Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour 3 Small Champagne Growers

A full-day Champagne tour from Reims offers a perfect blend of intimate tastings, scenic drives, and cultural insights. Priced at $284.38 per person, this small-group experience is limited to 8 guests, ensuring personalized attention from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. The tour spans about 8 hours and transports visitors through the heart of Champagne country, visiting three different producers, all family-run wineries outside of Reims.

Notable for its focus on smaller Champagne growers, this tour avoids the crowds of larger houses like Moët & Chandon, instead emphasizing personalized tastings of nine champagnes and a three-course lunch with a glass of champagne included. With rave reviews praising the expert guides, delicious tastings, and relaxed pace, this experience appeals most to those seeking a more authentic and detailed look at Champagne production.

Key Points

• Small-group size limits participants to 8 people for a more intimate experience
• Visit three family-run wineries outside of Reims, focusing on small producers
• Includes tastings of nine champagnes throughout the day
• A three-course lunch in Epernay includes a glass of champagne
• The tour departs at 9:30 am from Cour de la Gare in Reims
• Guides are knowledgeable, with some reviews highlighting great storytelling and local insights

The Tour Starts at Reims’ Cour de la Gare

This full-day Champagne tour kicks off at 9:30 am from the Cour de la Gare in Reims. The meet-up point is easily accessible, near public transportation, which makes it convenient for visitors arriving from Paris or other nearby cities. The Mercedes minivan, equipped with air conditioning, comfortably transports the group between stops, ensuring a relaxing day.

The small-group size means a more personalized experience, and the maximum of 8 participants guarantees plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction. The guide/driver is from the local area, often sharing personal stories and insights about the Champagne region, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

Exploring the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers

The first stop takes you to Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers. Here, visitors walk through the church of Dom Pérignon, the legendary monk associated with Champagne’s history. The admission ticket is included, and the 15-minute visit provides a meaningful glimpse into the historical significance of the area.

This stop offers a peaceful introduction to the region’s religious and cultural roots, setting the tone for the day. The guide explains Dom Pérignon’s role in Champagne’s development, making it more than just a scenic walk.

Tasting at a Family-Run Winery in Epernay

Next, the tour takes you to “Why Not,” a cozy, French restaurant in Epernay, where a three-course lunch is served. The meal includes starter, main course, and dessert, all paired with a glass of champagne. Coffee and water round out the meal, providing a relaxed environment to savor the flavors.

After lunch, the group spends about 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring Avenue de Champagne. This iconic street, lined with prestigious Champagne houses, offers a visual contrast to the smaller producers visited earlier, with the guide highlighting the history and architecture of the area’s most famous producers.

Visiting Three Small, Family-Run Champagne Wineries

Outside of Reims, the tour visits three distinct wineries, each run by family owners. Entrance fees for tastings are included in the tour price, covering nine different champagnes tasted during the day. These visits provide a behind-the-scenes look at small-scale production, which often results in more expressive and unique champagnes.

Guests learn about different production techniques and flavor profiles, gaining insights not always available at larger, commercial Champagne houses. Reviews emphasize the diversity of the champagnes sampled and the knowledgeable guides who explain the art of winemaking.

The Scenic Drive and Champagne Village Highlights

Driving through the Avenue de Champagne after lunch, the group enjoys scenic views of the region’s vineyards and historic sites. The guide shares stories about Champagne’s landscape, climate, and history, making the drive both educational and beautiful.

This part of the tour sometimes includes quick stops for photos, giving guests a chance to admire the picturesque scenery of Champagne country. Some reviews note that the driving distances between stops are around 20 minutes, which is manageable with the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Tasting Experience at Small Champagne Producers

The core of the tour revolves around tasting nine champagnes from small family-run wineries. These tastings reveal a wide range of styles, from crisp and dry to rich and complex. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the artisanship and passion involved in small-scale Champagne production.

Many reviews praise the quality and variety of the champagnes sampled, with some describing the tastings as exceptional. Guides frequently share stories about each producer, emphasizing the personal touch and dedication behind each bottle.

The Role of Guides and Personal Attention

Reviews consistently highlight the expertise and friendliness of the guides, with some specifically mentioning guides like Xavier, Matisse, and Christophe. These guides are praised for their local knowledge, storytelling skills, and willingness to answer questions.

The small group size allows for more direct interaction, making the experience feel personal and engaging. Guests appreciate the passion for Champagne that guides share, making the day both educational and enjoyable.

Additional Information and Practical Tips

The tour price includes all tastings, entrance fees, and lunch, providing good value for money. The lunch is a two-course meal with a champagne glass, adding to the overall experience. The tour does not include visits to large, famous Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, focusing instead on smaller producers.

Note that children and babies are not allowed, and hotel pickup/drop-off is not included, so travelers should plan to meet at Cour de la Gare in Reims. Most travelers find the pace comfortable, though some may want to bring a power bank for photos or a hat for sunny days.

Why This Tour Excels for Champagne Enthusiasts

This small-group tour shines in its focus on small, family-run wineries that produce distinctive champagnes not often seen by travelers. The personalized attention from guides like Xavier and Matisse enhances understanding of Champagne’s craftsmanship.

The combination of tastings, scenic drives, and cultural stops makes this a well-rounded experience. Its high ratings—5 out of 5 based on 221 reviews—speak to consistent satisfaction and recommendations by past participants.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tasting schedule is generous, long drives between stops might lead some to feel that the day could be tiring, especially if not accustomed to extended car journeys. The tour excludes visits to the largest Champagne houses, which may be a downside for those seeking famous brands.

Plus, children are not permitted, so this experience suits adult guests interested in more intimate, educational tastings rather than family outings.

Final Thoughts on the Small Group Champagne Tour

This full-day experience offers an excellent chance to explore Champagne production with personalized guidance and authentic small producer visits. The nine tastings and lunch create a balanced day of learning, tasting, and sightseeing.

Ideal for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and local stories, this tour combines scenic drives, cultural highlights, and delicious Champagne in a relaxed, engaging setting. The high praise from previous guests underscores its value and appeal.

If you seek an intimate journey through Champagne’s hidden gems, this small group tour in Reims provides a truly rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include visits to famous Champagne houses?
No, it focuses on small family-run wineries outside of Reims, not the larger, well-known brands.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, a three-course lunch with a glass of Champagne is part of the experience, along with coffee and water.

How many champagnes are tasted during the tour?
Guests sample nine different champagnes across the three wineries visited.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal attention.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, children and babies are not permitted, as the experience is tailored for adults.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, air-conditioned Mercedes minivans transport guests between stops, with scenic drives through Champagne country.