Reims & Epernay: Full Day Private Champagne Tour & 2 Growers

Exploring the Champagne region becomes an intimate experience with the Reims & Epernay: Full Day Private Champagne Tour & 2 Growers offered by Uncork Champagne Tours. Priced at $408 per person, this 8-hour journey provides a personalized look into the world of Champagne, perfect for enthusiasts who want more than just the standard tasting. With a 5-star provider rating, the tour emphasizes visits to small, family-run Champagne producers, offering a taste of tradition and craftsmanship that larger houses might not deliver.

This private experience includes hotel pickups, comfortable air-conditioned transportation, and guided visits with tastings at two boutique Champagne producers. While the tour doesn’t include lunch or train tickets from Paris, it offers a deep dive into the industry’s history, culture, and production techniques. It’s especially suited for those seeking an intimate, educational, and relaxed day in the Champagne region, with the flexibility of private transportation and a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour lasting 8 hours from Reims and Epernay
• Cost is $408 per person, including visits and tastings at 2 boutique Champagne growers
• Tour includes hotel pick-up and private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Visits to Reims Cathedral and Hautvillers Abbey, home to Dom Pérignon’s tomb
• The guide is a certified history guide and a passionate Sommelier student
• Focus on small, family-run Champagne producers with unique styles

You can check availability for your dates here:

Reims & Epernay: Starting Point for a Personal Champagne Experience

This tour begins in Reims, with hotel pickups arranged around the city, making it convenient for guests staying locally. From there, the journey takes you through the scenic vines and vineyards of the Champagne region, setting the stage for a day immersed in Champagne culture. The private transportation ensures a comfortable and flexible pace, with the guide managing timing and logistics so you can focus on the experience.

Spending 8 hours exploring this historic region offers plenty of time for in-depth visits, tastings, and sightseeing, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day without feeling rushed. The private setup allows for tailored attention and the chance to ask questions about every aspect of Champagne production and history.

Visit Reims Cathedral’s Architectural Grandeur

The tour’s first major stop is the Reims Cathedral, a stunning Gothic structure renowned for its architecture and historical significance. The guide shares insights into its construction, its role in French royal ceremonies, and its artistic highlights. Exploring this cathedral provides context for the region’s rich cultural backdrop, adding depth to your Champagne experience.

Visitors find the cathedral’s imposing façade and beautiful stained glass windows particularly impressive. It’s a chance to appreciate the connection between religion, history, and the local tradition of Champagne-making.

Drive along the World-Famous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay

Next, the tour takes you along Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, famous for its luxurious Champagne houses. While the tour doesn’t include visits to the large houses, viewing this street highlights its significance in Champagne’s global reputation. The guide points out the impressive cellars and architecture of some of the most renowned Champagne producers, illustrating the area’s prominence in Champagne history.

This drive offers fantastic photo opportunities of the elegant facades and the vineyard landscapes that characterize this region. It’s an excellent way to understand why Epernay is considered the heart of Champagne production.

Visiting and Tasting at Two Small Champagne Producers

The core of this tour is the visit and tasting at two carefully selected boutique Champagne growers. These family-run businesses pride themselves on their craftsmanship, tradition, and unique styles, ranging from Pinot Noir-heavy blends to special Rosé and oak-aged varieties.

Each visit provides a glimpse into small-scale production, with the guides explaining their techniques, philosophies, and what makes their Champagne special. The tastings are a highlight, allowing you to sample exclusive grower Champagnes that are not available in larger stores. This focus on boutique producers ensures a more authentic and personalized experience.

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Exploring Hautvillers and Dom Pérignon’s Tomb

A visit to Hautvillers is a key highlight, especially for history enthusiasts. The village is home to Hautvillers Abbey, where Dom Pérignon is buried. The guide discusses his pivotal role in the development of Champagne and his influence on the industry.

Walking through the village’s charming streets provides a sense of the traditional Champagne landscape. The abbey and tomb are quiet, contemplative spots that add a historical dimension to your Champagne journey.

Stopovers in Vineyards for Pictures and Scenic Views

Throughout the day, the tour makes stops at vineyard locations, offering plenty of opportunities for photography. These stops showcase the rolling vineyards that produce the grapes for Champagne, with scenic views that highlight the region’s lush landscape.

The stops are brief but well-placed, giving you moments to enjoy the natural beauty of the Champagne terroir and capture memorable images of the vine-covered hillsides.

Practical Aspects: Logistics, Accessibility, and Flexibility

The tour includes hotel pickup in Reims and private transportation, making it a seamless experience. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the 8-hour journey. The tour is wheelchair accessible, although small producers may have stairs into cellars, so advance notice is recommended if handicapped access is needed.

This experience is designed for flexibility, allowing the guide to adapt the pace and stops as needed. It’s ideal for those who prefer a private group setting, with the option to ask questions and customize some aspects of the day.

The Experience of a Certified Guide and Sommelier-in-Training

The guide is a certified history expert and a passionate Sommelier student, bringing a well-rounded perspective to the tour. Expect engaging storytelling, detailed explanations of Champagne history and production, and insights into what makes Champagne distinctive.

This combination of expertise and enthusiasm enhances the overall experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals to those eager to learn about Champagne beyond the commercial houses, especially lovers of small, family-run wineries. It’s ideal for visitors seeking a personalized, intimate experience with a focus on history, culture, and craftsmanship.

As a private tour, it offers flexibility and comfort, suited for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive day in the Champagne region.

The Sum Up: A Personal, Authentic Champagne Journey

The Reims & Epernay private tour offers a well-rounded experience with personalized visits to boutique growers, historic sites, and scenic vineyard views. Its 8-hour duration and private setup make it an excellent choice for those who prefer an in-depth, relaxed exploration of Champagne’s traditions and flavors.

While it doesn’t include larger Champagne house visits or lunch, the focus on small producers and the expert guide make this tour stand out. It’s best suited for enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers who want a personalized and educational experience away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pick-up, private transportation, visits and tastings at 2 boutique Champagne producers, bottled water, and visits to Reims Cathedral and Hautvillers Abbey.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 8 hours.

Are there any physical requirements?
Some small producers may have stairs into cellars. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to inform in advance for specific needs.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour guide speaks English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children’s seats are available upon request, so families can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide can suggest suitable restaurants.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for wine and history enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The guide combines historical insights with Champagne tasting, making it ideal for those interested in both history and wine.

What makes this tour different from larger Champagne house visits?
This experience focuses on small, family-run growers, offering a more authentic and personalized perspective compared to larger, commercial Champagne houses.

How flexible are the stops and visits during the tour?
The tour is private, allowing for some customization and a relaxed pace tailored to your interests.

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