Champagne Day Trip from Reims including 7 Champagne Tastings

Exploring the Champagne Day Trip from Reims: An Honest Review

This small-group tour through Reims’ famed Champagne region promises a day filled with tastings, history, and picturesque scenery. With visits to both well-known Champagne houses and cozy family wineries, it offers a blend of big-name prestige and intimate craftsmanship—perfect for those who want a genuine taste (literally) of the region’s sparkling wines.

What really sets this experience apart? The guides are praised for their knowledge and personable approach, making complex Champagne production accessible and fun. However, since the tour is around 8 hours long and includes multiple tastings, it’s best suited for those with a moderate to high interest in wine or culinary culture.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is quite local, starting in Reims and focusing on smaller, family-run Champagne producers. If you’re expecting to visit the big houses like Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon, this may not be your best bet. For lovers of artisanal Champagne and authentic regional charm, it’s a winning choice.

Key Points

• Small-group format enhances personal attention and interaction with guides
• Visits to boutique family wineries offer a more intimate experience than large Champagne houses
• Seven tastings provide plenty of opportunities to explore different styles and flavors
• A well-balanced itinerary includes sightseeing, a visit to Dom Pérignon’s resting place, and a delicious French lunch
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, humor, and personable approach
• Great value for the price considering the inclusions of tastings, lunch, and transportation

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the central Reims train station (Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims), where you’ll meet your guide and small group. The use of a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan—limited to just 8 travelers—ensures a cozy, personalized feel. This intimate setting means your guide can tailor some parts of the experience to your interests, making it less like a cookie-cutter tour and more like a day out with friends.

Most travelers find the timing convenient, with departure at 9:30 am, giving ample time for a full day of exploration. The return back to Reims is typically around 5:45 pm, making it doable even for those with evening plans.

The Itinerary: From Reims to the Champagne Heartland

First Stop: Small Champagne House in Rilly-la-Montagne
The tour begins with a visit to a family-run Champagne producer, which many reviews highlight as a major highlight. Here, guests get a behind-the-scenes look at the cellar and the chance to taste artisan wines directly from the grower. Reviewers mention that the owners are welcoming and eager to share their craft, adding a warm, personal touch to the experience. One guest commented, “The champagne makers were so welcoming and the champagnes so delicious,” emphasizing the authenticity of these visits.

Sightseeing in Reims
Before heading out, the tour includes a drive-by of the city’s famous sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Roman ruins, and the big Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Mumm. While you won’t tour these giants, passing by their grand facades adds context to the region’s history and prestige.

Visit to Dom Pérignon’s Burial Site
Next, a short drive takes you to a village where Dom Pérignon is buried. The church here is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in the legend of the monk who is often credited with perfecting Champagne’s production process. Many guests appreciate learning about the monk’s role, with one reviewer noting that the stop included a visit to the church where Dom Pérignon is buried, and that it added a meaningful historical layer to the day.

Lunch in Épernay
The tour then heads to Épernay, renowned for its Champagne houses and scenic streets. A relaxed, included lunch at a local restaurant gives you time to digest and chat about the morning’s tastings. Reviewers consistently praise the lunch, describing it as delicious and well-portioned, with a main course, dessert, a glass of Champagne, and coffee included.

A Walk along Avenue de Champagne
Post-lunch, your guide will point out the impressive Champagne houses lining the Avenue de Champagne, including Perrier-Jouët and Mercier. Many guests find this walk inspiring, imagining the generations of families who have been producing Champagne here for centuries. It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the grandeur of the region’s heritage.

Final Visit: Local Family Winery in Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire
The last stop is at another boutique Champagne producer, where a guided tour of the cellar and another tasting await. Guests mention that the smaller, family-run wineries provide a more personal experience, with owners eager to share their stories and passion. One reviewer called this “a fantastic experience,” highlighting the quality of the artisan Champagne and the friendliness of the hosts.

The Tasting Experience

Seven tastings in total give ample opportunity to try a diverse array of Champagnes—from crisp brut to richer, more complex varieties. Reviewers often mention that the tastings are generous, and some note that they left with bottles in hand. The inclusion of a tasting at each winery, especially the artisanal ones, ensures you appreciate the differences between small producers and the larger Champagne houses.

Guides: Knowledgeable and Personable

Many reviews specifically praise the guides—Radames, Pierre, Victor, Emmanuel—for their expertise, humor, and ability to tailor the experience. One reviewer said, “Radames was excellent—friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive,” while another appreciated Pierre’s engaging manner. These guides aren’t just narrators—they’re passionate storytellers who make the entire experience engaging and informative.

Value for Money

At around $290 per person, the tour offers a lot: multiple hands-on tastings, a delicious lunch, transportation, and expert guidance. The reviews support that it’s good value for what you get—especially considering the small group size and authentic visits to family producers. It’s an experience that balances quality and affordability, making it accessible for most travelers wanting more than a superficial glance at Champagne.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is ideal for wine and Champagne lovers eager to see the artisanal side of production, not just the glamour of the big brands. It’s perfect if you appreciate small group intimacy, personalized attention, and want to learn about Champagne’s craft from passionate owners and experts.

If you’re looking for a leisurely, culturally rich day with plenty of tastings and sightseeing, this tour hits the mark. However, if you prefer visiting the major Champagne houses or are on a very tight schedule, you might find this somewhat limited.

Travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences and want to avoid the crowds will find this especially appealing. The mix of historic sites, local vineyards, and scenic countryside appeals to those who want more than just drinking Champagne—they want to understand it.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This tour offers excellent value, especially considering the high-quality visits, tastings, and the personal touch of the guides. The small-group setting enhances interaction, making it more of a shared adventure than a cookie-cutter experience. The combination of scenic drives, historical sites, and artisanal wineries creates a well-rounded day that caters to curious and discerning travelers.

For lovers of Champagne, small-group travelers, or those curious about the craft behind the bubbles, this trip offers rich flavors and memorable moments. It’s a delightful way to deepen your appreciation for this iconic French drink while enjoying the beautiful Champagne landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Most of the focus is on tastings at wineries, but there’s plenty of sightseeing and historical stops, so non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery and learn about Champagne production.

How many wineries will I visit?
You’ll visit two family-run Champagne houses, plus a stop at Dom Pérignon’s burial site, making it a comprehensive yet manageable experience.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transport is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What is the typical duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning around 5:45 pm.

Are meals included?
Yes, a French lunch at a local restaurant is included, featuring a main course, dessert, a glass of Champagne, and coffee.

Can I book this tour from Paris?
No, the tour departs from Reims. If you’re staying in Paris, you’ll need to book your own transport to Reims, such as taking a TGV train.

Is this tour available in all weather?
Yes, it operates rain or shine—be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, especially since it involves outdoor sightseeing.

In essence, this Champagne day trip from Reims is a thoughtful, authentic way to dive into the region’s bubbly culture, perfect for those wanting a relaxed, intimate, and educational experience.