Reims or Epernay: Full day Veuve Clicquot family grower & lunch

Experience the Best of Champagne: A Complete Review of the Reims or Epernay Full-Day Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the Champagne region of France and want more than just tasting glasses in hand, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated peek into the world of bubbly. It combines a visit to the iconic Veuve Clicquot cellars, a charming village with notable history, and a couple of smaller, family-run Champagne producers—all in one day. With a reputation backed by 184 glowing reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear many travelers find value in this experience.

What we really love about this offering is how it balances big-name prestige with intimate, authentic encounters—plus a hearty lunch that makes the day truly special. The only consideration? The group size is limited to eight, which is great for personalized attention but might not suit those seeking a very private experience or flexible pickup options in Paris.

Designated for lovers of wine, history, and scenic drives, this tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, small-group adventure without the hassle of planning each stop. If you’re eager to learn, taste, and see the Champagne region in style, read on for all the details.

Key Points

• Expert-guided visits provide deep insights into Champagne production and regional history.
• Multiple tastings include both large house and family producer, offering variety.
• The lunch is a highlight, pairing local dishes with Champagne for a full sensory experience.
• The small group size creates a friendly atmosphere and personalized service.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transport makes the day relaxing and easy.
• The tour’s value is very high, considering the number of tastings, meals, and exclusive visits included.

An All-in-One Champagne Experience

This small-group tour from Reims or Epernay is a great way to learn about the world of Champagne without the stress of navigating on your own. For about $391, you get a full day packed with visits, tastings, and cultural sights, all led by an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day—perfect if you’re based in Reims, Epernay, or even exploring other parts of France.

Transportation: Comfort and Convenience

Traveling in a modern, air-conditioned minivan with a maximum of eight travelers ensures intimacy and comfort. The small-group format means fewer distractions and more opportunity for questions or spontaneous conversation. The pickup point in Reims is noted as very convenient, making it easy to join the tour without extra fuss.

The Veuve Clicquot Experience

Your first stop is the legendary Veuve Clicquot cellars in Reims. Here, you’ll explore the underground tunnels where champagne is stored and aged. The visit includes a tasting of four different Champagnes, which many reviewers describe as the highlight of their day. As one traveler pointed out, seeing the live disgorgement process at Veuve was “the BEST,” indicating how engaging and authentic the experience can be.

Note: If Veuve Clicquot is unavailable, a similar prestigious house will be substituted, ensuring quality remains high. The guided tour offers a mix of history, craftsmanship, and tasting notes, making it a must for serious Champagne fans.

Exploring Hautvillers Village

Next, the tour takes a leisurely stroll through Hautvillers, a picture-perfect village famed for its vineyards and as the burial place of Dom Pérignon. Visitors often appreciate this stop for its charm and the chance to see the traditional landscape that nurtures Champagne grapes. It’s a free visit, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, or explore at your own pace.

Champagne Avenue & Epernay

A quick drive along the Champagne Avenue in Epernay offers a glimpse of the grand Champagne houses and their impressive estates. While this is a short stop, it sets the scene for the region’s grandeur and shows the scale at which some houses operate.

Visits to Smaller Producers & Lunch

The tour includes visits to a family-run Champagne winery, which adds an intimate touch often absent from larger tours. These smaller producers tend to emphasize craftsmanship and authenticity, and many reviews highlight how much they appreciate the chance to taste wines made with personal care.

Lunch is a key part of the experience—located in the countryside, the meal is described as hearty, traditional, and well-paired with Champagne. Many travelers mention how this meal elevates the day, turning a tasting into a full-blown culinary experience.

The Value of the Tour

Considering the included total of nine tastings, visits to both a major house and a family operation, a traditional lunch, and comfortable transport, many find the price of $391 offers excellent value. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, the quality of the tastings, and the overall organization, indicating that this experience delivers more than just a day of wine tasting—it’s a well-rounded immersion.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviewers, such as Deirdre and Jack, raved about their guides, praising Jérôme and Thomas for their engaging, passionate explanations. Multiple comments mention the variety of champagne houses visited and how this broad perspective deepened their understanding of the region’s diversity.

Travelers also highlight the personal touches, like the guides’ friendliness, and the chance to see the live disgorgement process, which many say added excitement and authenticity. The lunch, often described as “fabulous” or “delicious,” consistently receives praise as a well-timed, delicious break from tasting.

The small group size is another recurring theme—reviewers felt they received more personalized attention and had the chance to ask questions, making the experience more valuable.

The Practicalities

While the tour does not include pickup or drop-off in Paris, the meeting point in Reims is straightforward for most travelers staying nearby. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the only restrictions being children under four and animals not permitted onboard.

The tour confirms promptly, and any dietary requirements can be communicated at booking. With a maximum of eight travelers, expect a friendly, intimate atmosphere—ideal for those who prefer a more personal experience over large, bus-style tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about both the big names and small producers of Champagne. It’s also great for history buffs curious about the region’s cultural significance. The inclusion of a hearty lunch makes it suitable for those wanting a full-day outing that combines education, relaxation, and great food.

Travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and authentic local experiences will find this tour a solid choice. If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded, immersive Champagne experience, this tour hits the spot.

Final Thoughts

In terms of value and experience, this tour stands out. The combination of prestigious visits, local charm, and delicious lunch makes it a well-rounded choice for anyone serious about Champagne or simply wanting a memorable day in the region. The small group and expert guides help ensure you get a tailored, enjoyable experience—not just a generic tasting.

This tour works best for those who want to connect with the region’s history, taste a variety of Champagnes, and enjoy a relaxed but informative day. It’s an excellent way to dive into the world of bubbly, leaving you with new knowledge—and maybe a few bottles to bring home.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transport is by air-conditioned minivan, with a maximum of eight people, making for a comfortable and intimate journey.

Can I join this tour if I am staying in Paris?
No, pick-up and drop-off in Paris are not available; the tour departs from Reims, so plan to get there on your own or organize transportation.

How many tastings are included?
There are nine tastings in total—visiting Veuve Clicquot, a family-run winery, and additional tastings at other locations.

What is the meal like?
The lunch is traditional, hearty, and paired with Champagne, making it a key highlight that complements the tasting experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under four are not allowed, and animals are not permitted on the tour for safety and hygiene reasons.

What is the group size?
A maximum of eight travelers, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.

To sum it up, this full-day Champagne tour offers a balanced mix of grandeur and intimacy, educating and delighting all at a fair price. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile, history lover, or just seeking a memorable day in France’s most famous wine region, you’ll find this tour delivers a genuine, well-organized experience that’s worth every euro.