I agree with ChefJune - take the early train, get there for the first tasting at one of the champagne houses, have a lovely LONG lunch, and either do another tasting or stroll through the town. As I said it isn't that big, but it is great to see. We got there at 10:30, I believe, our tasting was at 11, lasted til 12:30, then we did lunch, was done a little after 2, and then we went and strolled the city and grabbed one more glass of champagne before taking the 4:00 train back. It was perfect, but you could extend it a little and go back on the 5:00.

@AKTwite thanks for your message - as @PattyC said, it is quiet but there are champagne houses that are open. The train went straight from Paris to Epernay, and it is a SHORT walk from the train station to the town. We only did Moet, and it was awesome, but there are plenty of other places to visit. As mentioned, just look into the different houses before you go and schedule an appointment (usually you can do this online) for a tour. If you can eat at La Grillade Gourmande I highly suggest this! You will love that they have a vase for each month of the year filled with champagne corks from bottles that had been opened in the restaurant from that listed month, plus the food and service is just wonderful.

The streets were quiet, but it was great to see the area of Epernay as if you were a local without all of the crowds.

If you wanted to connect to Reims I believe there is a train that runs between Reims and Epernay.

Let me know how your trip is and if you get by La Gourmande Grillade!

Thank you all foe the info! I meant to reply a long time ago about what we ended up doing as it was the perfect "off season" mini day trip to Epernay! We ended up taking the train, which was great to see the countryside. Had a fantastic tasting at Moet and Chandon (with a fabulous guide), walked around the quaint town and had one of the most memorable meals of the trip at La Grillade Gourmande - the service and food were top notch, and I loved how they had 12 vases each with the month of the year, filled with corks from champagne bottles opened that month (we have started a similar thing at home, but quite fewer corks are in our vase!). Enjoyed a glass of bubbly at another local place before getting on the train to come home. Loved that the train station was walking distance to the heart of town, and also it was great to see it in the off times. All in all it was a great day and would do it all over again!

Tra Vigne comes to mind thinking of how many guests you are having, http://www.travignerestaurant.com/tv/pd.html

Also Etoile restaurant at Domaine Chandon http://www.chandon.com/etoile-restaurant/private-dining.html

One of my favs is Brix but don't know if they can hold more than 60 guests in their biggest room, but would be a great choice http://www.brix.com/privatedining/spa...

My personal favs for food are in Yountville, but I don't know if any are big enough? Hope this may help!

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Tra Vigne Restaurant
1050 Charter Oak, St. Helena, CA 94574

Brix
7377 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558

Hey all,

I will be taking a one day trip to Reims/Champagne region next Feb 2012. As I am already looking forward to the trip, I thought I might ask now fellow chowhounders any suggestions for the "must see" champagne houses (mainstream and maybe not so much) and a great place for lunch as we will be traveling from Paris in the AM and returning to Paris in the PM. And, PS, I am a total foodie and wino. Didn't know if anyone has a recommended car service or shall we rent a car? Any and all info from all sources appreciated,

Cheers!

Lesley