Champagne Private Wine Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tastings

A full-day Champagne private wine tour from Paris offers an immersive experience into France’s sparkling wine capital. For around $1,053 per person, this 12-hour journey combines eight Champagne tastings, visits to iconic Champagne houses, and a delicious gourmet lunch with Champagne pairings. The tour is designed for those who want a luxurious, personalized day with the convenience of door-to-door private transfers, all in an intimate setting.

While the journey includes visits to Reims, Epernay, and the scenic vineyards of Montagne de Reims, Cote des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne, it also offers flexibility to customize visits. The group is private, and most travelers can participate, making it a perfect choice for couples, friends, or small groups seeking an exclusive Champagne experience. Keep in mind, the tour starts early at 7:30 am and involves some walking and time in cellars, so a moderate level of mobility is recommended.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Around $1,053 for a 12-hour private tour with breakfast, tastings, and lunch included.
• Exclusive Visits: Tour includes guided visits to two Champagne houses and private tastings of eight Champagnes.
• Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a three-course lunch with Champagne pairing at a family-run estate or restaurant.
• Vineyard and Cellar Exploration: Walk through vineyards (season permitting) and explore impressive Champagne cellars.
• Convenient Logistics: Door-to-door private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles make for a smooth experience.
• Additional Highlights: Depending on timing, visit Reims Cathedral and stop at Dom Pérignon’s tomb in Hautvillers.

Starting from Paris: Early Morning Pickup and Private Transport

The tour begins at 7:30 am with a hotel pickup in Paris, where a private air-conditioned vehicle takes you directly to the Champagne region. This early start ensures ample time for sightseeing, tastings, and lunch, all with the comfort of round-trip transfers. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility on the day.

Travelers should be prepared for a long day but will appreciate the comfort and convenience of the private transport, which also minimizes waiting times and group interactions. The meeting point is convenient, with near public transportation options in Paris.

Discovering Reims’ Historic Champagne House

The journey includes a visit to Reims, where you explore a famous Champagne house in about 1 hour 30 minutes. This stop provides a chance to see the production process, admire historic architecture, and learn about the Champagne-making tradition. The visit is guided, enriching your understanding of the craftsmanship behind these celebrated bubbly.

Reims itself is notable for its imposing cathedral, which may be part of the itinerary depending on timing. This adds a touch of historical grandeur to your trip, making it more than just wine tasting.

Scenic Drive Through Champagne Vineyards and Landscapes

A key feature of this tour is the scenic drive through Champagne-Ardenne, lasting around 20 minutes, which showcases France’s picturesque vineyard landscapes. Travelers are treated to views of rolling hills, vine-covered slopes, and the lush countryside, with photo opportunities of some of France’s most famous growing regions, including Montagne de Reims, Cote des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne.

Depending on the weather and season, there may also be an optional vineyard walk where you can see the vines up close. This optional activity offers a deeper appreciation for the grape-growing that forms the foundation of Champagne production.

Epernay and the Art of Champagne Tasting

The lunch stop in Epernay lasts about 2 hours and centers around a gourmet meal paired with Champagne. The lunch is served at a family-run Champagne house or a typical restaurant, emphasizing local flavors and Champagne pairing techniques. This sit-down experience gives you the chance to enjoy three courses and sample a selection of Champagne during lunch.

Along With the meal, you visit another Champagne estate or cooperative for a guided tasting, where you sample eight different Champagnes across two prestigious houses. This variety ensures you experience a broad spectrum of styles and flavors, from brut to rosé, with explanations from knowledgeable guides.

Visiting Dom Pérignon’s Tomb and Hautvillers

Depending on timing, the tour may include a stop at Hautvillers, home to the tomb of Dom Pérignon, the legendary monk credited with pioneering Champagne production. This adds a cultural and historical dimension to the day, connecting the art of Champagne-making with its monastic roots. Plus, the impressive cathedral of Reims might be part of your itinerary, highlighting the region’s architectural grandeur.

These stops are optional but are highly valued for their educational and aesthetic appeal, deepening your appreciation for Champagne’s rich heritage.

Visiting Family-Run Estates and Co-operatives

The tour offers visits to a family-run Champagne estate or cooperative, lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes. This offers an authentic insight into smaller-scale, artisan Champagne production, often with tastings directly from vats or cellars. These visits highlight the diversity of Champagne-making styles and provide a personal touch that larger commercial houses may lack.

Guests get a chance to ask questions about growing grapes, production techniques, and aging processes, offering a more intimate connection to the Champagne craft.

Exploring Champagne Cellars and Vineyard Views

A significant highlight is the exploration of Champagne cellars, which are typically cold and damp (around 45°F / 10°C), so packing a jacket is advised. These underground caves house the maturing Champagne bottles, and guided tours help you understand the aging process and bottling techniques.

Between visits, the tour provides gorgeous views over vineyards across Montagne de Reims, Cote des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. These vistas help visualize the terroir influences on Champagne flavor profiles and add a scenic dimension to the overall experience.

Flexibility and Customization Options

While the itinerary includes standard stops, the tour allows modifications upon request. You can contact the provider to change visited wineries or include special visits. This flexibility enhances the experience for those with specific interests, whether it’s exploring more boutique estates or focusing on particular styles of Champagne.

It’s worth noting that prices may vary if you choose to customize the stops, but the core experience remains centered on eight tastings and a gourmet lunch.

Practical Tips and Preparedness

Guests should bring a jacket since the cellars are cool and damp. The early start means packing comfortable shoes and being ready for a full day of sightseeing and tasting. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to enjoy the experience, but some walking and standing in cellars are involved.

Since the tour is private, it offers a relaxed pace and the ability to personalize the itinerary to some extent, ensuring a tailored experience.

Final Thoughts on the Champagne Private Wine Day Trip

This luxurious, private tour delivers a comprehensive look at Champagne production, combining guided tastings, vineyard views, and culinary delights in a single day. The eight Champagne tastings and lunch with Champagne pairing stand out as especially valuable features, offering both educational insights and pleasurable indulgence.

While the price point is on the higher side, the accessibility, personalized service, and exclusive visits justify the cost for those seeking a specialized Champagne experience. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts or couples looking for a luxurious escape from Paris, with the added benefit of full flexibility.

For anyone wanting to learn about Champagne in a comfortable, intimate setting while enjoying some of France’s best bubbly, this tour promises a memorable day filled with scenery, flavor, and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast croissant, eight Champagne tastings, guided visits to two Champagne houses, a vineyard tasting (season permitting), and a gourmet lunch with Champagne pairing.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Yes, the provider allows wineries to be changed upon request, but such modifications may affect the price. It’s best to contact them in advance to arrange special visits.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum drinking age is 18, so children can participate but won’t be able to taste Champagne. The tour is designed for most travelers, but some walking and standing are involved.

How do I prepare for the cellar visits?
Bring a jacket because the cellars are cold and damp. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for walking through vineyards and cellars.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Can this tour be operated in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, ensuring clear explanations regardless of language preferences.