Champagne Day tour with Veuve Clicquot and 2 other big wineries

This Champagne Day tour from Reims offers an engaging way to explore three of the region’s most renowned wineries: Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger. Priced at $561.73 per person, this 6-hour experience is ideal for those new to Champagne or visitors looking for a comprehensive yet flexible winery visit. The tour includes several tastings, a delicious 3-course lunch with a glass of Champagne, and access to both historic and modern cellars.

A key strength of this tour lies in its small-group format, which enhances the intimacy of the visit, allowing more personalized attention from guides. However, it’s worth noting that no private guide is included, and guests are met at each location’s front desk. The tour’s pacing is flexible enough to allow guests to explore at their own speed, making it especially appealing for first-time visitors eager to learn and enjoy without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Visits to three major wineries: Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger, with a focus on their cellars and tastings.
• Includes a 3-course lunch with a glass of Champagne at a Michelin-starred brasserie.
• Total of 8 Champagne glasses consumed across the day, with tastings at each facility.
• Comfortable duration of 6 hours starting at 10:00 am, with plenty of time to relax and appreciate each stop.
• Small-group setting maximizes interaction, though no private guide is included.
• Tour is best suited for first-timers or those wanting an overview of Champagne’s key houses.

Exploring Veuve Clicquot’s Historic Cellars

The tour begins at the Veuve Clicquot Visitors Center, where guests are led into giant cellars 30 meters deep. Here, a guide explains the aromas and history of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, enriching the tasting experience. The visit lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a guided tour of the underground cellars, which are renowned for their size and the historic significance of the house.

The accessible location offers a chance to see the famous cellars and learn about Veuve Clicquot’s legacy in Champagne production. The tasting at Veuve Clicquot complements the tour, providing a variety of flavors to enjoy.

Savoring a Gourmet 3-Course Lunch at Brasserie Le Jardin

Midway through the tour, guests head to Brasserie Le Jardin, a restaurant associated with a Michelin-starred hotel. Here, a 3-course meal awaits, paired with a glass of Champagne. This stop offers a relaxing break where guests can enjoy high-quality cuisine amid a refined setting.

The lunch duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing ample time to savor each dish and discuss the Champagne experiences so far. It’s a highlight for those who appreciate good food combined with wine tasting.

Visiting Pommery’s UNESCO-Listed Cellars and Modern Art Exhibition

Next, the tour takes guests to Champagnes Pommery, where they gain access to UNESCO World Heritage-listed cellars. The visit is self-guided via an app or informational paper, allowing guests to explore the medieval-style cellars at their own pace.

Pommery’s estate also hosts a modern art exhibition, which adds a contemporary touch to the historic setting. The double Champagne tasting included here showcases Pommery’s signature styles. The 1 hour and 30 minutes allocated for this stop strikes a balance between exploration and relaxation.

Discovering Taittinger’s Middle-Age Cellars and Tasting Experience

The final stop at Champagne Taittinger features a guided tour of historic cellars dating back to the Middle Ages. The guide brings these ancient wine caves to life with engaging storytelling. The visit concludes with a double Champagne tasting, giving guests a chance to compare Taittinger’s offerings.

This part of the tour takes approximately 1 hour and emphasizes the heritage and craftsmanship behind Taittinger’s Champagne, making it a fitting finale to the day.

Logistics: Meeting Points and Group Size

The tour starts at the Veuve Clicquot Visitors Center, located at 1 Rue Albert Thomas, Reims. It ends at Champagne Taittinger, with the possibility of changing depending on availability. Group sizes are capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Guests are responsible for their transportation between locations; Uber is a convenient option since no transfer service is included. The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am, offering a full day of Champagne exploration.

Practical Aspects: Inclusions and Limitations

The tour price covers admission tickets to each house, the 3-course lunch, and 8 glasses of Champagne in total—spanning Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger. Although no private guide is part of the package, front desk staff assist guests at each house.

Note that there’s no pick-up service, and cancelations are non-refundable. Guests should plan accordingly, ensuring they arrive on time and are comfortable exploring at their own pace.

Pacing and Experience Quality

Guests appreciate the relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy tastings and explore each location. The tour’s duration of 6 hours strikes a good balance, especially given the inclusion of a substantial lunch. The flexible itinerary at Pommery, via an app or paper, enables guests to focus on what interests them most.

The small-group setting fosters a friendly environment, and the guides’ knowledge adds valuable context to each visit. The informal, personable approach of the guides, especially at Taittinger, enhances the overall experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This Champagne Day tour appeals most to first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to the region’s top houses. It suits those who appreciate good food, high-quality tastings, and a relaxed pace. The small-group format makes it a good choice for travelers seeking a more personalized experience without the cost of a private guide.

However, those seeking a more private or customizable tour might find the lack of private guides and the fixed itinerary limiting.

Final Thoughts on the Champagne Day Tour

This 6-hour experience from Reims delivers a rundown of Champagne’s most iconic houses—Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger—with tastings, historical insights, and a quality meal. The small-group setting makes it enjoyable and intimate, while the inclusive price covers most essentials.

While it might not offer private guiding or customized routes, the balanced pacing, knowledgeable staff, and varied stops make it a strong choice for newcomers and Champagne enthusiasts alike. It’s especially suitable for those who want a full day of Champagne exploration with a mix of history, tasting, and culinary delights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation between the stops is not included. Uber or other local transport options are recommended to move between venues.

How many glasses of Champagne are included?
Guests enjoy 8 glasses of Champagne in total, spread across Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger.

Can I customize the itinerary or tasting experience?
The tour follows a set schedule with visits to three major houses. Pommery offers a self-guided experience via an app or paper, allowing some flexibility.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan to attend as scheduled.

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Guests should be able to walk and stand for periods at each venue. The tour involves access to historic cellars, which may include some uneven or narrow passages.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers admission tickets, a 3-course lunch with a glass of Champagne, and tastings at all three houses.

How early should I book?
Most bookings are made about 56 days in advance due to limited availability and high demand, especially for the popular time slots.

Can I join this tour if I’m not staying in Reims?
Yes, the tour departs from Reims and is accessible for day-trippers. Just plan your transport to and from the meeting point at the Veuve Clicquot Visitors Center.