Lunch with Champagne & Ratafia champenois

Discovering Champagne with Lunch, Champagne & Ratafia at Julien Chopin

When it comes to tasting champagne in France, many travelers opt for large, impersonal tours at big houses. But this experience at Julien Chopin offers something different—an intimate, hands-on look into the art of champagne-making combined with a carefully curated lunch. For just over $80, you’ll get a chance to visit a small family-run domaine, sample their signature bubbly and ratafia, and enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

One aspect we particularly love about this tour is the small-group size—limited to just eight participants—ensuring a personal, relaxed atmosphere where questions are encouraged. The chance to sample champagne and ratafia right where they’re produced adds an authentic touch that’s hard to beat. The only potential drawback? It’s a shorter, 2-hour experience, so if you’re craving a lengthy tour or vineyard walk, this might feel a bit limited.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate quality over quantity, enjoy learning about local craftsmanship, and want a more personal connection with their hosts. It’s especially ideal for those arriving in Reims with a few hours to spare or those seeking a deeper dive into the local Champagne scene beyond the big-name houses.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Setting: Limited to eight guests for a more personalized experience.
• Authentic Production Visit: Tour the Julien Chopin house and learn about the Champagne and ratafia craft firsthand.
• Tasting & Food Pairing: Champagne and ratafia are sampled on-site, paired with a delicious, included lunch.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable hosts who actively engage and answer questions, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable.
• Location & Accessibility: Starts in Monthelon, with a scenic walk through vineyards if you walk from nearby Epernay.
• Full Value: For about $80, you get a comprehensive tasting, a meal, and a behind-the-scenes look, making it a very good value.

An Authentic Champagne Experience in Reims

This tour stands out because it focuses on quality, intimacy, and learning. From the moment you arrive at Domaine Julien Chopin, you’ll notice the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the hosts. Their passion for champagne and ratafia shines through, and reviews consistently mention the friendly, bilingual staff, especially Justine, whose English is perfect and who is praised for her hospitality.

The visit to the family-owned house is more than just a tasting. You get a glimpse into the production process, which is especially meaningful considering the small-scale, hands-on approach of Julien Chopin. House owner Aurélie, along with Justine, offers professional yet friendly explanations about how their champagne and ratafia are made, making the tour both educational and personable.

The Champagne & Ratafia Tasting

Sampling champagne at the source is a highlight. Reviewers mention the delicious variety of champagnes, with one describing the wines as “to die for,” and many note the great selection of different styles. Ratafia, a fortified wine similar to port, is introduced as a rare treat—something many had never tried before—and is described as “great” or “delicious” by reviewers.

Guests often mention how the pairings elevate the experience. One reviewer describes how they enjoyed a main course alongside champagne, then finished with a cheese board and ratafia—an unusual combination that adds a layer of sophistication. The fact that the lunch is included in the price significantly boosts the value—no need to worry about where to eat afterward.

The Lunch Experience

The lunch, prepared and served by Justine herself, shines in reviews. Described as “lovely,” “delicious,” and “suitable for all,” it complements the tasting perfectly. The food is praised for being high-quality and thoughtfully paired with the champagne and ratafia, making this not just a tasting but a complete sensory experience.

The Setting & Atmosphere

Many reviewers highlight the cozy, family-run vibe of Julien Chopin. Walking from Epernay through the vineyards to Monthelon adds a scenic touch, and some guests note that they enjoyed their walk through the countryside—an optional but memorable part of the day.

Guide & Personal Touch

The guides are a major plus. One reviewer calls Justine “the perfect hostess,” praising her language skills and her engaging, authentic approach. Others mention how much they appreciated the personal attention and the absence of large crowds, which creates a more relaxed environment.

Considerations & Practical Points

While many rave about the personal experience, it’s worth noting that vineyard walks are not included—if that’s a must-see, you might need additional tours. Also, the experience ends back at the meeting point, with no transportation provided, so plan accordingly.

The tour’s booking window averages 12 days in advance, and it’s clear that early booking guarantees a spot. The ticket is mobile, offering convenience, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What truly makes this experience special is the hands-on, authentic approach combined with the warm hospitality. Unlike large, impersonal group tours, this one feels more like a visit to a friend’s house, where you’re genuinely involved in the process. The quality of the food, the personal stories, and the direct access to the producers make it a memorable choice for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The small-group format means you can ask plenty of questions—about the production process, the different types of champagnes, or even the best way to enjoy a glass. Reviewers have praised guides for being knowledgeable and approachable, turning what could be a straightforward tasting into an engaging conversation.

Value for Money

At approximately $80, this tour offers remarkable value. You get a curated, intimate experience, a full meal, multiple tastings, and the chance to learn about both champagne and ratafia—an underrated aspect of the local culture. For travelers who prefer quality and authenticity over glitz, this is a genuine treat.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for those eager to explore champagne in a more personal setting rather than through large, commercialized visits. It’s ideal for food and drink lovers, curious about the production process, and anyone wanting a memorable, relaxed afternoon in Reims. Since the experience is intimate and informative, families, couples, or small groups of friends will find it especially enjoyable.

It’s also a good choice for travelers arriving in the Reims region who want a quick yet meaningful introduction to local champagne and ratafia, paired with a delicious meal and friendly guides.

FAQs about the Julien Chopin Lunch & Tasting Tour

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts and ends at the Domaine Julien Chopin meeting point. You are responsible for your own transport to and from the site.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable experience for most travelers without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
A full lunch with champagne and ratafia pairings, bottled water, and soda for non-drinkers or drivers. The tasting and the guided visit are part of the package.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

What language are the guides?
Guides are fluent in English, with many reviews praising the hosts’ language skills and personable approach.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, and non-drinkers or children are welcome, with soda provided as an alternative beverage.

Is there a vineyard walk included?
No, walking through vineyards is not part of this experience. The focus is on the production, tasting, and lunch.

What is ratafia?
A fortified wine similar to port, served alongside cheese or after the meal. Many guests find it a delightful and new experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour at Julien Chopin offers a well-balanced mix of authentic production insights, excellent tastings, and a hearty lunch, all set within a warm, friendly environment. Its small-group approach guarantees personal attention, making it ideal for travelers who want to truly connect with the craft of champagne making.

While it doesn’t include vineyard walks or large-scale tours, its focus on quality and intimacy more than compensates. The experience is best suited for those seeking a relaxed, educational, and delicious introduction to Reims’ champagne scene. It’s a perfect choice for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a more genuine connection to the local producers and their products.

If you’re after a memorable, authentic, and delicious afternoon that balances education, taste, and hospitality, this experience at Julien Chopin is highly recommended.