Champagne has a few experiences in store that are shared in private, and here, in the Aube region of Champagne, we’ve mastered the art of bringing people together. Whether it’s dining at a winegrower’s home or in an unusual setting, cycling through the vineyards or even flying over the vines with a winegrower… We’re doing more than just creating memories; we’re forging bonds.
We’re letting you in on our 10 best-kept secrets about Champagne. Don’t go spreading them around too quickly!
1. The art of entertaining
Champagne Piollot – Polisot
At Polisot, Rose Piollot and head chef Nathan Fallowfield offer much more than just a tasting: they provide authentic culinary experiences designed to complement the champagnes from the Piollot and Marie Courtin estates. Their cuisine showcases seasonal produce and local producers. You can dine in the kitchen, the cellars or amongst the vines. The choice is yours!
From €80 per person
2. Dinner at Clairvaux Abbey
The Unusual Banquet – Clairvaux Abbey
On 16 October, Clairvaux Abbey will provide the setting for a gourmet evening: a masterclass dedicated to Rosé des Riceys, led by sommelier Philippe Jamesse, followed by a tour of the abbey and a four-handed banquet created by chefs Thomas Valleron and Joël Césari. Five champagnes will accompany the dinner, in the presence of the winemakers. Only 150 guests will be able to attend.
16 October 2026 · from 6.00 pm
€150 per person – booking required
3. Step inside a 12th-century Cistercian cellar
Champagne Monial — Colombé-le-Sec
At Champagne Monial, the tour begins with a true journey back in time. At the estate, the Champagne is aged in the ‘Cellier aux Moines’, a 12th-century Cistercian cellar that has been listed as a historic monument since 1919. The bottles age peacefully there, and the traditional riddling process is still carried out by hand.
Tours and tastings by appointment only
4. Take your taste buds on a journey
Champagne de Barfontarc — Baroville
After around 45 minutes spent exploring the facilities and learning about the stages of champagne production, it’s time for a tasting of four cuvées: Héritage Brut, Caractère Blanc de Noirs, La Vigne au Roy and Caractère Rosé. These are accompanied by local specialities prepared by a local partner restaurant.
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes · €32 per person · booking required
5. Have a picnic at Drappier’s
Champagne Drappier — Urville
The basket, local produce and, of course, the bubbly: Champagne Drappier offers its gourmet picnic, which includes a bottle of Champagne for two people, local produce, as well as a tour of the cellars and a tasting. They’ll also recommend the perfect spot to spread out your picnic blanket on the grass.
€57 per person · from April to October
Book at least one week in advance
6. Take a flight over the vineyard with a winemaker-pilot
Champagne Lionel Carreau — Celles-sur-Ource
How about taking to the skies? After a warm welcome at the estate, head to the airfield for a 30-minute flight over the vineyards of the Côte des Bar, accompanied by a local pilot who will point out the sights. Back on solid ground, Lionel Carreau or his daughter Oriane will be waiting to welcome you for a tasting of three champagnes.
€90 per person · 2 to 3 people
This activity is subject to weather conditions.
7. Escaping from a Champagne cellar
Champagne Marcel Vézien — Celles-sur-Ource
You have 90 minutes. As you make your way through the press house, the vatting room and the cellar, the puzzles will immerse you in the world of the winemaker and the secrets of Champagne production. And whatever the outcome of the adventure, a tasting awaits the players at the end.
90 mins · €25 per person
4 to 10 people · Tuesday to Saturday · by booking only
8. Blind tasting
Champagne Chassenay d’Arce – Ville-sur-Arce
Once you’ve explored the estate, it’s time for a bit of fun: three champagnes are tasted blind. It’s up to you to use your nose and palate to try and identify the grape varieties. A fun way to learn how to taste Champagne.
The Wine Tasting Experience — 3 hours · €30 per person
Serves 4 to 6 people
9. Exploring the Champagne region by bike
Champagne Richardot — Loches-sur-Ource
Hop on your bike to discover the Côte des Bar in a different way. On an electric mountain bike and accompanied by a member of the Richardot family, you’ll ride through the vineyards and learn about the estate’s viticultural practices. The route follows historic trails used by both the women’s and men’s Tour de France races, passes through forests and across rivers, and offers stunning panoramic views of the Champagne landscapes, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Back at the estate, the experience continues with a tour of the cellars and a champagne tasting.
Half-day: €40 per person
Electric mountain bike + tour of the cellars + wine tasting
Day trip: €85 per person
Electric mountain bike + tour of the cellars + wine tasting + lunch
4 to 9 people · aged 12 and over · by booking only
10. Finding the right pairings for Champagne
Champagne Devaux — Bar-sur-Seine
Forget traditional food and wine pairings for a moment. At the Manoir de Villeneuve, on the banks of the Seine, Maison Devaux invites you to discover four of its champagnes paired with four carefully selected cheeses.
A tasting that allows you to explore different textures, aromas and intensities, and to discover how Champagne and cheese can complement each other so well.
4 champagnes · 4 cheeses
2 hours – €43 per person
