Reims/Epernay: Champagne Day Tour with Tastings

Experience the Sparkling World of Champagne in Épernay and Reims

Imagine walking through endless rows of vineyards, tasting champagnes in historic cellars, and learning how this celebrated drink is made—without the crowds. That’s exactly what you get with the Reims/Epernay: Champagne Day Tour with Tastings for $334 per person. This 8.5-hour guided adventure is perfect for anyone eager to understand what makes Champagne truly special, beyond just popping a cork at a party. Led by knowledgeable guides like Angelique, your day includes visits to renowned Champagne houses, a private winery, a scenic village, and plenty of tastings.

Two things we particularly love are the intimate group size—limited to 8 participants—which ensures a relaxed, personalized experience, and the variety of stops. From a UNESCO-listed village with panoramic views to a historic abbey linked to Dom Pérignon, you’ll find something fascinating around every corner. A possible drawback? The tour involves quite a bit of driving and walking, so if mobility is an issue, this might require some extra planning. But for those who want a comprehensive, authentic Champagne experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for curious wine lovers, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to get a richer understanding of the region’s traditions and landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Visits: Tour a historic Champagne house and an independent winery for a well-rounded tasting experience.
Vineyard Walks: Walk through beautiful vineyards and learn why soil and manual labor matter.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of local guides who bring the region’s story to life.
Scenic Stops: Visit the picturesque village of Hautvillers and the abbey associated with Dom Pérignon.
Tastings: Enjoy guided tastings of multiple champagnes, gaining insights into their different flavors.
Flexible Pacing: With transport and a dedicated guide, you get a relaxed day without worrying about logistics.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Reims

A Deep Dive into the Champagne Day Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

You’ll meet outside the Office de Tourisme d’Épernay at 10:00 AM, or earlier from Reims if you prefer. The tour is conducted in a comfortable private van, which ferries you smoothly between stops. The nice thing about private transport is the ability to focus on the scenery and the story without the distractions of a large bus. The drive times are moderate—about 45 minutes from Reims to Épernay—giving you a gentle start without feeling rushed.

Visiting Épernay and Its Champagne Houses

Your first major stop is in Épernay, the heart of Champagne production, where you’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring a well-known Champagne house. The guided visit includes walking through underground cellars—those famous chalk caves that keep the bubbles at just the right temperature. You’ll learn about the traditional methods of production and what makes Champagne different from other sparkling wines. The tasting here introduces you to the nuances of different varieties, paired with insights into the region’s history. As one reviewer said, “The tour was well balanced in time and we felt that 8 hours just flew by,” highlighting how engaging and smoothly paced the experience is.

Following this, you’ll have a short 15-minute drive to more intimate settings, including an independent winery, where the owner will guide you through tastings that showcase local craftsmanship. This is a highlight for many, providing a more personal, less commercial perspective on Champagne production. One guest noted, “The winery we visited was special with the owner and the view,” which underlines the value of these authentic visits.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch in Hautvillers

Midday, you’ll enjoy a traditional French lunch at a local restaurant, where the menu emphasizes regional flavors and classic French dishes. The scenery around Hautvillers—perched on a hillside—makes for an ideal lunch backdrop. The village itself is picturesque, with a Benedictine abbey and stunning views over the vineyards. Here, you can appreciate the connection between the land, the monks’ historic role in Champagne-making, and the modern-day wine scene.

While you're exploring Reims, here are other experiences we've looked into

Exploring the Village and the Abbey

Post-lunch, a brief walk in Hautvillers reveals why this village is a favorite for Champagne enthusiasts. The abbey, associated with Dom Pérignon, offers a sense of history and spirituality that adds depth to your journey. A reviewer reflected, “Location for lunch was a highlight and the winery we visited was special,” emphasizing how these small, authentic stops elevate the day.

Final Champagne and Vineyard Visit in Marne

The last part of the day takes you to a Champagne cellar in the Marne region, another 1.5-hour opportunity for tastings. This final stop wraps up your experience, offering a chance to compare different Champagne styles and flavors. The guide’s commentary helps you understand what to look for in a quality bubbly, encouraging you to refine your palate.

Authenticity and Value

Throughout the day, the guides—like Angelique—bring enthusiasm and knowledge, transforming what could be a simple tasting tour into a storytelling adventure. When asked about the experience, one guest said, “Angelique was an amazing tour guide! She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made our visit to Reims/Epernay special,” highlighting how crucial a passionate guide can be.

Practical Details and Considerations

This tour is limited to 8 people, which keeps it personal and allows for meaningful conversations. The total duration is 8.5 hours, with most of that time spent exploring and tasting—making it a full value for the price of $334. The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so plan accordingly if you’re staying outside the meeting points. Also, note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, due to walking and some uneven surfaces.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who want an in-depth look at Champagne production, pairing history with scenic landscapes. It suits those who appreciate small-group intimacy, expert guides, and authentic visits over cookie-cutter experiences. First-timers to the region will find it especially welcoming, gaining a broader understanding of the Champagne landscape and culture.

Final Thoughts – Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and immersive Champagne experience, this tour offers tremendous value. It balances guided insights with personal touches, from vineyard walks to visits in historic cellars. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for what makes Champagne so unique—its terroir, craftsmanship, and centuries-old traditions. The combination of scenic views, excellent tastings, and local storytelling makes this a memorable day out.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more leisurely, less active experience or have mobility concerns, you might find the walking and driving a bit demanding. Also, the tour’s focus on high-quality, authentic stops means it’s not about glitzy, large commercial Champagne houses, but rather about real stories and flavors.

Overall, for anyone who loves good wine, wants to learn about its origins, and enjoys being in a small, friendly group, this Champagne day tour will hit the right notes. It’s a smart choice for making your trip to the French countryside both fun and meaningful.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours, including visits, tastings, and lunch.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet outside the Office de Tourisme d’Épernay at 10:00 AM, or from Reims at the central tourist office at 09:15 AM.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers private transportation in a comfortable van to move between stops.

Are tastings included?
Absolutely. The tour includes champagne tastings at each stop, as well as guided visits to a Champagne house and a winery.

What’s not included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so plan to get to the meeting point yourself.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking involved, and no specific mention of children is made.

This guided Champagne adventure from Épernay and Reims combines scenic beauty, historic insight, and delicious tastings—making it a fantastic way to experience the essence of this sparkling region. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned wine enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to love about this well-balanced, authentic tour.