Private Full Day Tour – Visit of 3 Champagne Growers from Reims.

Thinking about a day trip through France’s sparkling heart? This private Champagne tour from Reims promises an intimate journey into the world of bubbly, with visits to three small, family-run wineries, tastings of 10 different Champagnes, and a delicious French lunch. We’ve gathered insights from past travelers and examined every detail to help you decide if this experience is worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach — small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and authentic winery visits provide a genuine glimpse into Champagne’s craft. The seamless transportation in a plush Mercedes minivan equals comfort, and the inclusion of meals and tastings makes it a full-package adventure. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a premium experience at around $452 per person, so for those on a tight budget, it’s worth considering if the value matches the price.

This tour is best suited for those who crave a tailored, in-depth exploration of Champagne beyond the big-name houses, and for travelers who appreciate small wineries and authentic stories. If you’re after a deep dive into Champagne’s production, paired with personalized service, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy ensures personalized attention and a more immersive experience.
• Visits to 3 family-owned wineries provide a behind-the-scenes look at boutique Champagne production.
• Expert guides bring regional knowledge, making the day both educational and fun.
• Tastings of 10 Champagnes allow you to compare styles, with options including oak barrel Champagne and more.
• Gourmet lunch in a French restaurant with Champagne included offers great value.
• All logistics taken care of, including hotel pickup and drops in Reims and Épernay, streamline the experience.

A Close Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Reims and the Charm of Hautvillers

Your day begins with pickup in Reims, heading in style via a full-option Mercedes Minivan. The first stop is the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, a small village with a big reputation. Past visitors mention walking through the church of Dom Pérignon and learning about his role in Champagne creation. For many, this stop is a highlight, offering a tangible connection to Champagne history in just 15 minutes of exploring. The admission is included, so you can focus on soaking in the atmosphere.

First Champagne Producer: An In-Depth Cellar Visit and Tasting

Next, you visit the first family-run winery, where your guide explains the manufacturing process and takes you underground to see the cellars. This is where the magic happens — the aging and fermentation in cool, dark cellars. The tasting includes three different Champagnes, giving you a sense of the range and styles from a small producer. Reviewers often highlight the knowledgeable guides, like Anne, who help decode tasting notes and explain the nuances of each wine.

Scenic Drive Through Champagne’s Heart

After the initial tasting, you’ll drive through the iconic Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, a stretch lined with historic and modern Champagne houses. While you won’t visit the large brands like Moët & Chandon, the drive offers stunning views and context about the region’s famed landscape.

Lunch in Épernay at Why Not

The tour includes a well-loved three-course lunch at a charming French bistronomic restaurant called Why Not. A significant plus: the meal is paired with a glass of Champagne, plus coffee and water, making it more than just sustenance — it’s a part of the experience. Guests comment that this was possibly the best meal they had in France, with some mentioning the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Second and Third Producer Visits: Intimate Cellar Tours and Tastings

Post-lunch, you visit two additional wineries, each with brief cellar visits and three Champagne tastings. The emphasis remains on boutique, family-owned producers, which ensures a more personal experience compared to the big houses. Reviewers frequently mention the diversity of tasting experiences, such as trying Champagne aged in oak barrels — something you might not find at larger, commercial brands.

Final Stop: Hautvillers and the Tomb of Dom Pérignon

Before wrapping up the day, you’ll visit the village of Hautvillers again, walking through the streets where Dom Pérignon’s legacy lives on. The visit is brief but meaningful — especially for wine enthusiasts. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s a chance to see the grave of the monk credited with refining Champagne’s early development.

Transportation and Logistics: Comfort and Convenience

The tour’s vehicle, a Mercedes Minivan with A/C, is a highlight for many — offering comfort for the roughly 8-hour journey. Pickup and drop-off are included in Reims and Épernay, removing the hassle of arranging transportation on your own. The small group size (up to 8 people) ensures a relaxed atmosphere, with ample time for questions and photos.

