From Reims: Champagne Day Trip to Two Local Domains & Lunch

Exploring the renowned Champagne region is a must for any wine enthusiast. This day trip from Reims promises an immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through the heart of the Marne Valley. Guests will discover the intricate art of Champagne production, visiting two family-owned estates and indulging in tastings of the region’s finest bubbly. But the experience extends beyond just the vineyards, with a stroll along the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in Épernay and a lunch featuring local specialties. With an expert guide providing insightful commentary, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Champagne lifestyle – one that is sure to leave you craving more.

Key Points

• An 8-hour small group tour from Reims that explores the Champagne region, including visits to two family-owned Champagne estates for tastings.
• Tour includes a stop in the historic town of Reims, a stroll along the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, and a total of six glasses of Champagne.
• Included experiences are pick-up and drop-off at Reims train station, transportation by minibus, and a local lunch with a main course and dessert.
• Highlights include visiting Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon perfected sparkling wine, and insights from a knowledgeable guide on the region’s history and traditions.
• Tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the route including walking through vineyards, visiting family-owned estates with steps and uneven terrain, and exploring the hilly medieval town of Reims.

Tour Overview

This 8-hour small group tour from Reims takes visitors on an exploration of the renowned Champagne region.

Guests will visit two family-owned Champagne estates for tastings, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the local winemaking traditions.

The tour also includes a stop in the historic town of Reims, where they’ll see Hautvillers Abbey, the former home of Dom Pérignon.

In Épernay, the ‘Capital of Champagne Wine,’ you will stroll along the prestigious Avenue de Champagne and witness the grand Champagne houses.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy a total of six glasses of bubbly as they explore the rich history and production methods of this world-famous sparkling wine.

Included Experiences

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at Reims train station, transportation by minibus, and a knowledgeable guide to lead the exploration.

During the day, travelers will visit two family-owned Champagne estates, where they’ll enjoy tastings of the renowned sparkling wine. Lunch at a local restaurant is also provided, including a main course and dessert. In total, guests can expect to sample 6 glasses of Champagne throughout the experience.

The tour highlights the Marne Valley vineyards and the history of Dom Pérignon, as well as the prestigious Champagne houses in Épernay, the ‘Capital of Champagne Wine’.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Exploring the Marne Valley

On the Champagne Day Trip, travelers explore the picturesque Marne Valley, where the renowned sparkling wine owes its distinct character.

The region’s rolling vineyards, charming villages, and historic sites offer a glimpse into the heart of Champagne production.

The tour includes:

1. A visit to Hautvillers, the quaint village where Dom Pérignon, the legendary Benedictine monk, perfected the art of sparkling wine.

2. A stroll along the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, home to prestigious Champagne houses and their impressive cellars.

3. Tastings at two family-owned Champagne estates, allowing visitors to savor the nuances of this iconic beverage.

4. Insights from the knowledgeable guide, who shares the rich history and traditions that make Champagne so unique.

Visiting Épernay

After exploring the historic village of Hautvillers, the tour heads to Épernay, widely regarded as the ‘Capital of Champagne Wine‘.

This renowned town is home to the prestigious Champagne houses that line the famous Avenue de Champagne. Visitors will have the opportunity to gaze upon the grand, elegant cellars and learn about the intricate process of Champagne production.

The guide will share fascinating insights into the history and traditions that have made this region so renowned. Guests will also enjoy a stroll down the picturesque avenue, taking in the stunning architecture and soaking up the lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Champagne.

This stop promises to be a highlight of the day’s exploration.

Champagne Tastings

One of the highlights of the Champagne day trip is the opportunity to taste the region’s renowned sparkling wine at two family-owned Champagne estates. During the tour, visitors will enjoy a total of 6 glasses of Champagne, gaining insight into the unique terroir and production methods that give this iconic beverage its distinctive character.

The Champagne tastings include:

1. A visit to a small, boutique Champagne house, where guests can sample the estate’s signature cuvées and learn about the family’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.

2. A tasting at a larger, prestigious Champagne house, offering the chance to compare and contrast the region’s diverse styles and flavour profiles.

3. An exploration of the various grape varieties and blending techniques that contribute to the complexity of Champagne.

4. Expert commentary from the guide, providing context and enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

The Champagne day trip includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant, where participants can indulge in a two-course meal featuring regional specialties. The main course showcases the flavors of the Champagne region, while the dessert course provides a sweet finish to the experience. During the lunch, guests can savor the delicious food while enjoying the company of their fellow wine enthusiasts and reflecting on the morning’s Champagne tastings.

Course	Regional Dish
Main	Beef Bourguignon with Pommes Frites
Dessert	Tarte aux Pommes (Apple Tart)
Beverage	Glass of Local Champagne
Dietary	Vegetarian Option Available
Duration	1 Hour

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Champagne day trip and pay nothing today, thanks to the tour’s ‘reserve now, pay later’ policy.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants’ schedules.

1. Reserve your spot without paying upfront.
2. Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.
3. Secure your place and pay later to lock in the tour.
4. Modify your plans easily with the flexible cancellation policy.

Don’t miss out on this unique Champagne experience – book your spot today and pay when you’re ready.

Accessibility

While the Champagne day trip offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich history and production, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the tour’s logistics and activities.

The route includes walking through vineyards, visiting family-owned estates with steps and uneven terrain, and exploring the hilly medieval town of Reims. Plus, the transportation by minibus may pose challenges for wheelchair accessibility.

The tour operator notes this restriction upfront to ensure guests can make an informed decision and plan accordingly. Though the experience may not be fully accessible, the provider is happy to discuss alternative tour options or accommodate guests’ needs to the best of their ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Champagne Tastings?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the champagne tastings. However, they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tasting experience or using flash photography, which could interfere with the proper appreciation of the wines.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Champagne Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Champagne tour, though participants must be of legal drinking age to participate in the tastings. Children are welcome to join the tour but will not be served Champagne.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary for the Tour?

The tour generally follows a set itinerary, but the operator may be able to accommodate some customization requests. Guests should inquire about flexibility when booking the tour to see if any changes can be made to the planned stops or activities.

Can I Bring My Own Champagne Bottles to the Tour?

No, guests are generally not allowed to bring their own champagne bottles on the tour. The tour includes tastings at two family-owned champagne estates, so the focus is on experiencing the estates’ own champagne varieties.

What Is the Dress Code for the Champagne Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the Champagne tour. Visitors are recommended to wear casual and comfortable attire suitable for walking and touring the vineyards and Champagne estates. Smart casual wear is generally appropriate.

Recap

This Champagne day trip from Reims offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich wine heritage.

Visitors can look forward to touring two family-owned estates, learning about production techniques, and sampling a diverse array of bubbly.

The tour also includes a stop in historic Reims, a stroll along the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, and a lunch featuring regional specialties paired with local Champagne, providing an authentic taste of the Champagne lifestyle.