Reims: Champagne House Mumm, Winery Visit with Lunch

Reims: Champagne House Mumm, Winery Visit with Lunch

Price: $293 per person
Duration: 8 hours
Rating: 4.9/5 (based on 18 reviews)
Location: Grand Est, France

A Quick Look at What to Expect

This full-day adventure in the Champagne region combines visits to iconic Champagne houses like Mumm with the intimate charm of small, family-run wineries. Starting at about 9:30 am, you’ll meet your local guide right next to Reims train station and spend the day exploring lush vineyards, historic villages, and cellars packed with bottles aging away.

What we love: First, the chance to peek behind the scenes at both a prestigious Champagne house and a family-owned winery offers a genuine look at the diverse world of champagne-making. Second, the visit to Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon is buried, provides a taste of local history amid scenic hillsides.

One potential drawback: The schedule can feel a bit tight, especially during the last stop, where some reviewers mention feeling rushed. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, consider this when planning your day.

Who this is for: Wine lovers eager to learn about the craftsmanship and terroir behind Champagne, as well as those who enjoy authentic, small-group experiences. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate detailed guided tours and want a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural history.

Key Points

Expert guides enhance understanding of Champagne’s history and production.
Visit to Mumm offers a behind-the-scenes look at a renowned Champagne house.
Exploring Hautvillers combines scenic beauty with the story of Dom Pérignon.
Tastings include a variety of bubbles and cellar views to appreciate the aging process.
Authentic experiences at family-run wineries reveal the personal side of Champagne making.
Lunch at a family winery adds local flavor and a relaxed break from tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full, Authentic Day in Champagne

When you first meet your guide in front of Reims train station, you’ll immediately notice the promise of a day filled with bubbles and stories. The small-group setting (max 8 people) ensures plenty of personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and get insights you won’t find in guidebooks.

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The Drive through the Vineyards

The journey begins with a comfortable ride through the rolling vineyards of the Champagne region. Expect to enjoy some breathtaking views of UNESCO World Heritage-listed vines, where you’ll learn about the unique terroir—the combination of soil, climate, and tradition—that makes Champagne so special. Your guide might point out the different types of vineyards and explain how they influence flavor profiles, which is helpful when understanding the tastings later.

Hautvillers: The Birthplace of Champagne

Next, you’ll visit Hautvillers, a picture-perfect village famous for its connection to Dom Pérignon, the monk credited with pioneering Champagne production. As you wander through its charming streets, you’ll get a sense of the landscape that inspired the earliest Champagne makers. The highlight here is entering Dom Pérignon’s church, where the monk is buried, offering a tangible link to Champagne’s history.

Family-Run Winery Exploration

A key feature of this tour is the visit to a small, family-run winery. Here, you’ll step behind the scenes to see traditional equipment like the press, tanks, and cellar, which gives you a real appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. You’ll get to sample several of their cuvées, including their best value bottles, which many reviewers say are some of the most enjoyable tastings in the region. One guest from Finland noted that they “now know everything about making Champagne,” thanks to the guide’s explanations, which shows how educational these visits can be.

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Lunch with Local Flavors

After the winery visit, a two-hour lunch at the family-run estate provides a chance to relax and savor local cuisine alongside more Champagne. While some reviews mention the lunch as fantastic, others note it’s not particularly remarkable—so if you’re a foodie, manage your expectations, but still enjoy the authentic setting.

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The Maison Mumm Experience

The afternoon features the visit to Maison Mumm, one of Champagne’s most famous houses. Here, you’ll explore the cellars, learn about the Champagne-making process, and enjoy a tasting of their iconic cuvée. If Mumm isn’t available, a similar house will be substituted, ensuring you still get the full experience. Many travelers appreciate seeing the immense cellar corridors and the bottles aging, which visually underscores the scale of Champagne production.

Final Reflection and Return

By around 5:30 pm, your guide will bring you back to Reims, leaving you with a head full of new knowledge and a suitcase of souvenirs. Several reviews highlight the generous pours and the educational value of the tastings, making this an excellent choice for those wanting to understand both the art and science of Champagne.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-rounded, and personalized look at Champagne. The combination of prestige and intimacy—visiting both Mumm and smaller wineries—provides insight into the varieties of Champagne and the family stories behind the brands. The guide’s knowledge and the small group size make it more than just a tasting; it’s a storytelling experience.

However, keep in mind the paced schedule, especially if you prefer a very relaxed day or want more time at each stop. If you’re keen on learning about Champagne’s history, production, and tasting, this tour nails all three with authenticity.

Final Thoughts

For those who want to see the highlights of Reims’ Champagne scene without the hassle of travel logistics, this tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for curious wine lovers eager to understand the nuances of terroir, tradition, and craftsmanship. If you enjoy guided insights combined with beautiful scenery and authentic local visits, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

While it’s not a leisurely day of pure tasting (the schedule is quite full), most find that the educational depth and intimate visits more than compensate. The positive reviews underscore the guides’ knowledge, the stunning views, and the excellent wine selection, making it a top choice for a memorable day in Champagne.

FAQ

How early do we meet the guide?
You meet around 9:30 am, right next to Reims train station, depending on your chosen start point.

What is included in the price?
Your tour includes a local English-speaking guide, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, visits and tastings at two small wineries, seven tastings total, lunch, and the visit and tasting at Maison Mumm.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 4 years old are not suitable for this tour, mostly due to the cellar environment and tasting focus.

Can I join from Paris?
No, this tour does not include pick-up or drop-off in Paris. Many travelers prefer to take the train to Reims, which is quick and efficient.

Is this a private tour?
It’s a small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, which helps keep it personal and engaging.

What should I bring?
Bring a jacket, as cellar temperatures average around 10°C. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the wineries and village.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Expect about 1.5 hours at Maison Mumm, 45 minutes in Hautvillers, and around 2 hours for lunch and winery visits, with some flexibility based on the day.

Will I learn about the Champagne-making process?
Yes, the guide provides plenty of explanation about the process, from vineyard to bottle, especially at the family winery and Mumm.

What do previous travelers say about the guide?
Many reviews praise the guides, mentioning “very knowledgeable,” “passionate,” and “excellent at sharing insights,” which enhances the experience significantly.

This tour strikes a fine balance between educational content, scenic beauty, and authentic wine experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just curious about Champagne, it offers a memorable, well-organized day that’s worth the price.