From Reims Champagne Day Trip Veuve Clicquot Local Domain & Lunch

Enjoy the renowned Champagne region on this captivating day trip from Reims. Explore the iconic Veuve Clicquot estate, marvel at the stunning Reims Cathedral, and indulge in a delightful lunch featuring regional specialties and Champagne pairings. Gain insights into the artisanal production methods and rich heritage of the bubbly as you visit a family-owned Champagne house. This comprehensive tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the essence of this renowned wine-growing region. Dive deeper and uncover the hidden gems that await.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Wine Tours In Reims.

Key Points

• This Champagne day trip from Reims explores the renowned Veuve Clicquot estate, local Champagne houses, and the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards.
• The tour includes a guided visit and tasting at the Veuve Clicquot estate, showcasing the brand’s history and traditional Champagne production methods.
• Visitors will drive through the Montagne de Reims vineyards, visiting charming Grand Cru villages, and enjoy a tasting at a family-owned Champagne house.
• The itinerary features a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral, providing insights into the site’s rich history and architectural significance.
• The tour includes a delicious regional cuisine lunch, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Champagne lifestyle and culture.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour allows visitors to explore the renowned Champagne region around Reims, the capital of Champagne. It’s a small-group experience with up to 8 participants, providing a personalized experience.

The tour includes a visit to the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate for a guided tour and tasting. Travelers will also visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Reims, a stunning 13th-century Gothic wonder.

Plus, the tour takes guests through the Montagne de Reims vineyards, including the Grand Cru villages of Verzy, Verzenay, and Bouzy, where they’ll enjoy a Champagne tasting at a family-owned estate. A delicious local lunch is also included, making this an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the Champagne region.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the Reims central train station, where participants board an air-conditioned minivan.

The first stop is the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a stunning 13th-century Gothic wonder.

Next, the group tours the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate, where they’ll enjoy a guided visit and taste four glasses of the iconic bubbly.

Afterward, they’ll drive through the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards, including the Grand Cru villages of Verzy, Verzenay, and Bouzy.

Lunch at a local restaurant follows, before the final stop at a family-owned Champagne house for another tasting.

Throughout the day, the local English-speaking driver-guide provides insights and commentary.

Visiting the Cathedral

Visitors begin their exploration of the Reims tour at the impressive Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic architectural marvel.

They’ll be in awe as they gaze upon:

• The cathedral’s towering stone spires and intricate façade, adorned with hundreds of statues and ornate carvings
• The stunning interior, featuring vibrant stained-glass windows, grand columns, and an ornate altar

The site where French kings were once crowned, adding to the cathedral’s historical significance.

The guide provides fascinating insights into the cathedral’s rich history and architectural details, transporting visitors back in time and setting the stage for the rest of the Champagne adventure.

Exploring Veuve Clicquot

After exploring the majestic Cathedral, the tour continues to the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate, where visitors embark on a guided tour and tasting.

They’ll discover the history and heritage of this iconic brand, learning about the traditional methods used to create their world-famous bubbly. The tour takes them through the estate’s cellars, where millions of bottles mature in perfect conditions.

The highlight is the tasting, where guests savor four glasses of Veuve Clicquot’s finest Champagnes, from the bold Yellow Label to the prestigious vintage cuvées. This hands-on experience provides a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and expertise behind each bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

Montagne De Reims Vineyards

From the iconic Veuve Clicquot estate, the tour winds its way through the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards, showcasing the heart of the Champagne region.

The drive takes visitors through the charming Grand Cru villages of:

• Verzy, known for its unique microclimate and limestone-rich soils that produce exceptional Pinot Noir grapes
• Verzenay, home to historic windmills and some of the region’s top Champagne producers
• Bouzy, a renowned village for its full-bodied, powerful Pinot Noir-based Champagnes

Along the way, the guide shares insights into the region’s rich winemaking heritage and the intricate process of Champagne production, setting the stage for the next tasting at a family-owned estate.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Midway through the tour, guests enjoy a delicious lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, savoring regional specialties and Champagne pairings in a charming setting.

The menu showcases the best of Champagne cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Guests might start with a classic French onion soup or a salad of mixed greens and local cheeses, followed by a main course of coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon, both perfectly complemented by a glass of the region’s renowned bubbly.

For dessert, a decadent tart aux pommes or crème brûlée provides a sweet finish to the meal. This convivial lunch break allows guests to recharge and immerse themselves further in the Champagne lifestyle.

Family-Owned Champagne House

The tour then takes guests to a family-owned Champagne house, where they’ve the opportunity to enjoy another tasting and learn about the intimate, artisanal production methods that have been passed down for generations.

The small, family-run estate offers a unique, personalized experience, allowing visitors to explore the rich heritage and traditions of Champagne making.

Guests can expect:

• An introduction to the family’s centuries-old winemaking legacy and their commitment to quality
• A guided tasting of the estate’s signature Champagne blends, showcasing the nuances and complexity of each cuvée
• Insights into the meticulous, handcrafted processes that ensure the excellence of the family’s Champagne

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the services of a local English-speaking driver-guide, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and entrance fees for the tours and tastings at Veuve Clicquot and a family-owned Champagne house.

However, it excludes personal expenses, gratuities, and other drinks not specified.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included, but pick-up and drop-off in Paris aren’t available.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.

Guests should advise any specific dietary requirements when booking.

The cancellation policy offers a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant as well as tastings at the champagne estates, so outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Champagne Tasting?

There is no strict dress code for the Champagne tasting. However, it’s recommended to wear smart casual attire, as the tastings take place in formal settings. Ensuring comfort and respect for the occasion is advisable.

Do I Need to Know French to Understand the Tour Guide?

No, you don’t need to know French to understand the tour guide. The tour includes an English-speaking driver-guide, so the tour commentary and explanations will be provided in English throughout the day.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour allows children, but it may not be suitable for young children as the focus is on visiting Champagne estates and tastings. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any age restrictions or child-friendly accommodations.

Can I Purchase Champagne Bottles During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase Champagne bottles during the tour. The tour includes visits to Champagne estates where you’ll have the opportunity to buy bottles of the Champagne you taste. Just be sure to check any luggage restrictions.

Recap

This Champagne day trip from Reims offers an immersive exploration of the renowned region, highlighting the iconic Veuve Clicquot estate, the magnificent Reims Cathedral, and the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards.

Visitors will enjoy a delightful regional lunch and gain insights into the artisanal production methods and rich heritage of Champagne at a family-owned house, making it a comprehensive and engaging experience.