Champagne Day Trip from Reims including 7 Champagne Tastings

A Champagne Day Trip from Reims offers an engaging mix of intimate tastings, scenic sightseeing, and cultural highlights. Priced at $289.64 per person and lasting around 8 hours, this tour is perfect for those eager to explore the Champagne region in a relaxed setting. The tour features visits to small Champagne houses, a family-owned estate, and a guided walk along Avenue de Champagne, making it ideal for connoisseurs and curious travelers alike.

One of the standout features is the small group size, capped at 8 people, which means more personal attention from the professional driver-guide. The tour includes seven Champagne tastings, carefully curated to showcase artisan champagnes and authentic family producers. A delicious French lunch at a local restaurant provides a well-deserved break between tastings. While the tour departs from Reims city center, it does not include pick-up in Paris, so travelers should plan their own transportation to the starting point.

While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and high-quality tastings, it’s important to note that it’s best suited for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and are comfortable with a full-day commitment. The 8-passenger minivan ensures an intimate experience, but some may find the itinerary demanding. Still, the high ratings, with a 4.7/5 based on 256 reviews, reflect strong satisfaction among past travelers.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $289.64, this 8-hour small-group tour offers a comprehensive Champagne experience.
• Highlights: Visits to small Champagne houses, a family estate, and a walk along Avenue de Champagne.
• Tastings: A total of 7 Champagne tastings are included, featuring artisan and family-produced champagnes.
• Dining: An included French lunch at a local restaurant offers a break and additional tasting opportunities.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers for personalized attention and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
• Guide Expertise: Guides like Radames, Pierre, or Emmanuel are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness.

Starting Point at Reims Train Station

The tour kicks off at the Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims, near the Reims train station, at 9:30 am. The meeting involves a professional driver-guide leading a small group into a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

For visitors arriving from Paris, the tour recommends catching a TGV train early in the morning—from Paris-Est station at 8:28 am on weekdays or 7:58 am on Sundays—to arrive in time for the start. The guide will meet Sunday travelers at 9:00 am in front of the Champagne-Ardenne station. It’s advised to book your train tickets in advance due to the tight schedule.

Visiting Reims: From Roman Ruins to Champagne Houses

Once onboard, the guide leads the group through a scenic sightseeing tour of Reims. Iconic sights include the Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive Roman ruins, giving travelers a taste of the city’s historical significance. The tour also passes by the big Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Mumm, providing context about the region’s reputation as a global Champagne hub.

This introduction sets the tone for the day, blending sightseeing with the promise of exclusive tastings at smaller Champagne producers. The tour emphasizes a balance between the grandeur of the larger houses and the charm of family-operated wineries.

A Closer Look at Small Champagne Houses in Rilly-la-Montagne

The first stop involves a visit to a family-owned Champagne grower in Rilly-la-Montagne, where guests explore the cellars and learn about artisan Champagne production. This tasting session offers an authentic experience, highlighting traditional methods and regional craftsmanship.

Guests appreciate the personalized attention at these smaller estates, where Champagne makers often share stories about their family’s history and production techniques. These intimate visits are a highlight, standing out from larger commercial tours.

Visiting Dom Pérignon’s Burial Site and Abbey

Next, travelers drive to a village where Dom Pérignon is buried. The group visits the church associated with the legendary 17th-century monk, who is credited with perfecting Champagne’s production process. This stop adds a layer of historical depth to the day’s exploration, connecting the region’s monastic heritage with Champagne making.

The visit to the church offers a tranquil setting, and guides often share fascinating details about Dom Pérignon’s influence on the industry. It’s a quiet but meaningful moment in the itinerary.

Epernay and the Avenue de Champagne

Following the morning visits, the tour proceeds to the town of Epernay for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, included in the tour price. This break typically lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing for personal exploration or to relax and enjoy the local cuisine.

