From Reims: Champagne and Family-Run Wineries Tour

If you’re dreaming of tasting authentic Champagne and learning about its craftsmanship, this tour from Reims offers a blend of charming villages, intimate winery visits, and expert-guided tastings. For just $146 per person, you get about four and a half hours of exploring the Grand Est’s sparkling heart, led by friendly guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Starting at the Reims train station, the tour takes you to Hautvillers, the village that’s almost as famous as the Champagne itself, and to two small, family-run Champagnes houses.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances educational detail with the relaxed charm of local producers. First, you get to wander the quaint streets of Hautvillers, visiting Dom Pérignon’s burial site and soaking up the atmosphere of a place that’s practically the birthplace of Champagne. Then, at each winery, you’ll enjoy three tastings of their signature Champagnes, totaling six different glasses—giving you a broad understanding of the styles and nuances that make Champagne so special. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make complex processes understandable without sounding like they’re reading from a script.

One consideration to keep in mind is the limited time in cellars (average 10°C temperature), so packing a jacket is wise. Also, since the tour involves driving through beautiful but sometimes long stretches of countryside, those with mobility issues or a preference for shorter travel times might want to check the details carefully. This tour suits travelers who love small-group intimacy, want to support independent producers, and are eager to deepen their appreciation of Champagne beyond the big-name brands.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Visits to family-run Champagne houses provide a genuine look at the craft.
Educational and Enjoyable: Guides are knowledgeable, making the process of Champagne-making easy to understand.
Stunning Scenery: The tour offers scenic drives through the Champagne vineyards and views of Hautvillers.
Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.
Taste a Variety: Six different Champagnes, with 3 tastings at each winery—plenty to develop your palate.
Convenient Location: Starts and ends at Reims train station, perfect for travelers arriving by train.

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A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting from the Reims train station, the tour kicks off in the early afternoon, giving you a relaxed yet well-paced introduction to the region. The meeting point outside the tourist information office ensures easy access for those arriving by train. From there, the journey is by air-conditioned minivan, taking you out into Champagne’s lush countryside. With just 8 people max, the atmosphere remains cozy—more like a trip with friends than a large, impersonal bus ride.

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Exploring Hautvillers

Our first stop is Hautvillers, a village famous for its connection to Dom Pérignon, often credited with developing the method of Champagne production. Walking through its narrow streets, we loved the way our guide shared stories about the village’s history and its monks’ influence on the Champagne industry. It’s an ideal spot for those wanting to see the birthplace of Champagne and visit the church where Dom Pérignon is buried.

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Chloe and Susanne for their engaging storytelling and depth of knowledge. One guest remarked, “Chloe was such an excellent guide. She was knowledgeable, informative, and presented all the information in a very engaging and humorous manner.” This kind of personable guidance makes a difference when you’re trying to understand the complex process of how grapes become bubbly.

Visiting Family-Run Wineries

The heart of the tour lies in the visits to two small, independent Champagne producers. These family-run wineries often operate with a focus on traditional methods and quality over quantity, offering insights you might not find at larger houses. At each stop, you’ll see the production process up close, walk through the cellars, and learn about grape varieties, fermentation, and bottle aging.

Guests have raved about the quality of the tastings—each winery offers three glasses of their signature Champagne, giving you a good sense of the varieties and styles. As one reviewer said, “The quality of the Champagne at both of the independent producers was superb.” Several mentioned that they appreciated tasting bubbles you wouldn’t find in shops, thanks to the small-scale, artisanal approach of the producers.

The Tasting Experience

Having six different Champagnes to try, you’ll begin to notice subtle flavor differences—from brut to rosé, and more. Guides are skilled at explaining the production nuances behind each style, helping you understand what makes a Champagne crisp, buttery, or complex. Plus, many reviews highlight the generosity of the tastings—some mention that they left with bottles purchased directly from the wineries, and the guides help organize this smoothly.

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Scenic Drives and Views

The tour’s route takes you through the scenic Champagne vineyards, with plenty of opportunities for photos and soaking up the landscape. One reviewer described the experience as “driving through beautiful countryside,” emphasizing how much the views enhance the overall enjoyment. The stop in Hautvillers also provides a chance to appreciate the quaint architecture and serene atmosphere of this historic village.

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Returning to Reims

The tour wraps up around 6:30 pm, returning you to the train station. For those planning to continue exploring Reims or heading elsewhere, this timing works well. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed yet comprehensive, with enough time to ask questions and absorb the local atmosphere.

Practical Details and Value

The price of $146 includes transportation, guides, entrance fees, and six tastings, making it a good value considering the quality and depth of the experience. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the live English-speaking guide adds clarity and warmth to the tour.

While the tour does not include lunch, the tastings are generous, and you can always plan a meal afterward in Reims or Hautvillers. The tour is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users, so keep that in mind. Also, since the cellars are cool, packing a jacket is advised.

Many travelers comment on the expertise and friendliness of guides like Chloe, Susanne, and Jerome. Their passion for Champagne and regional history shines through, making the experience not only informative but genuinely enjoyable. One review summed it up: “Our guide Jerome was outstanding—knowledgeable and engaging. The two Champagne houses were lovely, and we tasted six excellent champagnes.”

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time Champagne visitors who want to understand the process, sample small-batch champagnes, and enjoy a personalized experience. It suits those who appreciate supporting independent producers and want to see the villages and vineyards that inspired the industry. If you’re a wine enthusiast or history buff, you’ll find the stories and tastings compelling.

It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy small, intimate groups and prefer guides who can answer detailed questions. However, if you’re looking for a luxury, all-inclusive experience or visiting with children under 12, this may not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, starting at 2:00 pm and ending around 6:30 pm.

Where does the tour begin?
The meeting point is outside the Reims train station’s tourist information office, on Cour de la Gare.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, guidance by a local English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and six Champagne tastings—three at each winery.

Can I buy bottles directly from the wineries?
Yes, guides help organize purchases, and many guests leave with bottles of Champagne they’ve tasted.

Is this tour good for Champagne beginners?
Absolutely. Guides explain the process clearly, and small wineries offer accessible insights into Champagne production.

Are children allowed?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a jacket, as the cellars are cool (around 10°C).

Is transportation provided?
Yes, all transportation between stops is by air-conditioned minivan.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Reims offers a well-rounded introduction to Champagne craftsmanship and the beautiful landscape of the region. The combination of small-group intimacy, support for family-run wineries, and engaging guides makes it stand out. If you’re eager to taste authentic, high-quality champagnes in a relaxed setting, this is a fantastic choice.

The price reflects the value of personalized experiences, educational richness, and delicious tastings. It’s especially suited for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers who want a genuine look at the region rather than a commercialized tour. Be prepared for cold cellars and longer drives, but in return, you’ll gain a deep appreciation of what makes Champagne so revered worldwide.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring France’s best, this tour promises a memorable, tastings-filled afternoon that balances education, enjoyment, and authenticity.