Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour 3 Small Champagne Growers

Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour 3 Small Champagne Growers: A Deep Dive into the Art of Champagne

Planning a trip to France’s Champagne region? We’ve got your answer: the Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour with three small producers. This experience promises intimate visits, tastings of unique champagnes, and a glimpse behind the scenes of boutique Champagne houses—all packed into an approximately 8-hour day. With a 5-star rating from over 220 reviews, it’s evident that this tour hits the right notes for many travelers seeking authenticity, expert insight, and excellent value.

Three things we love about this tour? First, it’s small group size—max 8 people—ensuring personal attention and a cozy atmosphere. Second, the variety of tastings at family-run wineries offers a refreshing alternative to the big-name houses. Third, the knowledgeable guides make the experience lively and informative. The only caveat? The long drives between locations might be tiring for some, although the scenic countryside and the value of seeing multiple producers outweigh this. This tour is best suited for those who want to truly understand the craft of Champagne and enjoy a relaxed, engaging day without the crowds.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small group of up to 8 ensures personalized attention.
• Authentic Visits: Tours focus on family-run, boutique Champagne producers.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Matisse and Christophe are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Tasting Variety: Expect to sample 9 different champagnes throughout the day.
• Complete Package: Includes a three-course lunch, tastings, and entrance fees.
• Ideal for Enthusiasts: Perfect for wine lovers or those eager to learn about Champagne beyond the big brands.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

First Stop: Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers

Your day kicks off with a visit to this historic site, where the revered Dom Pérignon is buried. The tour includes a walk through the church, with explanations of his Crucial role in Champagne’s history. Reviewers like Simone W. mention how this stop offers a “detailed and historical tour”, giving visitors a sense of the region’s deep-rooted Champagne traditions. The entrance is covered in the tour price, which means you won’t need to dig into your wallet for additional tickets.

This stop isn’t just about history—it’s also about setting the scene for the day, appreciating the spiritual and cultural significance of Champagne making. Expect about 15 minutes here, enough to snap photos and soak in the atmosphere.

Second Stop: Why Not Restaurant in Épernay

Next, you’ll head to a charming French restaurant, where a three-course lunch paired with a glass of Champagne awaits. The reviews highlight how much participants appreciate this mix of good food and wine, with Doree A. calling it an “exceptional day, with Christophe providing extensive knowledge about the history and process of Champagne.”

You’ll likely enjoy a starter, main, and dessert, with the choice of dishes complementing the sparkling wines tasted earlier. The relaxed pace during lunch allows for conversations, questions, and soaking in the flavors of the region. The inclusion of coffee and water helps refresh your palate for the afternoon tastings.

Final Stop: Avenue de Champagne in Épernay

After some delightful food, the group drives along this famous avenue, renowned for its grand Champagne houses and historical buildings. Although the tour doesn’t include visits to the large, commercial Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, it offers a more authentic look at the smaller producers behind the scenes.

Reviewers like Heather B. mention that while the drives can be long, the scenery and the chance to see different producers make it worthwhile. Expect about 1.5 hours here, which is ample time to appreciate the architecture, take photos, and maybe even pick up a bottle or two from the boutique wineries.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Small Group & Personal Attention

One of the most mentioned benefits in reviews is the tour’s small size. With just a handful of participants, guides like Matisse and Christophe can tailor the experience, answer questions, and ensure everyone feels involved. Guests have praised guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make technical info accessible—particularly helpful if you’re new to Champagne.

Visiting Family-Run Wineries

Instead of the typical big brands, you’ll visit three small, family-owned wineries, which offer a more genuine taste of Champagne craftsmanship. Reviewers like Janelle W. appreciated visiting the countryside and seeing how smaller producers operate. This approach allows for a more personal, less commercial experience and often leads to tastings of unique, less mass-produced champagnes at reasonable prices.

Tasting Experience

With nine champagnes sampled during the day, this tour caters to those eager to explore different styles and flavors. Guests often note the variety and quality of the tastings, which include multiple producers and different types of Champagne. Many reviewers mention that the tastings are generous and diverse, often more than enough to satisfy any connoisseur or casual drinker alike.

Lunch and Convenience

The included three-course lunch is a highlight, offering a break to relax, chat, and enjoy regional cuisine. Having the meal paired with a glass of Champagne adds to the luxury feel without overdoing it on the price. Water and coffee are also included, ensuring you stay refreshed for the afternoon.

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a modern Mercedes minivan with air conditioning, the group stays comfortable during drives. The pickups happen at a central Reims location, making logistics straightforward. While the drives between stops are around 20 minutes, reviewers note that this is necessary to access the dispersed wineries and that the scenery makes the journey pleasant.

What Could Be Better?

A point raised by some travelers is the lengthy time spent in transit between wineries—around 20 minutes each way—which might feel a bit long for those eager to taste more. However, this is necessary to see a variety of producers and the countryside landscape. The guide’s commentary during the drives often includes interesting tidbits about the region, making the time worthwhile.

Another consideration is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to and from the meeting point in Reims. The tour is geared toward adults, with no children or babies allowed, ensuring a relaxed, wine-focused atmosphere.

What’s the Value Like?

At around $284 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions: visits to three wineries, nine tastings, a three-course meal, entrance fees, and transportation. Compared to the cost of tasting at larger Champagne houses or private tastings, this is quite reasonable, especially given the personalized experience and small group setting.

Many reviews emphasize how much they learned and enjoyed for the price—highlighting the knowledgeable guides, the variety of champagnes, and the intimate visits. For anyone eager to go beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, this experience delivers authentic insights alongside delicious wines.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast or curious traveler wanting to understand Champagne’s craft, this tour is a perfect pick. It’s suited for those who appreciate small, boutique wineries, and prefer a personal, relaxed atmosphere over large, commercial tours. The focus on history, craftsmanship, and authentic taste makes it ideal for travelers wanting to learn while sampling some of the best regional champagnes.

Couples, small groups, or solo travelers will find this tour engaging and friendly, thanks to the guides’ expertise and the intimate setting. But note, it’s not suitable for children or those with limited mobility, as visits involve walking and some vehicle travel.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on tasting champagne, the experience is designed for adults interested in wine culture. Non-drinkers might find the tastings less appealing, but the guide’s explanations and sightseeing are still enjoyable.

Are hotel pickups included?
No, this tour starts at a designated meeting point in Reims, specifically Cour de la Gare.

How many people participate in each tour?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a cozy and personalized experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts around 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to the meeting point afterward.

Does the tour include visits to large Champagne houses?
No, this tour focuses on smaller producers outside of the big brands like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the group travels in air-conditioned Mercedes minivans, making the drives pleasant even if they are somewhat lengthy.

Can children join this tour?
No, only adults are allowed to participate.

Final thoughts

This small-group Champagne tour from Reims offers a well-balanced mix of history, authentic wine experiences, and regional scenery. It’s perfect for those who want an immersive, personal look into boutique Champagne production without the crowds or commercial flair of larger houses. The knowledgeable guides, combined with generous tastings and a delicious lunch, create a memorable day that’s both educational and relaxing.

If you’re a lover of bubbly, eager to discover the stories behind your favorite drink, or simply want to enjoy a beautifully curated day in the French countryside, this tour is a stellar choice. The intimate setting and high-quality experiences make it stand out as a best-value option for exploring Champagne beyond the tourist hotspots.

This tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to taste your way through the Champagne region—perfect for curious minds and connoisseurs alike.