Discover the Ruinart Tasting and Fun Private Tour in Champagne

This 8-hour private tour in Reims, France, offers a comprehensive experience of the Champagne region, combining a visit to the historic Ruinart Champagne House, exploration of the Reims Cathedral Notre-Dame, and a tasting at a boutique winery. With a $642 per person price tag, this tour delivers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and Champagne indulgence, making it ideal for those wanting an in-depth day in this acclaimed region.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, with private transportation included, ensuring comfort and flexibility. Although the tour does not include lunch or train tickets from Paris, it covers all major highlights, including visits to renowned Champagne houses like Mumm, Krug, and Taittinger, plus a scenic countryside visit to small vineyards and a boutique producer. Its five-star rating underscores its popularity and quality.

This tour suits visitors who appreciate a thorough, curated Champagne experience, with plenty of tasting opportunities and insightful explanations. It’s perfect for lovers of wine, culture, and history, especially those who prefer a private, flexible schedule. Keep in mind, lunch is not included, so planning a meal around the suggested restaurants in Reims is recommended.

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Key Points

Visit Ruinart’s historic cellars inside Roman mines with a guided tour and Champagne tasting.
See the 800-year-old Gothic Reims Cathedral Notre-Dame with a guided visit.
Enjoy a city tour of Reims, including stops at major Champagne houses like Mumm, Krug, and Taittinger.
Vineyard visits provide explanations and photo opportunities in the countryside.
Taste three different Champagnes at a boutique winery, learning about production methods.
Private transportation and multilingual guides available, with a flexible cancellation policy.

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Starting in Reims: An Introduction to Champagne’s Heart

The tour begins in Reims, where the guide picks you up from your hotel. The journey kicks off with a guided visit to Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house, recognized for its 2000-year-old Roman mines. Here, histories of Champagne production and the house’s traditions are shared, culminating in a tasting of their Champagne. The experience highlights Ruinart’s prestige and craftsmanship.

This visit lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing ample time to explore the underground cellars and learn about the house’s legacy. The underground Roman mines add an authentic historical atmosphere, making the visit especially memorable for history enthusiasts.

Exploring Reims Cathedral Notre-Dame

Following the Ruinart visit, the tour proceeds to the Reims Cathedral Notre-Dame, an 800-year-old Gothic masterpiece. The guide leads a 1-hour guided tour through this iconic monument, renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance in French royal ceremonies.

Standing outside and inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the elaborate façade and stained glass windows, while learning about its role in French history. This stop provides a cultural and architectural perspective that complements the Champagne tasting experiences.

Reims City Tour and Champagne Houses

After exploring the cathedral, a city tour of Reims takes place, featuring stops at prestigious Champagne houses such as Mumm, Krug, and Taittinger. The guided tour involves walking through the city’s vibrant streets, with insights into its Champagne heritage and local traditions.

The tour includes visits to these houses, where you’ll get a glimpse behind the scenes of Champagne production. Although the specific durations for each house are not detailed, these visits enhance understanding of different Champagne styles and histories.

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Vineyard Visit and Countryside Views

Midway through the day, the tour takes a scenic drive into the surrounding vineyards. Here, explanations about the vineyard landscape and Champagne grape growing are provided, with opportunities to take pictures of the picturesque countryside. This part of the tour emphasizes the importance of terroir in Champagne quality.

The countryside visit offers a relaxed break from the city, giving insight into how the vineyards shape Champagne taste and character.

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Tasting at a Boutique Champagne Producer

The highlight for many is the visit and tasting at a small, boutique Champagne producer. This stop allows for a more intimate exploration of Champagne-making, where you’ll learn how Champagne is crafted on a smaller scale. You’ll taste three different glasses of Champagne, gaining a deeper appreciation for variations in flavor and style.

This part of the tour provides a hands-on perspective and often includes explanations from the producer about their unique methods and traditions.

Logistics and Comfort: Private Transport and Guides

All transportation is air-conditioned and private, with pickup included at your hotel in Reims. The tour operates with live guides speaking English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, offering flexibility for international visitors. The total duration is around 8 hours, making it a full but comfortably paced day.

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding a layer of flexibility for travelers with changing plans.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Most Champagne houses are handicap friendly, but some small producers with stairs in their cellars may pose a challenge. It’s advisable to inform the tour provider about any access needs in advance. Since the tour begins in Reims and Epernay, it does not start in Paris, making it ideal for travelers staying locally or arriving in Reims.

While the tour includes tickets to Ruinart and the boutique winery, it does not cover train tickets from Paris. Lunch is not included, but the guide will suggest restaurants around Reims, where Champagne and local cuisine pair beautifully. Planning ahead for a meal will ensure a smooth day.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This private tour stands out for its comprehensive itinerary and flexibility, offering a mix of historic, cultural, and Champagne tasting experiences. Similar tours might focus solely on Champagne houses or city sightseeing, but this experience balances both, plus a visit to a boutique producer.

Price-wise, at $642 per person, it is on the higher end, but the private group setting and inclusion of transportation and tickets justify the cost for many. The 5-star provider rating reflects high satisfaction, particularly for the quality of guides and the curated stops.

Final Thoughts on the Ruinart Tasting and Fun Private Tour

This 8-hour guided experience provides a rich look into Champagne’s history, production, and culture, all within a private, comfortable setting. It’s especially suited for those who want an in-depth exploration beyond just tasting, including visits to famous Champagne houses, a historic cathedral, and small boutique producers.

While lunch and train tickets are not included, the tour’s structure allows for flexibility in meal planning and logistics. The private transportation, multilingual guides, and tailored visits make it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a personalized Champagne day.

For wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and culture seekers, this tour offers a balanced and detailed look at what makes Champagne so special, with the added convenience of a carefully curated schedule. It’s an experience that combines learning, tasting, and sightseeing, all in one memorable day.

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Ruinart Tasting and Fun Private Tour in Champagne

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most Champagne houses are handicap friendly, but some small producers with stairs in their cellars may pose challenges. It’s recommended to inform the provider about any access needs.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. The guide will suggest local restaurants around Reims where you can enjoy Champagne and regional cuisine.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $642 per person, including all visits, tastings, private transportation, and guiding.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with scheduled stops and sightseeing.

Are tickets to Champagne houses included?
Yes, tickets for the Ruinart visit and tasting, as well as the boutique winery, are included.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for groups?
Yes, it operates as a private group, ensuring a personalized experience.