Most travelers book about 85 days in advance, which indicates a popular and well-organized experience. The tour operates in English only, making communication straightforward. If you’re staying in Paris, note that this tour does not include hotel pickup in Paris, only in Reims and Épernay.

Duration and Pacing

The day runs from 9:30 am to around 6 pm, allowing for a leisurely pace that includes plenty of tasting, sightseeing, and even a scenic drive. Reviewers mention that the stops are well-timed — not rushed but not overly long — giving space to enjoy each moment. The winery visits are often praised for their depth, and the lunch offers a nice break to relax and reflect.

Cost and Value Analysis

At $452.82 per person, the tour is on the higher end, but that price reflects the all-inclusive nature: private transportation, three winery visits with tastings, a three-course meal with Champagne, and the guidance of a knowledgeable local. Guests often feel that the value exceeds the cost, especially when considering the personalized experience and access to small wineries that are typically closed to the public or difficult to visit independently.

What’s Included?

• Private tour for up to 8 people
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reims/Epernay
• Entrance fees for three wineries
• Tasting of 10 Champagnes
• Lunch with Champagne and beverages
• Transport in a luxurious Mercedes van

What’s Not Included?

• Hotel pickup/drop-off in Paris
• Personal expenses outside the planned itinerary
• Visits to larger Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon (if you desire that, additional arrangements are needed)

Why Past Travelers Love This Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who explain the Champagne-making process clearly and engagingly, making the experience accessible even for newcomers. Many mention the small, family-run wineries as a rare chance to see authentic, traditional production methods up close, away from the tourist-heavy big brands.

The lunch at Why Not is frequently highlighted as an unexpectedly excellent meal, with some saying it was the best meal they had in France. The scenic drives, charming villages, and historic sites like Hautvillers add layers of context that deepen the appreciation for Champagne.

Several visitors appreciated the flexibility and personal attention that came with a private experience, especially compared to larger group tours. The overall feedback is that this tour offers a well-rounded, immersive day that balances education, tasting, scenery, and good food.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right For You?

If you’re passionate about Champagne and want to explore beyond the big-name brands, this private tour offers an authentic, intimate experience that truly captures the spirit of small producers. The attention to detail, from knowledgeable guides to carefully selected wineries, means you’ll leave with more than just a few bottles — you’ll gain a richer understanding of what makes Champagne special.

This experience is ideal for those who value personalized service and are eager to learn about the craft and history of Champagne in a relaxed setting. It suits connoisseurs, curious travelers, or anyone looking to celebrate with style and substance.

However, keep in mind the price point — it’s a premium experience, and if you’re on a tighter budget, there are more economical options, though they may not include the same level of intimacy or depth.

In short, this tour offers a comprehensive, engaging, and beautifully curated day that’s likely to be a memorable highlight of any champagne lover’s trip to France.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are very knowledgeable and explain the Champagne process in a way that’s accessible for newcomers, making it a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more.

Can I choose to visit larger Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon?
No, this tour focuses on small, family-run wineries outside of Reims, but you can contact the provider to inquire about additional visits if needed.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers private transportation, three winery visits and tastings, a comprehensive guide, lunch with Champagne, and hotel pickup/drop-off in Reims and Épernay.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or special dietary needs?
The lunch menu is pre-set, but you might want to ask the provider beforehand if vegetarian or other dietary options are available.

How long is the entire tour?
It runs approximately 8 hours, from 9:30 am to around 6 pm, providing a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.

What type of vehicle will I be traveling in?
A full-option Mercedes Minivan with air conditioning, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Can I book this tour if I am staying in Paris?
No, the pickup and drop-off are only included in Reims and Épernay. You would need to arrange your transport to these locations separately.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 85 days ahead, indicating good availability if booked early.

In the end, if you’re after an immersive, friendly, and detailed look into Champagne production done by passionate small producers, this tour from Reims might just be your perfect day in France.