GRAND VINTAGE Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings trip

Discover the Premier Champagne Experience from Paris for $792

The GRAND VINTAGE Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings trip offers a comprehensive day exploring two of France’s most renowned Champagne houses. Priced at $792.42 per person, this 11-hour private tour departs from Paris with a Mercedes transfer, ensuring a comfortable journey through the picturesque Champagne region. The tour features guided cellar visits, high-level tastings, and a visit to Reims Cathedral. Designed for those eager to deepen their appreciation of Champagne, this experience combines luxury, education, and scenic beauty.

While the tour offers VIP-level tastings and a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, it is important to note that meals and drinks outside the tastings are not included. The tour is best suited for adults over 18 who want a prestigious behind-the-scenes look at Champagne production, with the option for group discounts and private transport adding to its appeal.

Key Points

• Luxury VIP private day trip from Paris in a Mercedes vehicle
• Visits to Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot with guided cellar tours and high-level tastings
• Includes a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, with free time for exploration
• Multiple tasting options at Veuve Clicquot, including advanced and premium choices
• Tasting of iconic blends like Prestige Rosé and Brut Millésime with canapés at Taittinger
• Tour duration of about 11 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included

Luxury Transportation in Paris to Champagne’s Cellars

This tour begins with a hotel pickup in Paris at 7:30 am, followed by a 2-hour scenic drive through the Champagne landscapes in a Mercedes E220 or Minivan. The comfortable transfer along the vineyard-studded scenery sets a refined tone for the day. The journey includes a rest stop at a rest area, providing a chance to stretch before arriving at the first destination.

The luxury transport is a key feature, ensuring a smooth, quiet ride throughout the day. This arrangement suits travelers who prefer private, climate-controlled vehicles rather than bus or group options, making it a relaxing start to the Champagne experience.

Exploring Champagne Taittinger’s Historic Cellars

The first stop is Champagne Taittinger, beginning around 10:00 am. The guided cellar tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 14 people, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.

At Taittinger, visitors get to see their historic cellars, which are integral to their champagne-making process. The “Instant Gourmet” tasting includes prestige blends like Rosé and Brut Millésime, complemented by a selection of canapés designed to enhance each sip. This high-quality tasting provides insight into Taittinger’s signature styles and their approach to blending and aging.

The admission fee for the cellar visit and tasting is included, making it a hassle-free experience. The focus on premium blends and gourmet pairings indicates a tour designed for champagne aficionados seeking educational depth and culinary flair.

Visiting the Reims Cathedral and Its Architectural Significance

At 11:40 am, the tour progresses to the Reims Cathedral, a site where most French kings were crowned. The self-guided visit lasts about 30 minutes, offering time to admire the Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

This stop provides a cultural counterpoint to the cellar visits, highlighting France’s royal history and religious significance. The admission is free, making it an accessible and enriching addition to the day. Visitors appreciate the chance to explore this iconic monument at their own pace, soaking in the historical ambiance and architectural grandeur.

Lunch and Free Time in Reims

Following the cathedral, the tour offers about 1 hour and 20 minutes for lunch in Reims. Travelers can choose to explore on their own or opt for a restaurant reservation. This flexible period allows for local dining experiences, whether at a café or a more upscale restaurant.

This flexible schedule is ideal for those who want to enjoy Reims’ culinary scene or simply relax before the afternoon visits. The free time also allows for shopping or sightseeing, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Veuve Clicquot’s Heritage and Cellar Tour Options

At 2:00 pm, the focus shifts to Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772, now producing over 22 million bottles annually. The guided tour of the cellars lasts about 2 hours and is designed to give insight into Veuve Clicquot’s history and production methods.

Visitors have three high-level options:
– Advanced (“Une Seule Qualite”): a 1.5-hour visit with tastings of four cuvées including Brut Carte Jaune, Extra Brut Extra Old, and Vintage 2015 (Rosé and Brut).
– Premium (“L’art du vieillissement”): a 2-hour comparative tasting of four cuvées, including Cave Privée 1990 and Vintage 2002 en Magnum.
– VIP: an extended 2-hour experience with the same premium tasting level, emphasizing aging techniques.

This variety allows guests to choose based on their interest level and curiosity about aging and blending. The admission fee is included, ensuring a seamless, high-end tasting experience.

Veuve Clicquot’s UNESCO-listed Cellars and Production Insights

The cellar tour reveals the historic underground chalk cellars, providing a glimpse into Champagne production and storage processes. The guides share stories of Veuve Clicquot’s innovations, such as the development of the riddling process.

The tastings feature notable vintage and non-vintage cuvées, with some options including Cave Privée 1990 and Vintage 2015. The pairings with cheeses at the Premium option enhance the tasting, emphasizing the art of aging.

This part of the tour is perfect for champagne lovers wanting a deeper understanding of aging techniques and production history, especially considering Veuve Clicquot’s long-standing heritage.

Returning to Paris and Tour Summary

The journey concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Paris around 6:30 pm, wrapping up an 11-hour journey full of luxury, education, and scenic views. The private transfer ensures a comfortable and efficient return after an intensive day.

The entire experience includes all fees, taxes, bottled water, and guided tours, offering good value for the luxury level. Notably, gratuities and souvenirs are not included, but the high-quality tastings and expert guides justify the price.

Who Would Enjoy This Champagne Tour?

This VIP private day trip is ideal for adults over 18 seeking a luxurious, educational exploration of Champagne production. It appeals to those wanting to sample iconic cuvées while gaining insights from expert guides.

Travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural visits, and gourmet tastings find this tour rewarding. The limited group size at Taittinger and the variety of tasting options at Veuve Clicquot cater well to serious champagne enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

Final Thoughts on the Grand Vintage Tour

The Grand Vintage Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings trip offers a well-rounded experience blending luxury transport, historic cellars, notable landmarks, and high-level tastings. Its private nature and attention to detail make it stand out among Champagne tours.

While meals outside the tastings are not included, the flexibility for lunch and the quality of visits compensate well. The tour’s length and pacing suit those who want an immersive, full-day experience without feeling rushed.

This tour provides a refined, insightful journey into the world of Champagne that is perfect for connoisseurs and curious lovers alike, especially those seeking a luxury experience with cultural and historical depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup in Paris is included, starting at 7:30 am.

Can children participate in the cellar tours?
Children under 18 can join the guided cellar tours, but tastings are only for those 18 and older.

Are there options for different tasting levels?
Yes, guests can choose between Advanced (“Une Seule Qualite”), Premium (“L’art du vieillissement”), and VIP tasting options at Veuve Clicquot.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including drive time, visits, tasting, and transfer back to Paris.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility for plan changes.