey that played a pivotal role in the development of champagne.

Guests are taken to this picturesque setting, where they can admire the stunning abbey and enjoy the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the rolling vineyards of the Champagne region.

The abbey, dating back to the 7th century, is considered the birthplace of champagne, as it was here that Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon pioneered the méthode champenoise, the traditional method of producing sparkling wine.

Visitors can walk through the abbey’s grounds and learn about its rich history, seeing the charming atmosphere that inspired the creation of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on the tour. The tour includes guided tastings and a lunch break, so participants should refrain from consuming any outside provisions to fully experience the champagne cellars and pairings provided.

Is Tipping the Tour Guide Required?

Tipping the tour guide is not required but is appreciated for good service. Many guests choose to tip the guide 10-20% of the tour price as a gesture of gratitude for their knowledgeable and attentive service during the experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour does accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can notify the provider in advance of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, and the provider will make the necessary arrangements to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Champagne During the Tour?

Yes, additional bottles of champagne can be purchased during the tour. The tour allows you to buy extra bottles from the champagne houses visited, so you can take home your favorites from the tastings.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended at an additional cost. Customers can request a longer tour to explore the champagne region further or spend more time at the cellars. The tour provider can customize the itinerary to meet individual preferences.

Recap

This private champagne tour from Paris offers an immersive exploration of the Champagne region’s rich heritage and production methods.

Visitors can experience guided tours and tastings at renowned houses like Mercier and de Castellane, as well as visit the historic Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers.

Transported in comfortable vehicles, the 11-hour experience caters to both champagne enthusiasts and those seeking an introduction to fine sparkling wines, providing a comprehensive and practical insight into the region’s winemaking legacy.