The best way to experience Champagne is through organized tours that maximize your time and access. While large group tours are available, private tours offer the most memorable experience, with door-to-door service and intimate visits to both famous houses and family estates.
I’m especially fond of the small-group experiences at Vollereaux and Dom Caudron – they’re less touristy than big-name houses and give you real insight into the traditional champagne-making process. These producers often share family stories and welcome visitors into their cellars for meaningful tastings.
Most tours depart from Reims or Epernay, though Paris pickup is available (expect to pay more). For the money, custom private tours give you the most flexibility to visit your preferred wineries and spend time where you’re most interested.
Let’s look at our carefully selected tours that offer the best value and authentic champagne experiences.
Key Points
- Private Champagne Tours offer luxury transportation and visits to prestigious Champagne houses and vineyards, but have policies like no refunds and late arrival penalties.
- Epernay Guided Tours provide an informative one-hour experience at Vollereaux Champagne House, including a tasting of three Champagnes, with options for English or French tours.
- Custom Planned Tours offer personalized Champagne experiences with guided visits and tastings at premier wineries, with pickup options from Reims, Epernay, or Paris.
- Dom Caudron Prestige Experience includes a guided winery tour, eco-museum visit, and tasting of three premium Champagnes, with wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation.
- Canard-Duchêne House Tour offers an immersive one-hour experience into Champagne production secrets, with English and French guided tours and delightful tasting options.
Champagne Tour With Private Driver – Vintage Moet & Grand Cru Vineyards
This private Champagne tour with a professional expert guide offers a unique opportunity to explore the renowned Champagne region in the comfort of a luxury vehicle.
With pickups available throughout the area, you’ll visit prestigious Champagne houses and Grand Cru vineyards.
The tour includes transportation by sedan or minivan and presentations in English at the estates.
While meal and vineyard tasting fees aren’t included, travelers can expect to pay around 275€ per person.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes most participants who should wear comfortable shoes and bring a warm layer.
Policies include no refunds and penalties for late arrivals.
Read our full review: Champagne Tour With Private Driver – Vintage Moet & Grand Cru Vineyards Review
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Epernay: Guided Tour of Champagne Cellar With Tastings
As visitors arrive in the heart of Champagne’s historic Marne Valley, they can embark on a guided tour of the renowned Vollereaux Champagne House.
This one-hour experience offers an inside look at the house’s historic cellars and a chance to taste three different champagnes. Guests will learn about the champagne-making process and the house’s 200-year legacy under 6th-generation family management.
With a 4.8/5 rating from 400 reviews, the tour provides excellent value and informative, friendly guidance. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, as the cellar temperature is a cool 10°C.
The tour is available in English and French, with a convenient reserve-now-pay-later option.
Read our full review: Epernay: Guided Tour of Champagne Cellar With Tastings Review
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Champagne Enthusiast Custom Planned Tour – Ruinart
For those seeking a personalized Champagne experience, the Champagne Enthusiast Custom Planned Tour – Ruinart offers an exceptional opportunity.
This private tour in the heart of Champagne, France, includes luxury transportation, expert planning, and guided visits with tastings at premier wineries. Visitors can choose between a sedan or minivan, with pickup available between Reims and Epernay, or even from Paris for an additional fee.
The tour’s itinerary is customized, and reservations and schedules are handled by the provider. However, changes may occur due to local conditions.
Participants must be over 18 and prepay the visit and tasting fees, with no refunds for cancellations or late arrivals.
Read our full review: Champagne Enthusiast Custom Planned Tour – Ruinart Review
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Champagne Dom Caudron – Prestige Experience – English Tour
The Champagne Dom Caudron – Prestige Experience – English Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the heritage and craftsmanship of this renowned Champagne house.
During the 76-minute experience, guests will enjoy a guided visit to the winery, explore the eco-museum, and watch a film on winemaking.
The highlight is tasting three premium Champagnes from the Prestige range. Priced at $38.56 per person, the tour includes all tastings and entrance fees.
Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this a convenient and inclusive experience.
Reviews praise the hospitality and quality of the tour, making it a must-do for Champagne enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Champagne Dom Caudron – Prestige Experience – English Tour Review
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Champagne: Canard-Duchêne Champagne House Tour
Visitors can embark on the Canard-Duchêne Champagne House Tour, which offers an immersive experience into the secrets of champagne production.
Priced at $21.60 per person, the 1-hour tour grants access to the house’s wine cellars and vineyards. Guided by experts in English and French, guests can learn about the champagne-making process and admire the 19th-century architecture.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it promises a delightful tasting experience, with options ranging from Decouverte brut or demi-sec to the premium Charles VII cuvée.
With an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 60 reviews, this tour provides excellent value for money.
Read our full review: Champagne: Canard-Duchêne Champagne House Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Group Size for Private Tours?
The minimum group size for private tours is typically two people. Many tour providers offer exclusive, personalized experiences for small groups, allowing for a more intimate and customized exploration of the destination.
Can I Request Specific Champagne Houses to Visit?
Yes, you can typically request to visit specific Champagne houses on a private tour. Many tour operators are happy to customize the itinerary to meet your preferences and interests, though availability may vary.
Are Multilingual Tour Guides Available for Non-English Speakers?
Yes, many Champagne tour providers offer multilingual guides. Visitors can often request guides in languages like French, German, Spanish, and more to accommodate non-English speakers. The availability of these guides varies by tour company and location.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers can typically bring their own food and drinks on tours, though some tour operators may have restrictions or recommendations. It’s best to check with the specific tour provider beforehand to understand their policies.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for Tours?
The cancellation and refund policy varies by tour operator, but many offer flexible options. Customers should review the specific policy before booking to understand any fees or deadlines for changes or cancellations.
Recap
The Champagne region offers a variety of tour options, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether it’s a private driver-led excursion, a guided cellar tour, a customized experience, or a prestigious house visit, there’s a Champagne tour to suit every traveler’s needs. Visitors can enjoy the rich history and production process of this iconic French sparkling wine.