Champagne Lamiable: Make your own Champage bottle !

Discover Champagne Lamiable: Make Your Own Champagne Bottle

Imagine spending a couple of hours in the heart of France’s Champagne region, learning firsthand how the bubbly is crafted. At Champagne Lamiable, located in the picturesque Grand Cru village of Tours-sur-Marne, you get the chance to truly connect with the process—by doing it yourself. For about $95 per person, this 2.5-hour experience offers a hands-on approach to wine-making, topped off with tastings and your very own personalized Champagne bottle to take home.

What we love about this tour is the intimate setting with a family-run estate, which guarantees a more authentic and personal experience. The guide, Helène, is praised repeatedly for her knowledge and engaging manner, making the complex steps of Champagne production surprisingly approachable. Plus, the chance to disgorge your own half-bottle and label it with your name turns a simple tasting into a memorable souvenir.

One consideration for travelers is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the estate. This tour is ideal for those who appreciate a small group, personalized attention, and a deeper understanding of Champagne beyond just sipping. It’s perfect for curious wine lovers and anyone eager to get their hands dirty—literally—at the wine cellar.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience with disgorging and labeling your own Champagne.
• Guided tastings of three different Champagne varietals, including blind tasting.
• Family-run estate offers a more authentic, intimate look at Champagne production.
• Personalized souvenir: a half-bottle of your own Champagne to take home.
• Flexible departure times throughout the day make planning easier.
• Private tour with undivided attention from your guide, Helène.

An Authentic Champagne Experience in Reims

When you think of Champagne, the image of vast vineyards and elegant bubbles might come to mind. But behind those iconic glasses is a meticulous process, and at Champagne Lamiable, you’ll see it up close. Located in Tours-sur-Marne, a Grand Cru village, this family estate has been making Champagne for generations. The tour is designed for those wanting more than just tasting; it’s for anyone curious about the craftsmanship behind the bubbles.

Starting at 8 Rue de Condé, the tour begins with a walk through the cellars, where the family’s history and winemaking expertise are laid out. Helène’s enthusiasm shines through, as she shares her family’s story and the unique techniques that have been passed down. Her storytelling makes even the most technical aspects approachable, and her sense of humor keeps the mood lively.

The blind tasting of three different Champagnes—each with a different dosage—allows you to understand how sugar levels impact flavor and mouthfeel. This is a highlight for many visitors, as it makes the tasting more educational and fun. Many reviewers praise Helène’s depth of knowledge and her genuine passion for Champagne, which elevates the whole experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The most distinctive feature of this tour is the opportunity to actually bottle and label your own Champagne. After choosing your favorite from the blind tasting, you’ll disgorge (a fancy term for removing the sediment) your half-bottle, and then add your own label. This process brings you into the role of a winemaker, making the entire experience more memorable and personal.

The reviews highlight how this step adds excitement and a sense of achievement. As one reviewer puts it, “Finishing our own half bottle of Champagne was a lovely afternoon,” and another mentions that the knowledge and skills of Helène made the tour “the best” they had joined in France. The ability to take home a bespoke bottle makes this tour particularly appealing, especially for gift-giving or as a special souvenir.

The Practical Details

The tour is priced at $95.05 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the personalized experience and the inclusion of three glasses of Champagne. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with multiple departure times available throughout the day, providing flexibility for your schedule.

Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to 8 Rue de Condé in Tours-sur-Marne. The small group size—a maximum of 8 travelers—ensures plenty of individual attention and interaction with Helène. The tour is suitable for service animals, and the intimate setting creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Arrival and Introduction

You’ll start by meeting Helène at the estate, where she’ll introduce her family’s history and their approach to Champagne making. Expect a warm welcome and some engaging storytelling about the estate’s roots and philosophy.

Cellar Tour and Production Insights

Next, you’ll descend into the cellars, which Helène explains are dug by hand—a testament to traditional craftsmanship. She’ll guide you through the fermentation, aging, and disgorging processes, demystifying each step with clear explanations. We loved the way Helène’s enthusiasm and humor made the technical details accessible and fun.

Blind Tasting

Then comes the blind tasting of three Champagnes—likely differing in sweetness levels—allowing you to compare and understand how dosage affects taste. Reviewers mention how this made the experience more educational and helped them identify their personal preferences.

Disgorging and Labeling

After selecting your favorite, you move on to disgorge your half-bottle, a process that involves removing the sediment that naturally forms during fermentation. Helène guides you through each step with patience. You’ll then label your bottle with your name and a custom label, turning it into a personal keepsake. Many say this is the highlight, making the tour feel truly special.

Final Tasting and Departure

The tour wraps up with a final tasting of your personalized Champagne, along with some light discussion on serving and storing. You’ll leave with your own labeled half-bottle—a tangible memory of your experience.

Authenticity and Quality of the Experience

The small group setting ensures that everyone gets personalized attention. The knowledgeable guides, especially Helène, are consistently praised for their passion and clarity. Multiple reviews mention how Helène’s interaction, humor, and expertise make the experience both educational and enjoyable.

The quality of Champagne is also notable, with many reviewers describing it as sublime and well-made. The fact that you can bottle and label your own Champagne adds a level of authenticity often missing from larger, more commercial tours.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: The tour typically is booked about 45 days ahead due to its popularity.
• Arrive early: To start on time, especially if you’re coming from Reims or other nearby towns.
• No transportation included: Plan your route accordingly—public transport, taxi, or a rental car.
• Consider timing: Multiple departure times throughout the day make it easier to fit into your itinerary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re genuinely interested in learning about Champagne production and want a personalized experience, this tour is a winner. It’s especially suited for wine lovers who enjoy tasting, as well as those who like a hands-on approach. Family groups or couples seeking an authentic, intimate experience also find it appealing.

The opportunity to disgorge your own Champagne and take home a custom-labeled bottle makes it perfect for celebrations, gifts, or simply a unique memory of your trip.

The Sum Up

Champagne Lamiable’s experience offers more than just a tasting; it’s an engaging journey into the craft of Champagne-making. The guided tour by Helène, with her expertise, humor, and passion, creates a warm and educational atmosphere. The chance to bottle and label your own Champagne transforms this visit from a passive tour into an active, memorable event.

While transportation isn’t included, the intimate setting and personalized attention make this tour stand out in the crowded world of Champagne tourism. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a meaningful souvenir from their trip to the region.

If you’re after a balanced, authentic experience that combines learning, tasting, and a bit of fun, this tour delivers it all. It’s a prime choice for those who want to see the hands-on craftsmanship behind the sparkling wine and leave with a truly unique keepsake of their visit.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You will need to arrange your own way to the estate at 8 Rue de Condé in Tours-sur-Marne.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, there are multiple departure times available throughout the day to suit different schedules.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, three glasses of Champagne, and your personalized bottle after disgorging and labeling.

Is this experience suitable for small groups?
Yes, the tour is limited to eight travelers, ensuring plenty of individual attention.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

How many different Champagnes will we taste?
You will taste three different varietals during the blind tasting.

What makes this tour unique?
The opportunity to disgorge your own half-bottle and label it makes this experience stand out.

Would this tour suit beginners or only experienced wine lovers?
It’s suitable for all levels—beginners will find it accessible, and wine lovers will appreciate the deeper insights.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes are fine. Be prepared to descend into cellar areas, which might be cool, so bring a light jacket if needed.

Exploring Champagne is a delight, and this hands-on tour at Champagne Lamiable offers a rare chance to step into the shoes of a winemaker, even if just for a few hours. It’s authentic, educational, and fun—perfect for anyone eager to deepen their appreciation of this sparkling treasure.