Gold Champagne Experience from Reims (Private Full day tour)

Discover the Private Gold Champagne Experience from Reims

The Gold Champagne Experience from Reims offers a comprehensive, full-day private tour that immerses you in the world of Champagne. Priced at $646.66 per person, this 7 to 8-hour journey takes you through the celebrated vineyards and villages surrounding Epernay and Reims. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides a rich mix of vineyard visits, tastings, and cultural highlights, making it ideal for those eager to deepen their understanding of Champagne production.

This tour stands out for its focus on Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, as well as visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed hillsides. With six Champagne tastings included—covering a variety of styles and producers—the experience offers excellent value for Champagne enthusiasts. The private format ensures a personalized touch, although the price might be higher than group alternatives. It suits those who appreciate quality, detail, and a relaxed, exclusive atmosphere.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour lasting approximately 7 to 8 hours in the Champagne region near Reims and Epernay.
• Visit famous Grand Cru villages like Aÿ and Oger, and explore the UNESCO-listed vineyards.
• Tour includes guided visits to vineyards and production sites of independent growers.
• Enjoy 6 Champagne tastings, including Grand Cru and Premier Cru varieties, plus some Champagne-based aperitifs.
• Experience a convivial Champagne lunch with a bottle for two persons in select local venues.
• Guided commentary on vineyard management, Champagne history, and production techniques.

Starting Point: Reims and Private Pickup Options

This tour departs from Reims with pickup offered, making it a convenient and comfortable choice for visitors staying in the city. The mobile ticket format simplifies access, and the entire experience is designed for private groups, ensuring an intimate and tailored journey. The tour can be booked on average 17 days in advance, highlighting its popularity among Champagne aficionados.

Exploring the Vineyards of Hautvillers and the Cradle of Champagne

The journey begins with a visit to Hautvillers, a village renowned as the Cradle of Champagne. Here, visitors tour the Church of Dom Pérignon, where the grave of Dom Pérignon resides. Despite myths about his role in inventing Champagne, the guide clarifies his influence on winemaking and Champagne’s development.

Next, the tour offers a panoramic view of the Marne Valley from the UNESCO-listed hillsides of Hautvillers. This stunning outlook showcases the vineyard landscape where Dom Pérignon performed experiments, providing excellent photo opportunities and contextual understanding of Champagne terroir.

The Iconic Avenue de Champagne in Epernay

A highlight of the tour is the passage along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, famously called “the most expensive avenue in the world”. Visitors see the historic mansions and cellar entrances of celebrated Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. The guide offers commentary on the history of these Champagne giants and the world-class facilities beneath the avenue.

Visiting Grand Cru Villages: Cramant and Oger

The tour includes stops in Cramant and Oger, two distinguished Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs. Cramant is called the “Kingdom of Chardonnay Grand Cru”, renowned for its 100% Chardonnay Champagnes. At Oger, visitors explore another Grand Cru village famous for Blanc de Blancs—Champagne made entirely from Chardonnay grapes.

In Oger, the focus is on independent family producers, where visitors sample three different Blanc de Blancs, including styles such as natural, extra brut, and vintages. These visits also include tours of presses, wineries, and cellars.

The Role of Aÿ-Champagne and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

The itinerary covers Aÿ-Champagne, a historic village with UNESCO-listed vineyards mainly planted with Pinot Noir. This region played a central role in Champagne’s growth since the 16th century, once hosting royal presses. Visitors learn about vintage wines, sustainable viticulture, and the history of Champagne production in this important village.

Further, the tour passes through Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a Premier Cru village characterized by its hillsides and historic significance. It is home to confidential Champagne houses like Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat, offering insight into smaller-scale, artisanal production.

Tasting Experience: Six Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes

A core part of this tour is sampling six Champagnes from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. The tastings include a variety of styles—from vintage to oak-aged and dosage-free options. The guided comments help guests understand the differences in production, aging, and grape varieties.

The visits occur at family-owned production sites, emphasizing independent growers rather than large Champagne houses. These intimate tastings provide a chance to appreciate the diversity within Champagne’s premier vineyards.

Convivial Champagne Lunch and Local Venues

A Champagne lunch is included with a bottle for two persons, usually featuring gourmet platters of charcuterie, cheeses, and regional biscuits. The lunch locations are selected based on local popularity, allowing for a relaxed, convivial dining experience. Travelers should inform the provider of any dietary restrictions when booking.

Navigating the Tour with Practical Logistics

The itinerary includes a drive through the Montagne de Reims, famous for its forests and vineyard scenery. The entire day is spent covering multiple stops, with timing arranged to balance sightseeing, tastings, and lunch.

The private nature of this tour ensures a personalized pace and flexibility, with the meeting point ending back in Reims. The tour operates Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose the Gold Champagne Experience

This full-day private tour offers an immersive exploration of Champagne’s most prestigious vineyards and villages. The expert guides, many of whom are locals, provide insightful commentary on vineyard management, Champagne history, and production techniques.

The combination of vineyard visits, exclusive tastings, and a local lunch creates a well-rounded experience. Its focus on Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites ensures visitors gain a deeper understanding of Champagne’s quality tiers.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This experience is best suited for Champagne enthusiasts or visitors seeking a luxurious, private day exploring top vineyards and tasting premium Champagnes. The personalized approach and extensive itinerary make it ideal for those who value detailed knowledge and exclusive access. While the price point might be higher than group tours, the individualized experience and quality of visits justify the cost.

Final Thoughts on the Gold Champagne Experience from Reims

The Gold Champagne Experience delivers an in-depth, personalized journey into the Champagne world, with visits to renowned villages, Grand Cru vineyards, and family producers. The 6 tastings and local lunch are standout inclusions that enhance the value.

While its private format and premium focus may not appeal to budget-conscious travelers, those seeking a luxury, educational, and scenic Champagne outing** will find this tour particularly rewarding. It provides a comprehensive, relaxed way to appreciate the varieties, history, and culture behind France’s most famous sparkling wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gold Champagne Experience from Reims?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, providing plenty of time for vineyard visits, tastings, and lunch.

What does the tour include?
It includes visits to multiple villages, Grand Cru vineyards, production sites of independent growers, six Champagne tastings, and a Champagne lunch for two.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private full-day experience, with only your group participating, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked around 17 days in advance to secure availability, especially in peak seasons.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Hautvillers, the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Cramant, Oger, Aÿ-Champagne, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

Can I customize the experience?
As a private tour, it offers some flexibility, but all stops and activities are based on the outlined itinerary.

What is the price for this tour?
The cost is $646.66 per person, reflecting the private, comprehensive nature of the experience.

Is there any free cancellation?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case plans change.