You don’t often see this inquiry getting answered in forums. Champagne Pol Roger crafts some of the best French wines, and it would be a shame not to visit the Champagne House so highly lauded by Sir Winston Churchill. But there is a caveat.
Maison Pol Roger is not open to the public. To secure a visit to the Champagne House, you have to be invited or be in the trade.
Fortunately, there are several Champagne Houses in Epernay that you can go to for casual champagne tasting, cellar tours, and more. Below, we’ve listed down some of the must-see maisons de Champagne in Epernay.
Where Is the Best Champagne Tasting in Epernay?
Even though Pol Roger is not open to the public, as you walk along the cobbles of Avenue de Champagne, you should be able to see Maison Pol Roger from the outside. The façade is simply beautiful!
Pol Roger is not the only Champagne House in Epernay that is not available for visitation, though. Krug, Bollinger, Louis Roederer, Krug, Laurent Perrier, and Charles Heidsieck are also not open to the public. That said, there are still Champagne Houses you can go to when you’re in Epernay, including:
Moët & Chandon
When it comes to French wine, Moët et Chandon is a name that doesn’t get left out. This Maison crafts some of the most luxurious champagnes in the world. Here, you can explore their impressive 28-kilometer maze of underground cellars, which make up their cellars.
You’ll also learn how the Champagne House makes its wine and the secret behind iconic Champagne. And of course, you can do three wine tasting options.
To check the availability of their champagne tours, visit their website.
Mercier
This Champagne House has an 18-kilometer cellar underneath Epernay’s chalky soil. You can take the Mercier train down the stretch and see sculptor Gustave Navlet’s bas-relief carvings. Don’t worry, the mini train ride is included in the fee, and all of Mercier’s champagne tours, including the tour in their vineyards.
In the cellars, you’ll also see thousands of hidden bottles. And then, you go back up and have a flute of Champagne. Their Brut Mercier is a must-try if you haven’t!
For bookings, check their website.
Boizel
Visiting Champagne Boizel is a great way to experience French wine. They offer some of the best champagne tours, accompanied by either English or French tour guides. Here, you do tastings of their vintage wines. A visit to their cellars is also something you can’t miss out on!
Check out their website for more info.
Nicolas Feuillatte
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is roughly 5 kilometers from Avenue de Champagne. It’s also easily distinguishable due to the Champagne House’s ultra-modern look. If you see a structure covered in glasses, that’s him. They offer a unique and fun experience for anyone who wishes to get to know the Maison by heart.
It’s one of the big Champagne Houses in Epernay with an amazing team for guided group tours. Here, you can discover how they make their champagne, from the first stage of making champagne to bottling. You can pick from 1 to 3 wine tastings, as well as blind tasting to compare each cuvées.
You may check their website for more info.
Perrier-Jouët
The story behind this Champagne House is pretty interesting. It was born out of love between a wedded couple. But that’s another story to tell when you get to the House.
Maison Perrier-Jouët is known for its iconic bottles, intricately decorated with Japanese anemones. It’s nothing like any other Champagne brand in the world. Their champagnes are also widely recognized, with their floral and delicate notes—all thanks to their Chardonnay-dominated blends!
To make the most out of your visit, you can avail their gastronomic experience, go to their champagne bar, and create a personalized gift. All these amazing experiences can be availed on their website.
Comtesse Lafond
Champagne Comtesse Lafond has a stunning château right across the Avenue de Champagne. It’s one of the smaller Champagne Houses in Epernay, but a visit here is worth it. If you love vintage champagne, this is the place to go.
Here, you can do champagne tastings in their cellar and in the castle, where you can taste their latest vintage. One of their most popular champagnes you can try is their Comtesse Lafond Brut. It’s a dry champagne made from the three grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
Maison Comtesse Lafond is also one of the few in Epernay that allows you to saber your own champagne as if it’s still in the time of Napoleon. You can check out their rates on their website.
Other Things To Do in Epernay
Epernay isn’t just about champagne tastings. It’s a charming town that offers a unique experience. If you have more time to spare during your stay, consider exploring other places.
Explore the Surrounding Villages
There are lovely villages nestled in between Reims and Epernay. They are mostly hidden in the magnificent Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. As you approach these villages, you get to enjoy forests and vineyards. The rolling hills and agricultural lands are scenic.
Aÿ
You can go to Aÿ-Champagne and sweep through the vineyards using an electric bike. Most houses in the village are in typical half-timbered houses. They are beautiful to see. You can also visit the 15th-century Gothic-style Église Saint-Brice. Visiting the nearby villages will make you fall in love with the countryside.
Hautvillers
One of the most famous villages in the Champagne region is Hautvillers. It’s synonymous with the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon, who was said to be the pioneer of champagne-making production in the 18th century.
Visiting Hautvillers offers a wonderful way to enjoy a full view of the Marne Valley. Go ahead and wander its streets and do some dining, wine tasting, and shopping.
FAQs
Can I Visit Pol Roger?
Pol Roger is currently closed to the public. It’s one of the few Champagne Houses alongside Louis Roederer, Laurent Perrier, Charles Heidsieck, Bollinger, and Krug, that isn’t available for visitation. Some guests have gone to Champagne Pol Roger through invitation or by trade.
Can You Visit Champagne Houses in Epernay?
Of course. In case you can’t visit Pol Roger, there are other large Champagne Houses you can go to. Epernay is home to the famous landmark Avenue de Champagne. You’ll find many of the best Champagne Houses along this street such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Boizel, Nicolas Feuillatte, Comtesse Lafond, and more.
Can You Walk to Champagne Houses in Epernay?
Yes, they are all a walking distance to one another. One of the things that we love about the Champagne region is that the major Champagne Houses are all pretty close. Epernay is a small town and is easy to explore on foot. You can definitely walk to the Maisons, which makes a day of champagne tour worth it.
Which Is Better: Reims or Epernay?
It depends on what you want to do. Reims is larger than Epernay, and it’s a lot more urbanized than the latter. So if you’re into the bustling city vibe, go to Reims.
There are lots of historical sites in Reims such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and Palace of Tau. It’s also home to major Champagne Houses such as Taittinger, Ruinart, Vranken-Pommery, G.H. Martel & C°, and Veuve Clicquot.
But if you prefer a quaint and charming town with a more laid-back vibe, visiting Epernay is the way to go. Here, you can explore its charming streets and its rolling hills by bike. There are also historical sites found here. And if you need a break, you can do wine tastings at smaller Champagne Houses.
Wrap Up
Unfortunately, Maison Pol Roger is currently not open for public visits. You either have to get exclusively invited or as others say be extremely persuasive. The good news is that you still get to see its beautiful building along the streets of Avenue de Champagne.
There are also famous Champagne Houses within the area. If you want to visit them while in Epernay, make sure to check their websites for availability. Some of them are closed during the holiday season and slots will likely reopen next year.
We hope you’ve found this post helpful. If you have other questions, let us know and we’ll be happy to help. Cheers!
