Reims/Epernay: Champagne Day Tour With Tastings

Discover the captivating essence of Champagne through an immersive day tour that promises to delight the senses. Venture into the renowned Epernay and Marne regions, where you’ll indulge in guided tastings at renowned Champagne houses and local wineries. Savor a delightful lunch paired with various Champagnes, and uncover the rich heritage of the Hautvillers Abbey, the final resting place of the legendary Dom Pérignon. With a small group size and multilingual offerings, this tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the heart of Champagne’s viniculture. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the effervescent delights of this iconic French region.

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

Key Points

• This 8.5-hour Champagne tour offers visits to renowned Champagne houses, local wineries, tastings, and a traditional French lunch in Epernay and Marne.
• The tour includes guided tasting experiences, vineyard walks, cellar visits, and learning about the manual labor of 15,000 vine growers in the region.
• Participants can explore the Champagne-making process, appreciate the terroir and winemaking traditions, and discover the rich heritage associated with Dom Pérignon.
• The tour is limited to 8 participants per group, available in English and French, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is recommended for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families seeking a comprehensive cultural experience in the Champagne region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The tour is priced from $318.39 per person and lasts 8.5 hours. It includes visits to a renowned Champagne house, a local winery, tastings, and lunch.

The tour is offered in English and French, with a group size limited to 8 participants. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.

The itinerary highlights key stops in Epernay and the Marne region, with activities like vineyard walks, underground cellar visits, and a traditional French meal.

Travelers can expect to discover the Champagne region, learn about winemaking, and enjoy guided tastings to explore Champagne flavors.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off at the Office de Tourisme d’Epernay en Champagne, the tour whisks visitors on an immersive exploration of the region.

Highlights include a 1.5-hour tasting at a renowned Champagne house in Epernay, followed by a lunch and Champagne tasting for another 1.5 hours.

After sightseeing for 30 minutes, the group will visit the historic Hautvillers Abbey for 45 minutes.

The finale is a 1.5-hour Champagne tasting in Marne, where guests can discover the manual labor of the region’s 15,000 vine growers through vineyard walks and underground cellar visits.

Throughout the day, travelers will learn about the wine-making process and unique characteristics of Champagne.

Experience and Learning

This tour promises a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to discover the Champagne region with a focus on Epernay. Guests will learn about the wine-making process and unique characteristics of Champagne through guided tastings and visits to renowned champagne houses and local wineries. They’ll also have the chance to understand the manual labor involved by the 15,000 vine growers in the region. The tour’s balanced itinerary includes engaging activities such as vineyard walks, underground cellar visits, and a traditional French meal, delivering a memorable cultural experience.

Key Experiences	Key Learnings	Good To Know
Champagne tastings	Wine-making process	Appreciation for craftsmanship
Vineyard walks	Unique Champagne characteristics	Understanding the regional culture
Underground cellar visits	Manual labor of vine growers	Memorable culinary experience

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly rated this Champagne day tour as exceptional, with an impressive 4.6 out of 5 score based on 17 reviews.

Highlights from travelers include the knowledgeable and friendly guide, Angelique, and the balanced itinerary with engaging activities. Participants praised the memorable lunch and beautiful views from the winery.

The only suggestion for improvement was for more vineyard demonstrations to further enhance the educational experience.

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Important Information

The meeting point for this tour is located outside the Epernay Office of Tourism, which can be identified by a black van with ABC Champagne Tour branding.

This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or electric wheelchairs. It’s recommended for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families seeking a unique cultural experience in the Champagne region.

Throughout the day, you will engage in a range of activities, including vineyard walks, underground cellar visits, and a traditional French meal.

With a focus on the Champagne-making process and the region’s distinct characteristics, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the world-renowned sparkling wine.

Champagne Tasting in Epernay

After being welcomed at the Epernay Office of Tourism, participants begin their Champagne tasting experience.

They’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring a renowned Champagne house, learning about the region’s rich winemaking history and unique terroir.

Guests will journey underground to the property’s cellars, admiring the rows of aging bottles.

The tasting itself features several Champagne varietals, allowing travelers to discern the subtle nuances between each.

This immersive experience provides an in-depth look into the production process, from grape to glass.

Participants leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of Champagne-making and the expertise of the local growers.

Lunch and Champagne Tasting

Next, participants enjoy a delightful 1.5-hour lunch and Champagne tasting.

They’ll savor a traditional French meal paired with various Champagne varieties. The knowledgeable guide leads the tasting, sharing insights into the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Guests have the opportunity to appreciate the subtle flavors and aromas that distinguish each Champagne.

The setting at the winery provides stunning views, complementing the exceptional dining experience. This part of the tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the Champagne lifestyle, pairing local cuisine with the world-renowned sparkling wine.

Hautvillers Abbey Visit

Guests then head to the historic Hautvillers Abbey, where the legendary Dom Pérignon, credited with perfecting the Champagne production method, is buried.

The visit to the abbey lasts 45 minutes. Here, travelers learn about the abbey’s storied history and Pérignon’s contributions to the Champagne industry.

Guests explore the serene grounds and marvel at the stunning 7th-century architecture.

The guide provides insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and Pérignon’s role in elevating Champagne to global renown.

This stop offers a chance to connect with the rich heritage of the Champagne area and pay respects to a true pioneer of the iconic French sparkling wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, including vineyard walks, visits to an abbey, and sightseeing. There are several stops with walking for about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at a time. Participants should be able to walk comfortably for extended periods.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized for individual preferences. Guests can request modifications to the itinerary, such as adding more winery visits or spending more time at specific locations, subject to availability and guide approval.

Are There Any Dietary Requirements Accommodations?

The tour offers dietary accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests. Travelers should notify the tour operator of their requirements when booking to ensure the lunch and tastings are tailored to their needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for mild weather are recommended. There are no formal dress requirements, as the focus is on experiencing the Champagne region’s unique sights and flavors.

Can We Take Photos During the Champagne Tastings?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the champagne tastings, though they should be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the experience. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines.

Sum Up

This Champagne day tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and renowned wineries. Visitors can expect guided tastings, a delightful lunch, and the opportunity to explore the historic Hautvillers Abbey. With a small group size and multilingual options, this tour provides a memorable exploration of Champagne’s exquisite flavors and traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: