Lunch with Champagne & Ratafia champenois

Discover the Charms of a Champagne Lunch & Cellar Visit in Reims

Imagine stepping into a cozy, family-owned champagne house in the heart of Reims, where you’re greeted by friendly guides who truly love sharing their craft. For around $80.64 per person, you get a two-hour experience that combines champagne and ratafia tasting, a delicious included lunch, and an intimate look at champagne production. Led by guides like Justine, the tour offers a chance to savor small-batch champagnes in a setting far more personal than the big-name houses.

What makes this tour special? First, it’s all about authenticity — being at a working family estate, tasting champagne right where it’s made. Second, the lunch paired with champagne and ratafia is a real treat, served in a cozy environment with only a handful of other guests, making it feel more like visiting friends than a tourist trap.

One possible consideration? The tour doesn’t include a walk through vineyards or extensive cellar exploration, so if your heart is set on a vineyard stroll, you might need to look elsewhere. Still, if you value personalized attention, high-quality local products, and a genuine peek behind the scenes, this experience hits the mark.

This tour is best suited for wine lovers, curious travelers eager to learn about champagne production from knowledgeable hosts, or those who simply want a relaxed, small-group setting for enjoying great food and drink in Reims.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit a family-owned champagne house and sample products directly from the source.
• Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal, thoughtfully paired with champagne and ratafia champenois.
• Intimate Setting: Limited to only eight participants, fostering a personal atmosphere.
• Educational & Fun: Guides share insights into champagne and ratafia production, making it approachable for all levels of wine knowledge.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Lunch, beverages, and tastings are included, offering good value for a memorable half-day.
• No Vineyard Walk: Focus is on the house and tasting, not on vineyard exploration, which might be a drawback for some.

An In-Depth Look at the Champagne & Ratafia Experience in Reims

The Location and Meeting Point

Starting at Domaine Julien Chopin in Monthelon, France, the tour is conveniently accessible from Reims itself. The address, 1 Rue Gaston Poittevin, 51530 Monthelon, puts you right in the heart of the Champagne-producing region. The tour kicks off at 12:00 pm, making it an ideal midday activity after morning sightseeing or a leisurely start to your afternoon.

Small Group, Big Impact

With a maximum of eight guests, this experience guarantees a level of personal attention that larger tours often lack. Several reviews highlight how this creates a warm, friendly environment, with guides like Justine who speak perfect English and are eager to answer questions. The limited size also means you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and enjoy more meaningful interactions.

Visiting the Julien Chopin House

The core of the tour revolves around visiting the Julien Chopin house, a family operation where champagne and ratafia are produced on site. Tour participants love the chance to see where the products are made and learn about the traditional methods used, which adds a layer of authenticity often missing in larger commercial visits.

Tasting Champagne & Ratafia

The highlight for many? Tasting champagne in the very place it’s crafted, guided by knowledgeable hosts who explain the nuances of each variety. Several reviews praise the delicious champagnes, with one describing the different champagne options as “very tasty”. The ratafia — a fortified wine similar to port — is also a standout, often described as “really good” and a “new experience” for those unfamiliar with it**.

The Lunch Experience

The included lunch is a real gem, prepared by the hosts themselves or local chefs, and paired perfectly with the drinks. Reviewers frequently mention that the food is “delicious”, with some describing it as “superb” and “of high quality”. The pairing of champagne and ratafia with a thoughtfully crafted meal elevates the experience beyond just tasting to tasting with purpose.

For those who don’t drink alcohol, bottled water and soda are available, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. Several guests appreciated the personalized service, noting how the hosts are friendly, passionate, and bilingual.

The Atmosphere and Hosts

Guests often remark on the warm, welcoming attitude of the guides and hosts. For example, one reviewer called the guides “very friendly, kind, and funny”, emphasizing the personal touch that makes this tour memorable. The experience feels less like a commercial enterprise and more like visiting friends in their home.

What’s Missing?

Some travelers expressed a disappointment that the tour doesn’t include a walk through vineyards or a visit to larger champagne houses. If your idea of a perfect champagne experience involves strolling among the vines, this might not be the right fit. However, for those interested in small-scale production, personal stories, and tasting in a cozy setting, it’s more than enough.

Authenticity, Value, and Overall Impression

At approximately $80.64 per person, this tour offers a solid value. It combines education, tastings, and a quality meal, all in a setting that feels authentic rather than touristy. Several reviews mention that the experience exceeded expectations, especially noting the personalized attention and the quality of the food and drinks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for small groups who want to learn about champagne in an intimate setting. Wine enthusiasts, foodies, or travelers who appreciate personal stories and authentic local products will find it rewarding. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind a more relaxed pace without vineyard walks or large crowds. Families with children or non-drinkers will appreciate the soda options, and anyone seeking a genuine, friendly introduction to Reims’ champagne scene will feel right at home.

Practical Info & Tips

• Book 12 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during high season.
• The tour lasts about two hours, so plan to combine it with other activities in Reims.
• Meet at Domaine Julien Chopin at 12:00 pm — no pickups are included, so plan transportation accordingly.
• Remember, service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
• Cancellation policy is flexible — cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

FAQ

Can I bring children or non-drinkers?
Yes, soda and bottled water are included for non-drinkers or children, making this a family-friendly experience.

Is transportation included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point in Monthelon.

How many people are in the group?
Groups are limited to eight participants, ensuring a personal experience.

What is the main focus of the tour?
It’s primarily about tasting and understanding the family-owned champagne and ratafia production, along with enjoying a shared lunch.

Is there a vineyard walk or large cellar tour?
No, this experience focuses on the house and on-site production rather than vineyard walks or visits to large producers.

Are tips included?
Tipping is not included, but appreciated if you enjoyed the service.

What makes this tour different from larger champagne tours?
Its small size and personal approach create a more authentic, relaxed vibe with direct interaction with hosts.

Will I learn about champagne production?
Yes, guides share insights into the production process, making it suitable for both novices and enthusiasts.

Is lunch included?
Absolutely, the delicious meal is part of the package, paired with champagne and ratafia.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a genuine taste of Reims’ champagne heritage, this tour offers personalized attention, delicious food, and authentic product sampling in a cozy, family-owned setting. It appeals especially to those who value small-group experiences, local stories, and pairing exquisite champagnes with a well-crafted meal.

While it doesn’t include a vineyard walk or large-scale cellar visits, the focus on on-site production and personal interaction makes it stand out. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, and educational champagne experience that feels more like visiting friends than a commercial tour, this is an excellent choice.

References & Similar Experiences

Explore other options like guided tours to larger Champagne houses or vineyard excursions, but remember — sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from small, heartfelt places like Julien Chopin. For more tours in the Reims area, check out options like small-group afternoon tours, half-day visits to growers, or self-guided tours with mobile apps to customize your adventure.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if a personalized champagne and ratafia lunch at Julien Chopin aligns with your travel style. With its combination of authenticity, delicious food, and intimate setting, it’s well worth considering for your trip to Reims.