Marne: 2-Day Champagne Tour with Tastings and Lunches

Discover the Charm of a 2-Day Champagne Tour in the Marne Valley

If you’ve ever dreamed of really understanding what makes Champagne so special, this 2-day private tour in the Marne region offers a well-rounded peek behind the scenes. For $803 per person, you’ll visit multiple wineries, see seashell fossils embedded in the landscape, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and even spend a night in a vineyard. Led by friendly guides (mostly in French), this experience is designed to be immersive and authentic, giving you more than just a tasting or a quick visit.

What we love most? First, the chance to explore different facets of Champagne — from the natural geology of seashell fossils that tell the story of the land, to the meticulous process of creating some of the world’s most prized bubbly. Second, the inclusion of two gourmet lunches featuring Champagne cuisine, and even a dinner among the vines, makes this a truly indulgent yet educational experience.

Of course, with a price tag over $800, it’s an investment. It may not be suitable for travelers on a tight budget, or those who prefer a more spontaneous, less structured approach. But for wine enthusiasts and those eager to deepen their knowledge while savoring top-quality Champagne in its native setting, this tour offers a compelling value.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive, personalized experience—especially wine lovers, history buffs, or travelers craving a taste of authentic French vineyard life away from crowded tourist spots.

Key Points

In-Depth Vineyard Visits: Multiple wineries, exploring different terroirs and grape varieties.
Historical and Geological Highlights: See seashell fossils and visit Dom Perignon’s grave, blending wine with natural history.
Gourmet Food: Enjoy carefully curated lunches with local Champagne cuisine and a vineyard dinner.
Authentic Experience: Private group setting ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
Overnight in the Vineyard: Stay among the vines for a truly immersive experience.
Educational Tours: Learn about the production process, vineyard management, and the specific qualities of Grand Cru and classified villages.

This experience made our article of Top 7 Tours In Marne.

Exploring the Marne: A Deep Dive into the Champagne Region

When we set out on this 2-day tour, our expectations were high, but what truly stood out was how well it balanced education, immersion, and indulgence. The Champagne region, known worldwide for its sparkling wine, is also a landscape dotted with geological marvels and historical treasures. This tour weaves all those elements into a seamless experience.

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The Journey Begins: Marne Valley and Seashell Fossils

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to a winery nestled in the Marne Valley. Here, the landscape isn’t just beautiful—it’s a geological treasure trove. The tour highlights seashell fossils embedded in the earth, a reminder that millions of years ago this landscape was submerged underwater. As one traveler put it, “Seeing the fossils firsthand made me appreciate the natural history behind every bottle.” These fossils tell a story about the land’s transformation and influence on the soil, crucial for understanding the unique character of Champagne.

This first stop often includes a tasting of Champagne directly from the cellar, giving you insight into the production process. The wines here tend to be crisp and lively, with a focus on freshness that reflects the mineral-rich soil.

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The Charm of Hautvillers and Dom Perignon’s Legacy

Next, the tour takes you to the village of Hautvillers, often called the birthplace of Champagne. The visit to Dom Perignon’s grave is more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a moment to connect with the history of Champagne itself. As one guest noted, “Standing at Dom Perignon’s grave felt like touching the roots of the Champagne story. It’s a humbling experience.”

Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional houses, and you’ll see the extraordinary grape vines that have been cultivated here for centuries. The vines, especially the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties, are meticulously cared for, and the guide explains how each contributes to the signature flavor profiles of Champagne.

The Champ-Elysees of Champagne and Vineyard Exploration

The tour visits a section of the Côteaux Sud, often called the “Champ-Elysees of Champagne,” where the vineyard landscape is breathtaking. You’ll explore different grape varieties and learn how terroir influences taste. The guide’s explanations help you appreciate the subtleties that distinguish a Grand Cru from other classifications.

Several reviews highlight how inspiring these vineyard tours are, with visitors often mentioning the “wonderful views” and “detailed explanations of grape growing.” This part of the tour is tailored to give you a real sense of the effort and artistry involved in producing Champagne.

An Evening in the Vines with Fine Dining

What elevates this experience is the chance to dine in the terroir itself. The evening includes a specially curated dinner among the vines—an intimate, atmospheric setting where you sip Champagne paired with regional dishes. Many travelers find this a highlight, describing the setting as “magical” and “a true taste of French elegance.”

Overnight accommodation is typically in a charming vineyard house or manor, offering a rustic yet comfortable retreat. Waking up surrounded by vines the next morning makes the whole experience feel complete.

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Day Two: Reims, More Wineries, and Production Secrets

The second day begins with a visit to a winery on the Reims Hill, renowned for its complex wines and historical cellars. Here, you’ll taste Champagne from the Côte des Blancs, famous for its Chardonnay grapes producing elegant, refined bubbles. Guides share insights into the different grape varieties, helping you appreciate the nuances that make each Champagne unique.

Lunch is served in a classified village in the Côte des Blancs, often with local specialties that pair beautifully with Champagne. Visitors mention how these meals deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the region.

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Visiting the Grand Cru and Historic Monuments

One of the highlights is touring a Grand Cru winery, where you’ll see the meticulous process of bottle aging and production. The guide explains all the steps—from riddling to disgorging—making the production process clear and accessible.

A visit to a classified 11th-century monument offers a glimpse into the region’s long history, adding cultural depth to the day. Many reviewers note that these stops give a sense of continuity between history and winemaking.

The Final Tasting and Reflection

Your tour concludes with a final, comprehensive tasting of Champagne from different wineries. It’s an excellent opportunity to compare styles and understand what makes Champagne in the Marne special. Guests often comment on how much they’ve learned and how the tasting clarified the differences among various producers and regions.

Practical Details and Value

For all its richness, this tour is surprisingly straightforward on logistics. It includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, making it convenient. The private group setting ensures personalized attention, and the detailed itinerary balances guided visits with free time to absorb the scenery.

While the price of $803 may seem steep, the value lies in the depth of experience, the quality of tastings, and the overnight stay in the vineyard. It’s an investment for those who truly want to understand Champagne beyond the standard day trip.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and requires comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking across vineyards and historic sites. It runs in French, but guides are experienced at making complex topics understandable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast, history buff, or someone who values quality over quantity, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for travelers ready to spend a couple of days fully immersed in Champagne’s landscape, history, and craftsmanship. Those looking for a quick souvenir taste might find it too comprehensive or expensive, but for a genuine, memorable adventure into the heart of Champagne, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, making it easy to relax and focus on the experience.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera to capture the scenery, and water to stay hydrated are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children? The description doesn’t specify, but given the focus on wine tastings and historical sites, it’s best suited for adults.

Do I get to taste different types of Champagne? Yes, multiple tastings are included at various wineries, allowing you to compare different styles and flavors.

Are lunches included? Yes, two lunches featuring Champagne cuisine are part of the experience, along with a vineyard dinner.

How long are the winery visits? The visits vary but generally include guided tours, tastings, and time to explore the vineyards.

Is the guide fluent in English? The activity is offered in French, but guides are experienced in making the experience accessible to non-French speakers.

What do I learn during the tour? You’ll learn about vineyard management, grape varieties, Champagne production processes, and the region’s history.

Can I extend my stay in the Champagne region afterward? While not included, many travelers choose to linger longer in Reims or Épernay to explore on their own.

This 2-day Champagne tour offers a thoroughly engaging way to experience France’s most celebrated sparkling wine region. It combines natural history, cultural exploration, and indulgent tasting, making it an experience that’s both educational and delicious. Perfect for those eager to understand the land and craft behind their favorite bubbly—something you’ll remember long after the last glass.