Reims: Big and small wineries day tour

Reims: Big and Small Wineries Day Tour Overview

This 7-hour private Champagne tour from Reims offers a comprehensive experience of the region’s sparkling wines. Priced at $796 per person, it combines visits to famous Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, or Taittinger with intimate stops at small artisanal producers. The tour provides a balanced mix of history, tradition, and hands-on tasting, making it ideal for those who want a deep dive into Champagne’s diverse landscape.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on both grand maisons and passionate small producers. You’ll explore historic cellars, enjoy exclusive tastings, and savor a traditional French three-course lunch with Champagne pairing. The scenic vineyard tour through UNESCO-listed Champagne countryside completes this enriching day, offering a perfect blend of grandeur and authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 7 hours with a private group experience
• Price: $796 per person, includes tastings, lunch, and visits
• Highlights: Visit a prestigious Champagne house with historic cellars, plus two small artisanal producers
• Activities: Guided cellar tours, multiple Champagne tastings, a gourmet lunch with Champagne
• Locations: Starts in Reims, with visits to including Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Pommery, Taittinger, and more (subject to availability)
• Additional: Scenic drive through Champagne vineyards, tickets include modern art exhibitions at some houses

The Tour Starts in Reims with Iconic Champagne Houses

This private tour begins in Reims, where guests gather for a day immersed in Champagne’s grandeur. You get to choose among famous Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Pommery, Ruinart, Mumm, or Taittinger, depending on availability. The guide may select the house if you prefer, ensuring a tailored experience.

The visit to the prestigious Champagne house involves a guided tour through vast cellars located 30 meters underground. Here, you’ll learn about the history, notable figures, and production scale of Champagne. The tour includes a tasting of two distinct Champagne styles, showcasing the house’s craftsmanship and diversity. Guests appreciate how the guide explains the winemaking process clearly, making this segment both educational and delicious.

Exploring the Historic Cellars of Champagne’s Grand Maisons

The cellar tour offers a glimpse into the medieval architecture and artistic craftsmanship of the big brand Champagne houses. Walking through impressive underground corridors, visitors see the chambers where Champagne matures before reaching customers worldwide. The tastings provide an opportunity to compare different styles and understand the nuances in flavor, aroma, and texture.

These visits often include modern art exhibitions within the Champagne house, adding an extra cultural layer to the experience. The guided nature ensures you gain insights into Champagne’s storied past and its global influence.

Gourmet French Lunch Paired with Champagne

Midway through the day, the tour transitions to a delicious three-course French lunch. Accompanied by a Champagne aperitif, this meal offers a chance to relax and enjoy regional flavors. The menu is crafted to complement Champagne, enhancing the tasting experience and satisfying those who appreciate fine food in a refined setting.

The lunch break provides a welcome pause after the morning’s visits, allowing guests to reflect on the Champagne history and production techniques they’ve just learned. Many find this meal to be a highlight, combining culinary finesse with sparkling wine.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Intimate Experience at Small Artisanal Producers

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to small Champagne producers in the Montagne de Reims area. These passionate winemakers offer a more personal look at Champagne creation, from pressing grapes to vinification and cellar aging. The visits at these artisanal estates are self-guided, with guests enjoying triple tastings of their handcrafted Champagnes.

Tour participants appreciate the authenticity and passion that small producers bring to their work. These stops often include visits to second passionate producers, providing a diverse range of flavors and aromas to explore. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste unique, artisanal Champagnes not found in larger houses.

Scenic Drive through Champagne’s UNESCO-listed Vineyards

The final part of the tour is a scenic drive through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Champagne vineyards. The landscape features rolling hills, lush vines, and charming villages, offering stunning views and photo opportunities. This allows guests to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and the terraced vineyards that produce some of the world’s most famous sparkling wines.

This leisurely drive offers a peaceful conclusion to the day, with the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery that has shaped Champagne’s identity for centuries.

Logistics, Group Size, and Practical Details

This tour is a private group experience, ensuring personalized attention from the guide. It lasts approximately 7 hours, with start times based on availability. The tour includes tickets for two Champagne houses, with some visits featuring modern art exhibitions.

Transportation to and from the wineries is not included; taxi or Uber options are available in Reims. The experience does not include pick-up and drop-off, making it suitable for those staying nearby or arranging their own transport.

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance and reserve without immediate payment to keep their plans flexible.

Why This Champagne Tour Offers a Well-Rounded Experience

This tour combines the prestige of renowned Champagne houses with the authentic charm of small producers. The balanced itinerary provides both educational cellar tours and intimate tastings, supported by a gourmet lunch. The scenic countryside drive completes the day with visual beauty and tranquility.

Pricing reflects the all-inclusive nature of the experience, with ticketed visits, tastings, and meals covered. While the cost of $796 per person might seem high, it encompasses a thorough, personalized journey through Champagne’s most significant and artisanal producers.

Who Will Most Benefit from This Tour

This experience suits wine lovers seeking a comprehensive look at Champagne, from historic maisons to small-scale producers. It’s ideal for private groups wanting a tailored, high-quality day with a knowledgeable guide. The scenic vineyards and top-tier tastings make it perfect for those appreciating both culture and craftsmanship in their wine adventures.

The tour’s length and depth mean it’s best for visitors comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and tasting. Guests should be prepared for walking in cellar environments and enjoy a relaxed pace that allows plenty of time for learning and savoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation to and from Reims is not included. Taxis or Uber are available for guests to reach the meeting point.

Can I choose which Champagne house to visit?
Yes, guests can either select their preferred house or opt to have the guide choose based on availability. The visit includes a guided tour and tasting at the selected house.

What is covered in the tasting sessions?
Guests enjoy multiple tastings at both the grand Champagne house and small producers, including two tastings at each stop. These offer a variety of styles and flavors.

Is the lunch included in the price?
Yes, a three-course French lunch with a Champagne aperitif is part of the experience, providing a culinary complement to the tastings.

How long is the overall tour?
The total duration is around 7 hours, providing a full day of Champagne exploration.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in English and French, with a live guide leading the experience.

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