Grand Vintage Private Champagne Moet Chandon Veuve Clicquot

A Day in Champagne: Exploring Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot in Style

If you’re dreaming of tasting some of the world’s most famous Champagne, this private day trip from Paris offers an intimate peek into the craft with visits to Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. For about $802 per person, you’ll spend roughly 12.5 hours traveling in a comfortable Mercedes, exploring historic cellars, sampling vintage bottles, and soaking in the stunning vineyard scenery.

Two aspects that stand out instantly are the exclusivity of the guided cellar tours — with options tailored for connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike — and the luxurious transportation, which elevates the entire experience. The small-group sizes (up to 10 for Moët & Chandon, 6 for Veuve Clicquot) make it feel personal and relaxed, far from the crowded tours you might find elsewhere.

One thing to consider is that this is a full-day commitment — from early morning pickup at your Paris hotel to returning in the evening — so it’s best suited for those eager to dedicate their day entirely to Champagne adventures. If you love wine, history, and beautiful scenery, this tour delivers both in spades.

Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate high-end wines, want in-depth insights, and prefer the comfort of private transport. It’s especially ideal if you’re visiting Paris and want a seamless, hassle-free way to explore Champagne’s most iconic houses with knowledgeable guides and exclusive tastings.

Key Points

• Exclusive Tours: Choose between different tasting options at both Champagne houses for a tailored experience.
• Luxury Transportation: Travel in a Mercedes E220 or minivan—comfortable and stress-free.
• Authentic Visits: Tour historic cellars and sites like Hautvillers and Reims Cathedral.
• Small Groups: Intimate tours enhance the experience, with personalized attention.
• Cultural and Scenic Sights: Enjoy picturesque vineyard views and historical landmarks.
• All-Inclusive: Pickup, drop-off, water, and fees are included—meals are on you.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Heart of Champagne

We’ve all seen the glossy advertisements and glossy bottles, but behind the scenes at Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot lies a level of craftsmanship that’s both fascinating and inspiring. This tour is designed to give you more than just a tasting; it offers a glimpse into the meticulous process of Champagne making, steeped in tradition and innovation.

The Journey Begins in Style

Your day starts early with pickup around 7:30 AM from your Paris hotel. The ride out to the Champagne region takes roughly two hours, giving you a comfortable window to relax and soak in the scenery. As you cruise through rolling vineyards and charming villages, your guide provides commentary to get you excited for the day ahead. The transport options are top-notch: a sleek Mercedes E220 for smaller groups or a spacious minivan for larger parties, both equipped with bottled water and a professional driver, ensuring a smooth ride.

Moët & Chandon: The Grande Dame of Champagne

Arriving in Épernay around 10 AM, the first stop is Moët & Chandon, the world’s largest Champagne producer. It’s a name that resonates globally — and for good reason. With a history dating back over 270 years, their underground cellars stretch for miles beneath the town, and touring them is like stepping into Champagne history.

You’ll have a choice between two guided options:

• The “Grand Vintage” experience, which offers a 1.5-hour tour for up to 10 people, including tastings of two luxurious glasses: Moët Grand Vintage Blanc and Rosé. Think of it as an elegant introduction to their most celebrated bottles.
• Or the “Moet Collection”, a more immersive 2-hour experience limited to six guests, where you’ll sample the same two vintages but also get a deeper understanding of their craftsmanship.

During the tour, you’ll walk through vast underground tunnels, marvel at the centuries-old barrels, and learn how climate, terroir, and tradition come together to create Champagne. As one reviewer notes, “Moët was by far the premium” among the houses she visited, and the fact that “every second, one bottle of Moët & Chandon is opened” gives you a sense of their scale and expertise.

Savor a Classic French Lunch

After the cellar tours, it’s time for a proper French lunch in Épernay. The tour includes about 1.5 hours to relax and enjoy local cuisine, often in a traditional restaurant. The reviews highlight that the lunch setting is exquisite, with many visitors feeling the time allocated is sufficient to enjoy both the food and the surroundings without feeling rushed.

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Hautvillers: The Birthplace of Champagne

Post-lunch, you’ll head to Hautvillers, just a 10-minute drive away. This quaint village, once home to Dom Pérignon, is a must-see for history buffs and wine lovers. The Abbey Saint-Pierre, founded in 665, played a pivotal role in developing Champagne-making techniques. You’ll visit the best viewpoint over the vineyards and river, offering postcard-worthy views.

A quick stop at the Church of Sindulphe and an overview of the local Champagne producers make this a meaningful detour. As one reviewer shares, “Dom Pérignon developed the winemaking methods here,” adding a layer of authenticity and history that enriches the entire experience.

Reims and Veuve Clicquot: Champagne’s Historic Capital

The journey continues with a scenic 30-minute drive to Reims, where the highlight is a guided tour of Veuve Clicquot. Founded in 1772, the house produces over 22 million bottles annually — a true giant in the Champagne world. The guided cellar visit gives a fascinating glimpse into their aging process, and you get to taste some of their finest cuvées.

Again, you can select from two tasting options:

• The “Une Seule Qualite” experience for 1.5 hours, featuring four different cuvées, including Brut Carte Jaune and Vintage Rosé 2015.
• Or the “L’art du vieillissement” experience, a two-hour tasting of four vintages, including an impressive Cave Privée 1990 with cheese pairing — perfect for those who want to savor the differences in aging.

Reims Cathedral and Final Reflection

Next, a quick visit to Reims Cathedral, where most French kings were crowned, offers a fascinating glimpse into France’s royal history. The self-guided visit takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to marvel at the stained glass and Gothic architecture.

The day winds down with the return journey to Paris, leaving you back around 8 PM. Throughout the day, reviewers mention how smoothly everything is coordinated, and guides like Roman are praised for being attentive and knowledgeable.

An Honest Look at the Experience

While many rave about the personalized service, stunning scenery, and excellent tastings, some points are worth considering. The price might seem high at $802, but when you factor in private transport, exclusive tours, and quality tastings, many find it a worthwhile investment. Several reviews emphasize the value for money, especially given the intimate setting and behind-the-scenes access.

A common theme among reviewers is the friendly, efficient guides who make the day feel special without feeling rushed. The small group sizes enhance this, allowing for more conversation and easier photo opportunities.

However, one reviewer pointed out that the guide could be more informative during the drives, suggesting that a bit more storytelling would elevate the experience. Also, since lunch is at a fixed location, some might prefer more flexibility or a different setting, especially if they’re looking for a less structured meal.

The Sum Up

This private Champagne day trip is a superb choice for those who love premium wines and want a seamless, luxurious experience. The combination of historical tours, tastings of vintage wines, and scenic vineyard views creates a well-rounded and memorable day. The excellent reviews highlight the expertise of guides, the quality of the tastings, and the comfort of traveling in style.

If you’re a wine enthusiast craving in-depth knowledge and exclusive access, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations. It’s also perfect for travelers who value small groups, personalized service, and authentic experiences in the Champagne region.

That said, be prepared for a full day of activity — it’s designed for those eager to enjoy Champagne culture. The price reflects the level of luxury and detail, making it a worthwhile splurge if you’re after a special, high-quality experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Paris?
The trip lasts about 12.5 hours, including travel time, visits, tastings, and meals, with pickup around 7:30 AM and return by 8 PM.

What transportation is used?
You’ll travel in a Mercedes E220 for small groups or a Mercedes minivan for larger groups, both offering a comfortable ride.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included in the itinerary, in a traditional French restaurant in Épernay. Drinks and other meals are not included, so plan accordingly.

What are the tasting options at Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot?
At Moët & Chandon, you can choose between a 1.5-hour “Grand Vintage” or a 2-hour “Moet Collection”. For Veuve Clicquot, options include a 1.5-hour tasting of four cuvées or a 2-hour premium tasting with aged wines and cheese.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.

Is this experience suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
While tastings are a central part, the focus on history and scenery makes it enjoyable even if you choose not to sample the champagne. Dietary restrictions are not specifically addressed but can be accommodated with prior notice.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Travelers passionate about wine, looking for a luxurious, intimate experience, and eager to learn about Champagne’s heritage will find this tour especially rewarding. Those preferring a more relaxed, scenic day with quality tastings will also appreciate it.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just eager to indulge in some of France’s finest bubbly, this private Champagne tour offers a well-rounded, memorable day in the heart of the region’s vineyards and cellars.

You can check availability for your dates here: