Reims: Veuve Clicquot and Family-Run Winery Day Tour & Lunch

Reims: Veuve Clicquot and Family-Run Winery Day Tour & Lunch

If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing Champagne in its homeland, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day in the heart of the region. For around $386 per person, you’ll spend about 7.5 hours visiting iconic houses like Veuve Clicquot, exploring picturesque villages such as Hautvillers, and tasting at a cozy, family-run winery. The experience is designed to cater both to those new to Champagne and seasoned enthusiasts, with an emphasis on authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Champagne world.

What we love about this tour? First, the insider access to Veuve Clicquot’s legendary cellars, where the grandeur of Champagne history is on full display. Second, the chance to enjoy a home-cooked style lunch paired with Champagne at a family-owned estate, adding a personal touch missing from larger commercial tours. The only caveat? The demand for this popular tour means early booking is wise, and it’s not suitable for children under 10.

This experience suits travelers looking for a small-group, intimate atmosphere, where you can ask questions and truly savor the details of Champagne making. It’s perfect if you value both famous houses and hidden gems, and want to avoid the crowds while learning and tasting in comfort.

Key Points

• Authentic Visits: Tour includes visits to iconic Veuve Clicquot and a small, family-run Champagne house.
• Tastings Galore: Expect a total of 9 Champagne tastings, including four at Veuve Clicquot.
• Cultural Charm: Walk through Hautvillers, home of Dom Pérignon, and enjoy stunning vineyard views.
• Gourmet Lunch: Savor a delicious lunch paired with Champagne at a local estate.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Champagne.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Champagne Region: What to Expect

From the moment we set off, this tour promises a comprehensive and engaging immersion into Champagne. Starting either in Epernay or Reims, your day is carefully structured to maximize both tasting and cultural experiences.

Visit to Veuve Clicquot Cellars

The highlight for many is the visit to Veuve Clicquot’s cellars. Conducted by an expert guide, this tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you beneath the historic house to see where the magic happens. The cellars, with their cool, atmospheric tunnels, have an almost cathedral-like quality—lines of bottles and historic equipment whisper stories of Champagne’s heritage. The tasting of four different cuvées at the end offers a chance to compare styles and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Several reviewers praised the professionalism and depth of knowledge of the guides, like George from the UK who mentioned “a wonderfully informative tour” and a “brilliant day.” This visit provides a solid foundation, especially if you’re somewhat new to Champagne, giving you a sense of the tradition and scale of one of the most renowned houses.

Exploring Hautvillers

Next, a short drive takes you into the charming village of Hautvillers, famously associated with Dom Pérignon—the monk credited with pioneering techniques that contributed to Champagne’s sparkle. The village itself is picture-perfect, with narrow streets, traditional houses, and a panoramic viewpoint across the vineyards. Here, you can snap photos or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere. The guided walk (about 45 minutes) offers insights into the area’s history and the significance of the vineyards.

The Family-Run Winery and Lunch

After a scenic drive, the tour moves to a small, family-owned Champagne estate. This is where the true charm of the day lies—seeing how small producers work, often with more hands-on and traditional methods. This visit features a more intimate view of Champagne making, and your guide will explain differences from the larger houses.

The lunch at this estate is a real treat. It lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy a delicious meal paired with Champagne. Reviewers have found the food to be tasty and well-matched, and the experience offers a nice break from tasting to savor the regional flavors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Tastings and Vineyard Views

The day wraps up with visits to another small Champagne house, where you’ll sample a few more wines. The total number of tastings, including the initial four at Veuve Clicquot, adds up to nine different glasses. Many reviewers, like Addy from Spain, noted that “the champagne was flowing and I learned a lot,” highlighting the balance between quality and quantity.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the vineyards, often with time allocated for photos and reflection. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine, making even the technical aspects accessible and fun.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring comfort during the day’s travels. The group size is limited to eight participants, creating a friendly, intimate environment that allows for personalized questions and relaxed conversations. Pick-up points are conveniently located at the Epernay Tourist Office or Reims train station, making the day accessible even if you’re arriving by train.

The tour’s timing is well thought out, with the day starting around 8:30 or 9:20 AM and concluding in the late afternoon. This schedule allows you to experience the region without feeling rushed, and the drive times between stops are brief enough to keep the day lively.

Practical Tips

• The cellar temperature hovers around 10°C, so a light jacket is recommended.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, which makes sense given the wine-centric focus and cellar visits.
• Dietary restrictions can be accommodated—just be sure to mention them when booking.
• Early booking is advisable, especially since the tour is very popular and limited to small groups.

The Value of This Champagne Experience

At $386, the tour offers a good value considering the comprehensive itinerary, multiple tastings, and personalized approach. The inclusion of a delicious lunch paired with Champagne adds to the overall experience, turning it into a full-day indulgence rather than a fleeting tasting.

Compared to other Champagne excursions, this tour’s strength lies in its blend of famous houses and small, family-run estates, giving you a balanced perspective. The knowledgeable guides and small group size ensure you’re not just another face in a crowd but a participant in a true Champagne adventure.

Many reviews underscore the quality of guides like Suzanne and Chloe, who bring passion and information that elevate the experience. The scenic views, historic villages, and delicious Champagne all combine into a memorable day that appeals to travelers who value both education and indulgence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re interested in learning about Champagne’s production, tasting a variety of wines, and exploring both the grand and intimate sides of the region. It suits adults who appreciate good food and drink and are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

While children under 10 are not suited for this tour, it’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want an authentic, relaxed, and memorable Champagne experience. If you’re curious about the history, craftsmanship, and local culture behind your bubbly, this day tour hits all those notes.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, with pick-up and drop-off at central locations in Epernay or Reims.

How many Champagne tastings are included?
You’ll taste a total of nine different glasses throughout the day, including four at Veuve Clicquot.

What is the tour duration?
The full experience lasts about 7.5 hours, starting around 8:30 or 9:20 AM and ending in the late afternoon.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, dietary needs and allergies can be handled if mentioned at the time of booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not intended for children under 10 years old.

What should I bring?
A light jacket is recommended for cellar visits, and comfortable shoes are advised for walking around villages and vineyards.

What if I only want to visit Veuve Clicquot?
This tour includes Veuve Clicquot as a major highlight, but if you prefer a different experience, there are other options available.

What makes small-group tours different?
Limited to eight participants, ensuring a more personalized, relaxed experience where you can ask questions and engage more deeply.

How do I book this tour?
It’s best to reserve in advance, as the tour is very popular and seats fill up quickly.

To sum it up, this Champagne day tour combines the best of both worlds: iconic Champagne houses and intimate family-run wineries, all with passionate guides and scenic views. It offers a fantastic balance of education, tasting, and regional charm, making it suitable for anyone eager to discover what makes Champagne so special. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned aficionado, this tour promises a memorable journey into the sparkling heart of France.

You can check availability for your dates here: