Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour 3 Small Champagne Growers

A Practical Guide to the Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour of 3 Small Growers

If you’re looking to go beyond the big-name Champagne houses and explore smaller, family-run wineries in the region around Reims, this tour offers a wonderful balance of intimate tastings, cultural insights, and scenic drives. For about $284, you’ll spend roughly eight hours immersed in the world of Champagne, visiting three different producers, enjoying a three-course lunch with Champagne, and learning from knowledgeable guides.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to taste a wide variety of champagnes—up to 9 different samples—from boutique producers who often don’t offer tours to the general public. Plus, the small group size (up to 8 people) means you get plenty of personal attention, making it easier to ask questions and soak in the details. The comfortable Mercedes minivan with air conditioning ensures a smooth and climate-controlled ride through the countryside.

One potential consideration is the long drives between stops—most are about 20 minutes apart—and if you’re not accustomed to sitting for a while, you might find the time in transit a bit lengthy. That said, the scenic drives through vineyard landscapes are a part of the charm, and the guide’s commentary helps make the time pass pleasantly.

This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or those who simply want to experience Champagne in a more relaxed, personal setting. If you enjoy learning about the craft of winemaking, tasting a variety of products, and visiting small, family-run producers rather than large commercial houses, this adventure will suit you well.

Key Points

• Intimate small-group experience ensures personalized attention and richer conversations.
• Visit three boutique Champagne producers, offering a more authentic, less commercialized experience.
• Tastings of up to 9 champagnes provide a diverse tasting experience.
• Includes a generous three-course lunch with Champagne, coffee, and water—a true local dining experience.
• Transport in comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivans makes for a smooth, scenic journey.
• Limited to adults, making it ideal for those eager to learn and enjoy without children.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins promptly at 9:30 am at the Cour de la Gare in Reims. From there, the small group—no more than 8 people—sets out in a sleek Mercedes minivan. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you ample time to savor the sights, sounds, and tastes of Champagne’s countryside without feeling rushed.

Visiting Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers

Your first stop offers a walk through the historic Abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, where you’ll get a glimpse of the church of Dom Pérignon—the monk often credited with pioneering Champagne’s production. Your guide will explain Dom Pérignon’s role in the evolution of sparkling wine, providing context that elevates the tasting experience. With the admission ticket included, you can explore the site without worrying about extra costs.

Traveling here sets the tone for the day—a mixture of history, spirituality, and winemaking—and many reviews highlight how informative and engaging this stop is. As one traveler put it, “You will be taken through a very detailed and historical tour…it was delightful.”

The Lunch Break at “Why Not” in Épernay

Next, the group heads to French restaurant “Why Not”, where a three-course meal awaits, each course thoughtfully paired with a glass of Champagne. The meal is described as filling and delicious, with past guests mentioning it as a highlight, especially since it allows you to sample regional dishes alongside bubbly.

The 1 hour 30-minute stop also includes time to relax, chat, and enjoy the local ambiance. Many reviews emphasize how much they appreciated the well-paced lunch with the extra glass of Champagne, making the experience feel truly indulgent without being over-the-top.

Driving Through Avenue de Champagne

Post-lunch, the tour takes a scenic drive along the famous Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, renowned for its luxurious Champagne houses and grand mansions. While the tour doesn’t include visits to the larger houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, driving along this stretch offers fantastic views of the estate architecture and lush vineyards.

Many travelers appreciate this as a beautiful way to soak in the Champagne landscape, with some noting that the drive provides a perfect photo opportunity. The guide’s commentary helps you understand the significance of each building and its history.

Visiting Three Boutique Producers

The core of this tour is the visits to small, family-run wineries outside of Reims. These producers often don’t have the tourist crowds or the glitz of the big houses, but they excel in craftsmanship and authenticity. Visitors typically get tastings of multiple champagnes, with reviews praising the variety and quality.

Guests often mention the knowledgeability and friendliness of guides—many say that guides like Christophe or Xavier are passionate about their regions and happy to answer all kinds of questions, from the winemaking process to the regional history. One reviewer quipped, “Every champagne we tried was delicious,” and others highlight the personal stories and insights shared during tastings.

Tasting and Learning

With up to 9 tastings during the day, you’ll experience a broad spectrum of styles—from brut to sweeter varieties, different terroirs, and production methods. Many reviews describe the tastings as generous and educational. Several mention that the guides go beyond just pouring and explaining the art of blending, aging, and vineyard practices—which elevates the experience from mere tasting to learning about the craft.

Comfort and Transportation

The Mercedes minivan, equipped with air conditioning, is praised for being clean, comfortable, and conducive to smooth travel. The relatively short drives between stops help keep energy levels high, although some guests note that longer drives—about 20 minutes—can be a bit tiring if you’re not used to sitting for extended periods.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

One of the most praised aspects is the small group setting, which fosters a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Guests often mention feeling like they are visiting friends or family rather than travelers. The guide’s local knowledge and passion for Champagne shine through in reviews like “Christophe was an amazing guide” and “Xavier’s knowledge of the region was outstanding.”

Final Thoughts on Value

Considering the number of tastings, the included lunch, transportation, and visits to three family-run wineries, many travelers agree that the cost is well justified, especially given the personalized experience. Compared to larger, more commercial tours, this one offers a more authentic, educational, and relaxed taste of Champagne country.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about wine, eager to learn about small producers, or simply want a more personal, less commercialized Champagne experience, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, historical sites, and local cuisine all rolled into one day. Keep in mind, it’s for adults only, so families with young children might want to look elsewhere.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Are hotel pickups included?
No, the tour begins at the Cour de la Gare in Reims, so plan to meet there or arrange your own transportation.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts about 8 hours, from 9:30 am to early evening, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Are tastings included in the price?
Yes, the tastings of 9 champagnes are part of the package, along with the lunch and site visits.

Is transportation comfortable?
Absolutely. The tour uses air-conditioned Mercedes minivans, praised for their cleanliness and comfort.

Can children join this tour?
No, it’s designed for adults, and children are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the stops are on relatively flat ground, some walking is involved, and the van boarding may require some mobility.

What kind of meals are served?
A three-course meal at a local restaurant, paired with Champagne, coffee, and water.

Can I visit the larger Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon?
No, this tour focuses on small, family-run producers outside Reims.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 8 guests, ensuring a personalized and relaxed experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Words

This small-group Champagne tour offers a rare glimpse into the world of boutique producers, with tastings, authentic stories, and scenic drives that make for a memorable day. It’s perfect for those who want to learn, taste, and enjoy without the crowds or commercial feel of larger houses. The guides’ passion and knowledge shine through, turning a simple day of wine tasting into a memorable experience.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, personal, and educational exploration of Champagne, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s suited best for adults who appreciate good wine, regional culture, and small-scale craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about Champagne’s true spirit, this trip promises a blend of fun, flavor, and fascination.

Note: Always check current availability and booking details, and plan to arrive on time. And don’t forget—bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure to truly savor the day.