Reims or Epernay: Full day Veuve Clicquot family grower & lunch

This full-day Champagne tour offers an in-depth look at France’s most famous bubbly region, starting from Reims or Épernay. For $391.02 per person, you get approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes of expertly guided visits, tastings, and a delightful country lunch. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 people, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience. Known for its comprehensive itinerary and passionate guides, this trip is perfect for those eager to explore both large Champagne houses and intimate family-run producers.

A standout feature of this tour is the visit to Veuve Clicquot’s underground cellars, where you can see historic chalk caves and enjoy 4 tastings of their renowned Champagne. The inclusion of a visit to the charming village of Hautvillers, home to Dom Pérignon’s burial site, adds a cultural touch. An authentic lunch at a local winery with Champagne pairings, combined with a visit to a small, family-operated producer, makes this experience well-rounded and educational.

While the tour does not include pick-up or drop-off in Paris, it offers a convenient meet-up point in Reims, with air-conditioned transportation throughout. The reviews highlight excellent guides, informative commentary, and generous tastings, making it a highly rated choice for wine lovers and those curious about Champagne’s craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $391.02, the tour lasts about 8 hours, offering full immersion into Champagne production and tasting.
• Visit to Veuve Clicquot: You explore the iconic underground cellars with 4 tastings included.
• Village of Hautvillers: The tour includes a walk through this charming village, famous for Dom Pérignon.
• Tastings and Lunch: You enjoy a total of 9 tastings across different Champagne houses, plus a traditional countryside lunch at a winery.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personal and relaxed experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion.
• Convenient Meeting Point: The tour departs from Reims, with easy access near public transportation.
• Note on No Paris Pickup: The tour does not include transportation from Paris, so planning your start point is necessary.

Discover Reims or Épernay: The Starting Point for Champagne Enthusiasts

This tour departs from Reims or Épernay, two of the main hubs of Champagne. The meeting point is conveniently located, near public transportation, making it straightforward for visitors already in the region. The air-conditioned minivan transports you comfortably between stops, with the small group size offering an intimate atmosphere.

Participants rave about the timely pickup and well-maintained vehicles, which help set a relaxed tone for the day. While the tour does not include pickup in Paris, the core experience focuses on the Champagne region itself, making it ideal for those who are already in Northern France or arriving in Reims or Épernay.

Veuve Clicquot: Visiting the World-Famous Cellars

The first stop involves a guided tour of the underground cellars at Maison Veuve Clicquot. This iconic Champagne house is well known for its historic caves and champagne production. The visit includes four tastings of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, allowing guests to savor their classic and prestige cuvées.

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which guides share stories about the house’s history, Champagne-making process, and the unique chalk caves. If Veuve Clicquot is unavailable, the tour may be replaced with a similar house, ensuring that the experience maintains its high quality and informative nature.

Exploring Hautvillers: Birthplace of Champagne

A key highlight is the visit to Hautvillers, a picturesque village famous for its vineyards and connections to Dom Pérignon. This charming village offers visitors insight into the Champagne terroir and local history. The one-hour stop allows for leisurely exploration, with the opportunity to see the vineyards, admire the medieval architecture, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

The village’s free admission makes it accessible, and its significance in the Champagne world makes it a meaningful addition to the tour. Visitors can appreciate the landscape that produces the grapes essential for Champagne and learn about the region’s centuries-old tradition.

Champagne Avenue in Épernay: A Visual Feast

A visit to the Champagne Avenue in Épernay is included, where the impressive champagne mansion facades line the street. This area is renowned for the luxurious Champagne houses, showcasing extravagant architecture and historic cellars. The stop provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to grasp the scale and grandeur of Champagne production.

While the tour doesn’t specify detailed activities here, the avenue’s visual appeal and brand significance make it a highlight for visual learners and those wanting to see the epicenter of Champagne luxury.

Tasting Experiences at a Family-Run Champagne Producer

After exploring the larger houses, the tour visits a small, independent Champagne producer. This family-owned winery offers a more personal, hands-on experience. Visitors get to taste their unique offerings and gain insight into craftsmanship that differs from the large maisons.

The visit’s emphasis on small-scale production highlights artisan techniques and regional character. Guides share stories of the family’s history and the distinctive qualities of their Champagne, enriching the sensory experience.

Lunch in the Countryside with Champagne Pairings

A traditional lunch at a local winery is included, featuring regional cuisine paired with Champagne. The yummy meal is praised for its quality and authenticity, making it a standout part of the day. Lunch typically lasts around an hour, allowing for relaxed conversation and wine appreciation.

This culinary experience complements the preceding tastings, offering food and Champagne pairing insights that enhance understanding of flavor combinations. The setting in the countryside adds to the authentic charm of the tour.

Logistical Details and Group Size

The trip is organized for small groups of a maximum of 8 people, promoting an interactive and personal atmosphere. Transport is provided via a clean, air-conditioned minivan, and the guide is an English speaker highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

While pick-up and drop-off in Paris are not included, the tour’s meeting point is accessible and well-suited for visitors based in Reims or Épernay, or those traveling independently to the region.

Observations from Reviews: Guides and Tastings

Across numerous reviews, guides like Jérôme, Thomas, Ann, and Xavier receive high praise for their expertise, friendliness, and passion. They are known for explaining Champagne’s history, production process, and regional details with clarity and enthusiasm.

Guests frequently mention the generosity of tastings—with up to 9 different Champagne samples—and appreciate the informative commentary. The lunch at the winery also earns compliments, often highlighted as a food highlight.

Some reviews note the value for money and the well-organized logistics, making this tour a highly recommended choice for those seeking a comprehensive Champagne experience.

Final Notes: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This full-day tour suits wine enthusiasts, culinary travelers, and culture seekers alike. The mix of big names like Veuve Clicquot** and small family producers provides diverse insights into Champagne production. The small group size offers an intimate environment for learning and tasting without feeling rushed.

Since there is no transportation included from Paris, travelers should plan accordingly if coming from the French capital. The duration and pace are suitable for those comfortable with a full day of activity, and the premium tastings make it worthwhile for serious Champagne fans. This tour delivers a balanced, educational, and flavorful exploration of France’s most celebrated sparkling wine region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation from Paris included?
No, transportation from Paris is not included. The tour begins at a designated meeting point in Reims or Épernay.

How many Champagne tastings are included?
Guests enjoy a total of 9 tastings during the day, including Veuve Clicquot, a small producer, and others at different stops.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes, providing ample time for visits, tastings, and lunch.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 4 are not permitted. The tour is designed for adults, given the tasting elements.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for walking through vineyards and cellars. No specific dress code is required.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide bilingual or English-speaking?
Yes, the guide is an English speaker and praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all tastings, lunch, admission tickets for Veuve Clicquot and the family-run winery, and transportation.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
Its combination of large and small Champagne houses, personalized guide service, and authentic countryside lunch make it a well-rounded choice for Champagne lovers.

Will I see the Champagne-making process?
Yes, especially at Veuve Clicquot and the family-run winery, where guides explain production methods and regional techniques.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, as long as one can walk through vineyards and cellars, the tour is accessible; no strenuous physical activity is required.