From Paris: Champagne Vineyards Tastings Tour with Sommelier

From Paris: Champagne Vineyards Tastings Tour with Sommelier

If you’re craving an authentic taste of France’s most famous bubbly, this full-day Champagne tour from Paris offers just that — and a bit more. For around $328 per person, you’ll spend approximately 11 hours exploring the lush Grand Est region, visiting exclusive wineries, and soaking in both UNESCO-listed sights and the charming villages of Hautvillers and Reims. Led by a knowledgeable sommelier and wine educator, this tour promises insider access, serious tastings, and plenty of picturesque views.

What we love most? First, the chance to sample Champagne at two premium wineries—including one run by a family Champagne maker—which means you get to experience both the grandeur and the intimacy of traditional wine making. Second, the stop at Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon once lived adds a touch of historical charm.

A small potential drawback? The full-day schedule can be quite packed, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, if you’re not a fan of large bus tours, this might feel a tad hurried.

This experience suits those who love wine, appreciate history, or want a convenient way to explore Champagne without the hassle of driving. It’s perfect for enthusiasts eager to learn about the terroir and production process, as well as travelers who value authentic, premium experiences over touristy spots.

Key Points

Premium Wineries: Visit two carefully selected wineries, including one family-owned, for guided tastings.
Historical Sights: Explore Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned, and the village of Hautvillers, the home of Dom Pérignon.
Expert Guides: Led by a certified sommelier and wine educator with insider winery connections.
Educational Experience: Learn about the history, terroir, and production behind Champagne.
Scenic Journey: Enjoy beautiful countryside views and scenic drives through UNESCO-listed landscapes.
Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate, interactive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Champagne Day Trip

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The Starting Point and Transportation

The tour departs from 9 Place d’Italie in Paris, a strategic location close to multiple metro lines (5, 6, 7). This means you can easily reach the meeting point without wasting time stuck in city traffic—a smart move, given the long day ahead. The trip begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, which quickly transports you out of the city and into the rolling vineyards of Champagne.

The 1.5-hour scenic drive is a highlight in itself, offering glimpses of the French countryside that make the early morning journey enjoyable. It’s nice to see the landscape change from urban Parisian to lush green hills dotted with vineyards, especially if you’re a wine lover.

UNESCO Sights and Cultural Highlights

Once in Reims, the tour visits the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a site where over 30 French kings were crowned. The guided 30-minute visit here adds cultural depth and provides a sense of the region’s royal significance.

Next, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Champagne’s hillsides—famous for their Grand Crus and Premier Crus classifications—offering memorable views of the vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest Champagne.

Wineries and Tastings

The core of the day revolves around two exclusive wineries carefully selected by the tour’s head sommelier. While the specific names change, the focus is always on top-quality, premium producers. These wineries are not the touristy big-name brands but rather places chosen for their authenticity and craftsmanship.

During guided tours at each winery, you’ll learn about Champagne production, terroir, and the aging process. Tasting sessions are generous and guided, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, helping you understand what makes Champagne so complex and special.

One reviewer mentioned that Luis (the guide) showed exceptional hospitality, even bringing out croissants and Champagne among the vines — this kind of personal touch adds a lot to the experience, making it more memorable than a typical tasting.

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Lunch and Village Charm

After the first winery visit, you’ll have a break for lunch, which lasts about 1.5 hours. Although lunch isn’t included in the price, the tour provides a recommended restaurant — chosen by your guide — ensuring you enjoy local flavors without the hassle of planning.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit Hautvillers, a picturesque village famous for its association with Dom Pérignon. This is a photo-worthy spot with quaint streets and traditional Champagne houses, giving you a chance to walk among the vineyards and soak in the local atmosphere.

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Final Tastings and Return

The afternoon is dedicated to a second, more extensive tasting session at another premium winery, lasting about 2 hours. You’ll taste multiple Champagnes, gaining an appreciation for the different styles and nuances of each.

Afterward, the return journey is another 1.5 hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on your day. You’ll arrive back in Paris around 7:30 pm, tired but full of new knowledge and delicious bubbles.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Guides

Based on reviews, the guides are a highlight. One traveler praised Luiz for being “a great host,” noting his attention to detail and personal touches. The fact that the guide is a professional wine educator adds credibility and depth to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s an educational journey.

The tour’s focus on exclusive wineries rather than tourist-heavy spots means you’re more likely to experience authentic Champagne making, rather than the commercialized versions. This adds real value, especially for those eager to understand the craft behind the drink.

The Value of the Experience

Compared to other Champagne tours, this one offers small group size (up to 8), which means more interaction and tailored attention. The inclusion of entrance fees and tastings at two wineries makes the price of $328 a good deal, considering the quality and exclusiveness of the visits.

However, it’s important to remember that the tour does not include lunch, so budget accordingly. The convenience of having all transportation and guided visits included makes this a hassle-free way to explore Champagne.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager for insider access to top Champagne producers, crave learning about the production process, and want to visit UNESCO-listed sites like Reims Cathedral and Hautvillers, this tour is a strong choice. It suits wine enthusiasts who appreciate guided expert insights and enjoy small-group experiences.

Travelers who prefer a structured itinerary with educational elements over casual tasting will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also ideal if you want to avoid the stress of planning logistics and prefer a professional, well-organized trip designed for maximum enjoyment and learning.

The Sum Up

This Champagne tour from Paris offers a well-rounded, authentic experience for anyone interested in the bubbly’s craftsmanship, history, and scenery. The chance to visit exclusive wineries with a knowledgeable guide makes it stand out from more generic tours. Plus, the combination of cultural highlights like Reims Cathedral and the village of Hautvillers adds a memorable dimension.

While the schedule is full, it’s a rewarding way to spend a day immersed in one of France’s most iconic regions, especially if you’re eager to learn, taste, and see the beautiful landscape that produces Champagne.

For wine lovers, history buffs, or those seeking a convenient, high-quality tour, this experience delivers genuine value. It’s best suited for travelers who want an educational, memorable day without feeling rushed and appreciate the personal touch of a dedicated guide.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy guided visits and tastings at two premium wineries, as well as stops at UNESCO sites like Reims Cathedral and Hautvillers. All entrance fees are covered, and the guide is an English-speaking certified professional.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but the tour provides a suggested restaurant for a local, enjoyable meal during the midday break.

How long is the bus ride?
The drive from Paris to Champagne is about 1.5 hours each way. The scenic route offers lovely countryside views, making the journey part of the experience.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Can I choose a different language for the tour?
The tour primarily runs in English, but guides may speak other languages like Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese. Private bookings can often be arranged in those languages.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on tastings, non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing, cultural stops, and learning about Champagne’s history.

What should I bring?
Bring a jacket, comfortable shoes for walking, and an eagerness to learn about Champagne. Tastings are guided, and the experience is suitable for adults 18 and over.

This trip combines the best of France’s Champagne country—stunning scenery, rich history, and world-class wine—making it a memorable day for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of this celebrated region.