Exploring the renowned Champagne region can be an immersive and exclusive experience. This small-group tour offers just that – an intimate journey into the heart of the appellation, visiting two family-run producers with prestigious Grand or Premier Cru designations. Participants will explore the rich heritage of Champagne, touring vineyards and production facilities, and savoring a total of six rare and limited-production Champagnes. The experience culminates with a visit to the birthplace of the iconic Dom Pérignon, providing a deeper understanding of the origins of this legendary sparkling wine. With a maximum of 8 guests, this tour promises a personalized and distinctive exploration of the Champagne terroir.
Key Points
- Caps tour participation at 8 guests for a personalized experience.
- Includes visits and tastings at two family-run Champagne producers with Grand or Premier Cru designations.
- Provides an opportunity to explore the Champagne region’s heritage, including the birthplace of Dom Pérignon.
- Utilizes comfortable Mercedes minivans for transportation, but is not wheelchair accessible.
- Offers a hassle-free, half-day tour exploring off-the-beaten-path Champagne producers.
Tour Overview
This small group Champagne tour caps participation at 8 guests, allowing visitors to venture into the Champagne region and explore off-the-beaten-path producers.
The half-day experience departs from Reims, France, with transportation provided by comfortable Mercedes minivans equipped with air conditioning.
Over the course of the tour, guests will visit two family-run Champagne producers, sampling a total of 6 Champagnes.
In the afternoon, the tour also includes a visit and tasting at Hautvillers, the village where the legendary Dom Pérignon is buried.
The tour package includes entrance fees for the winery visits and tastings, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
Champagne Region Exploration
The small group tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the Champagne region, venturing off the beaten path to explore family-run producers.
Participants will visit two Grand or Premier Cru Champagne houses, where they’ll have the opportunity to:
- Tour the vineyards and production facilities to gain a deeper understanding of the traditional Champagne-making process.
- Taste a total of 6 different Champagnes, including rare and limited-production offerings.
On the afternoon tour only, you will also discover the historical and cultural significance of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon.
This intimate, small-group experience provides a unique and authentic glimpse into the world of Champagne, far from the crowds of the famous Champagne houses.
Winery Visits and Tastings
Participants will visit two family-run Champagne producers holding Grand or Premier Cru designations during the tour. These boutique wineries, located off the beaten path, offer a chance to discover unique artisanal Champagnes. Guests will tour the cellars and vineyards, learning about the traditional methods used to craft these effervescent wines. The highlight of the day is a tasting of six different Champagnes, providing an opportunity to appreciate the nuances between the various cuvées. Whether it’s a bold Blanc de Noirs or a delicate Blanc de Blancs, each sip will delight the palate and demonstrate the skill of these passionate growers.
| Winery 1 | Winery 2 |
|---|---|
| Grand Cru | Premier Cru |
| Family-owned | Family-owned |
| Traditional methods | Traditional methods |
| 3 Champagnes tasted | 3 Champagnes tasted |
Hautvillers and Dom Pérignon
As the afternoon tour progresses, visitors have the opportunity to explore Hautvillers, the village where the legendary Dom Pérignon is laid to rest. This charming town is known as the ‘Cradle of Champagne’ and offers a glimpse into the origins of this renowned wine.
The tour includes:
- A visit to the Abbey of Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon spent much of his life perfecting the art of Champagne production.
- A chance to see the final resting place of this influential figure, whose name has become synonymous with the finest Champagnes.
The tour also includes an exploration of the village’s quaint streets and historic landmarks, providing a deeper understanding of the Champagne region’s rich heritage.
Transportation and Accessibility
For the small group Champagne tour, transportation is provided via comfortable Mercedes minivans equipped with air conditioning. These modern vehicles ensure a smooth and pleasant journey through the picturesque Champagne region.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests must be able to navigate some stairs and uneven terrain during the winery visits. Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the nature of the activities.
The experience is designed for adults only and isn’t suitable for children or babies. With a maximum group size of 8 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized exploration of the Champagne terroir.
Inclusions and Exclusions
In an article titled ‘Small Group – Half Day Champagne Tour – Visit of 2 Small Producers/Growers’, the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Inclusions and Exclusions’ is now discussed.
The tour includes:
- Entrance fees for visits and tastings at two family-run Champagne producers, typically Grand or Premier Cru vineyards.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services to facilitate a seamless experience.
The tour does not include:
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Visits to famous Champagne houses
Participant Requirements
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.
Plus, the experience isn’t compatible with children or babies, with a minimum age requirement of adults only.
This small group Champagne tour is designed for those who are looking for an intimate exploration of the region’s family-run producers. With a cap of 8 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience, allowing visitors to explore the world of Champagne without the crowds.
Guests should be prepared for a half-day adventure, including visits to two premier or grand cru producers and the opportunity to savor a total of 6 different Champagnes throughout the day.
Booking and Logistics
Participants meet at the Reims Train Station, right in front of the tourism office, for the tour’s convenient pick-up location.
The experience concludes at the same meeting point after a half-day exploration of Champagne’s family-run estates.
Booking confirmations arrive within 48 hours, subject to availability, and guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start time.
The tour’s logistics are straightforward:
- Pickup and drop-off at the Reims Train Station
- Transportation by comfortable Mercedes minivans with air conditioning
- Confirmation within 48 hours of booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
Whether it’s your first or hundredth visit to the Champagne region, this hassle-free tour promises a memorable experience exploring off-the-beaten-path producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual, comfortable dress code. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the tour involves walking through vineyards and winery facilities. No formal attire is required.
Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Tour?
The tour does not include any food or drinks, aside from the Champagne tastings at the two wineries visited. Participants are responsible for their own meals and beverages during the tour.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Beverages?
Participants cannot bring their own beverages on the tour. The tour includes tastings of 6 Champagnes at the 2 winery visits, but no other food or drinks are provided. Bringing outside beverages is not permitted.
Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Tour?
The tour has an age limit – it’s for adults only, with a minimum age requirement. Children and babies are not allowed to participate in the tour.
What Is the Tour’s Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Rescheduling is subject to availability and confirmation within 48 hours of the booking.
Recap
This small-group Champagne tour offers an intimate and exclusive exploration of the region’s rich heritage.
Participants will visit two family-run producers, tour vineyards and production facilities, and taste rare and limited-production Champagnes.
The experience includes a visit to the birthplace of Dom Pérignon, providing a deeper understanding of the origins of this iconic sparkling wine.
With a maximum of 8 guests, the tour promises a personalized journey through the heart of Champagne.