Post-lunch, the group strolls along Avenue de Champagne, lined with opulent Champagne Maisons, including Perrier-Jouët and Mercier. The guide points out the massive cellars and explains the historical significance of this prestigious street, making it a highlight for fans of Champagne architecture and history.

Tour of the Family Estate in Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire

The afternoon features a guided visit to a family Champagne estate, Lemaire, where guests experience a tour of the cellars and participate in a tasting session. This small producer offers a chance to taste artisan Champagne wines that are crafted with care and tradition.

Guests typically find this second tasting experience to be memorable, often praising the generosity of the tastings and the knowledgeable hosts. The personalized approach at this estate stands as a key strength of the tour.

Practicalities and What’s Included

The entire experience is led by a professional driver-guide, who provides commentary and ensures smooth transportation between stops. Transportation is via an air-conditioned minivan, with most travelers able to participate due to the most travelers being of general accessibility.

Included in the price are visits and tastings at two family wineries, as well as the lunch at a local restaurant, which includes a main course, dessert, one glass of Champagne, and coffee. The tour does not cover personal expenses or additional tastings outside those included, and there’s no pick-up or drop-off in Paris.

The Experience of the Guided Tastings and Sightseeing

Past participants consistently highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides such as Radames, Pierre, or Emmanuel. They are praised for their humor, historical insight, and ability to adapt to the group’s interests, whether novices or more seasoned Champagne enthusiasts.

The tastings are described as generous, often accompanied by detailed explanations of production methods, flavor profiles, and regional nuances. Many reviewers note that the small group setting enhances the experience, fostering conversations and making the visit more personal.

Final Stop and Return to Reims

The tour wraps up with a return to the original meeting point in Reims around 5:45 pm, allowing guests ample time to plan their evening or continue exploring the city. The full-day itinerary balances sightseeing, tasting, and cultural discovery without feeling rushed.

This experience is especially suitable for those who value small-group intimacy, artisanal Champagne, and a well-organized itinerary. The high ratings and positive reviews reflect genuine satisfaction, especially among those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and authentic visits.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This Champagne day trip from Reims offers a rich and relaxed experience for anyone interested in French Champagne, from first-time tasters to seasoned connoisseurs. The small group size guarantees a more personal, engaging atmosphere, and the visits to family wine-makers provide a depth often missing from larger tours.

However, the full-day schedule and moderate walking at stops like Avenue de Champagne might be less suitable for travelers with mobility challenges or those seeking a more leisurely, less intensive day. The tour’s price reflects quality tastings, personalized guides, and visits to smaller producers, making it a solid value for champagne lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour and champagne tastings at two family wineries, lunch at a local restaurant, and transportation in an air-conditioned minivan are included.

How many tastings happen during the tour?
Seven Champagne tastings are part of the experience, featuring artisan champagnes and family estate wines.

Is the tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, with a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour ensures intimacy and personalized attention.

What are the meeting arrangements?
The tour starts at the Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims, near the Reims train station, at 9:30 am. For Sunday bookings from Paris, the guide meets travelers at Champagne-Ardenne station at 9:00 am.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are there options for pick-up in Paris?
No, the tour departs from Reims, so travelers from Paris need to arrange their own transportation.

What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dress appropriately for the weather and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.

Is this tour good for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are praised for their ability to tailor tours to different levels of knowledge, whether you’re new to Champagne or an enthusiast.

Will I learn about Champagne production?
Yes, guides share details about growing methods, production techniques, and regional history, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Please advise at the time of booking if you have specific dietary requirements; the included lunch generally covers main courses and desserts.

How long are the stops at each location?
Each stop typically lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with some variation depending on the schedule and group interest.

Is the tour suitable during bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately.

This small-group Champagne day trip from Reims combines tasting excellence with cultural insights, guided by knowledgeable hosts, and offers an authentic taste of the region’s artisan producers. It’s an ideal choice for those craving a personalized, well-rounded Champagne experience.