From Reims/Epernay: Private Gold Champagne Tasting Tour

Key Points

• Private full-day Champagne experience departing from Reims or Epernay for $603 per person
• Visit 2 independent family growers with guided tours of their wineries and cellars
• Taste multiple Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, including vintage, oak-aged, and non-dosage varieties
• Explore iconic locations like Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne, and the famous “Avenue de Champagne” in Épernay
• See the Château de Saran and other prestigious Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon during scenic drives
• Enjoy a convivial Champagne lunch with regional specialties and a bottle of Champagne for two

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Champagne’s Most Famous Vineyards and Villages

This 7-hour private tour offers a thorough exploration of the Grand Est region of France, focusing on the most renowned villages and vineyards near Reims and Epernay. The experience centers around the “Côte des Blancs,” celebrated as the Kingdom of Chardonnay and a Grand Cru area. The tour also passes through the UNESCO-listed hillsides of the Marne Valley, where Champagne’s origins lie.

During the day, travelers see vineyard landscapes and historic sites like the Château de Saran, a notable property of the LVMH group, which owns Champagne brands such as Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot. The itinerary includes a scenic drive along village streets like Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, home to Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat.

A highlight is the passage along the “Avenue de Champagne” in Épernay, where impressive mansions and production facilities of the Champagne Houses are visible, giving visitors a taste of the region’s grandeur.

Visiting 2 Independent Family Growers for Authentic Champagne Tasting

The core of this tour is the opportunity to visit two family-run Champagne producers, offering an intimate look into the making of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes. These independent growers host guided visits to their presses, wineries, and cellars.

At each location, the guide explains the Champagne production process, highlighting differences like vintage, oak aging, and non-dosage styles. The tastings include many Champagnes such as old vines, vintages, and those aged in oak barrels, providing a broad spectrum of flavors and styles. The tastings are accompanied by expert advice, ensuring a deeper understanding of the Champagne’s nuances.

Along With Champagne, the tour introduces visitors to Champagne spirits and aperitifs from the Goyard Distillery, such as Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne, the oldest distillery in the region.

Exploring Hautvillers and the Birthplace of Champagne

A key stop is Hautvillers, called the “Cradle of Champagne”. Visitors explore the church where Dom Pérignon’s grave is located, acknowledging his influence on Champagne production. The tour includes a private visit to this historic church, offering insights into Dom Pérignon’s pioneering work.

From Hautvillers, travelers enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Marne Valley, the landscape where Dom Pérignon carried out his experiments. The viewpoint makes for excellent photos and gives a sense of the region’s terroir.

Scenic Drive Through Village and Vineyard Landscapes

Throughout the day, the tour driver leads a scenic route passing through multiple villages and vineyards classified as Premier Cru. Stops in Oger and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ showcase vineyard management and sustainable viticulture. The drive offers stunning views of vine-covered hillsides and historic vineyard estates.

In Oger, visitors observe Champagne production at a local winery, with a guided tour and additional tasting. The picturesque village of Aÿ-Champagne also features a photo stop, emphasizing its historical importance as a center of Champagne industry since the 16th century.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting the Best of Champagne and Regional Spirits

An essential part of the experience involves sampling an array of Champagnes across different styles and ages. Expect to taste Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes, including vintages and oak-aged varieties. The guide offers tasting advice to help appreciate the complex flavors and aromas.

Apart from Champagne, visitors can enjoy aperitifs like Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne, from the Goyard Distillery. These local spirits complement the Champagne tasting, adding a distinctly regional flavor to the day.

Gourmet Lunch Paired with Champagne

The tour includes a convivial lunch at a local Champagne and dining bar, selected for its authenticity and local popularity. The meal features gourmet charcuterie, cheese, bread, and regional biscuits, served with one bottle of Champagne for two.

The lunch setting allows for a relaxed experience, ideal for sharing gourmet dishes while sipping Champagne. Travelers are prompted to specify dietary restrictions when booking, as menu options may vary.

Luxurious Transportation and Personalized Service

The entire day is conducted in a premium air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during scenic drives. The tour is private, led by a passionate local guide and chauffeur, who offers personalized explanations and answers to all questions.

Pickup and drop-off are included, with the driver collecting travelers directly from their Epernay accommodation or designated location. This tailored service enhances convenience, allowing for a stress-free exploration of Champagne.

Flexibility and Booking Details

Booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, providing peace of mind. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, maintaining flexibility in their travel plans. The 7-hour tour typically starts at a time suited to the schedule, with the possibility of pickup from the hotel or private residence.

The tour is designed as a private group experience, ensuring careful attention from the guide and a more intimate atmosphere.

Final Thought: A Rich and Personal Champagne Experience

This private Champagne tour from Reims or Epernay delivers a comprehensive and personalized journey into the heart of Champagne country. With visits to prestigious vineyards, historic sites, and family-run producers, travelers gain a deep appreciation for the region’s craftsmanship and terroir.

The inclusion of tastings of various Champagne styles, as well as local spirits, combined with a gourmet lunch, makes this experience both educational and pleasurable. The private guide and luxury transportation ensure a comfortable and tailored day.

While the price of $603 per person reflects the luxury, the quality of visits, tastings, and personalized attention makes it suitable for those seeking an immersive, high-end Champagne experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Yes, the guide explains the Champagne-making process and offers tasting advice, making it accessible to those new to wine or Champagne.

What is included in the tastings?
You will taste many Champagnes including Grand Cru and Premier Cru, as well as vintage and oak-aged varieties. Additional spirits like Ratafia and Marc de Champagne are also sampled.

How long is the lunch?
The lunch lasts approximately 75 minutes, featuring regional dishes and a bottle of Champagne for two, depending on the day.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour is private, and you can inform the provider of any dietary restrictions when booking. The itinerary is flexible within the scheduled activities.

What scenic sights are included?
You will see Hautvillers, with its panoramic views of the Marne Valley, as well as famous villages like Oger and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a premium air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during all scenic drives and stops.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is simple with the “reserve now and pay later” option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby