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

If you’re considering a trip to France’s famed Champagne region, chances are you want more than just a quick tasting. This small-group day tour from Reims promises an in-depth look at the world of Champagne, combining visits to historic towns, iconic estates, and charming family-run vineyards. We’ve seen the reviews, and the buzz is clear: travelers love the personal touch, expert guides, and the chance to taste a variety of bubbly in authentic settings.

What really catches the eye is how many reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to experience small, family-run estates — a welcome change from the big commercial champagne houses. Plus, the scenic drives through the Marne Valley and the chance to explore Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon’s resting place is, add a special sense of place to the day. The only caveat? The tour is quite packed into 8 hours, so if you’re looking for a leisurely day with lots of free time, this might feel a bit rushed.

This trip seems perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of Champagne without the hassle of organizing transport and tastings on your own. It’s especially good if you want a guided experience that balances sightseeing, education, and sampling.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups limited to 8 people mean more attention from guides and a more intimate day.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about the region and champagne production.
• Authentic Tastings: Tasting at two family estates, each offering 3 glasses of Champagne, providing a variety of flavors and styles.
• Rich Itinerary: Visits to Reims, Hautvillers, and Épernay with sightseeing, history, and plenty of photo ops.
• Delicious Lunch: A main course and dessert, paired with a glass of Champagne, at a local restaurant.
• Value for Money: For $281, you get a full day of sightseeing, tastings, lunch, and transportation — a convenient way to experience the region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Champagne Region: What to Expect

This tour offers a carefully curated journey through the heart of the Champagne country, with a mix of history, scenery, and, of course, sparkling wine. It’s designed for those who want a well-rounded experience, without the stress of planning multiple visits.

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the Reims train station, where you’ll meet your guide in front of the Tourist Office. The vehicle is a comfortable van, fit for small groups, which makes it easy to chat with your guide and fellow travelers. The tour starts promptly at 9:20 AM (or 9:30 AM if you’re already in Reims), so punctuality is key.

Reims: A Brief Glimpse of the City

Your first stop is a quick sightseeing tour of Reims itself. Many reviews highlight how this segment sets a nice tone, offering a snapshot of the city’s grand architecture and historic sites. If you’ve just arrived in town, it’s a good way to get oriented. Expect about 20 minutes here, enough for some quick photos and a sense of the city’s elegance.

Hautvillers & Dom Pérignon’s Abbey

Next, you’ll head to the village of Hautvillers, famous for its ties to Dom Pérignon, the monk often credited with pioneering Champagne production. The visit is brief — around 30 minutes — but real travelers appreciate the chance to walk through this picturesque village and see the abbey where Dom Pérignon is buried.

Multiple reviews mention how the guide’s storytelling turns this simple stop into a meaningful glimpse into Champagne’s origins. One reviewer noted, “Radamus, our guide, was very enthusiastic and passionate about Champagne, and we learnt everything we could want to know,” which really captures the learning experience here.

More Great Tours Nearby

Avenue de Champagne in Épernay

Following Hautvillers, you’ll drive to Épernay, known as the “Capital of Champagne.” Here, your visit lasts about 10 minutes, mainly for photos and a quick walk down the Avenue de Champagne, lined with luxurious mansions of famous Champagne brands like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. The underground tunnels, stretching over 100 kilometers beneath the street, are a highlight in many reviews, and you’ll get a glimpse of these during your guided visit.

Champagne Tastings at Two Family Domains

The core of the tour is visiting two authentic family-run Champagne estates. Each estate offers a guided tour and tasting, with a total of 6 glasses of Champagne. This part is what most guests rave about: the chance to sample multiple styles, from crisp Brut to possibly more complex varieties, often with a personal touch that larger houses can’t match.

Many reviews mention how the guides explain the differences in production methods and flavor profiles, making it more than just a tasting — it’s a learning experience. One reviewer said, “The tastings were wonderful, and the guides were very friendly and helpful,” echoing the positive sentiment.

Lunch Break

A highlight for many is the lunch at a local restaurant, included in the package. It’s a hearty, traditional French meal, featuring a main course and dessert, paired with a glass of Champagne. Reviewers tell us the food is good, and the convivial atmosphere adds to the overall enjoyment. One comment noted, “Lunch was excellent,” which suggests the restaurant is a good pick for this kind of tour.

Second Estate & Final Tastings

After lunch, you’ll visit a second family estate for another guided tour and tasting session. The reviews consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and how they manage the schedule, ensuring everyone gets enough time to enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed.

Scenic Drive & Return

The day wraps up with a scenic drive back to Reims, passing through the rolling vineyards of the Marne Valley. Many reviewers mention how beautiful the views are — perfect for those Instagram shots or just a moment to soak in the landscape.

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

Reading through hundreds of reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a big part of what makes this tour stand out. They’re described as “friendly,” “knowledgeable,” and “passionate,” which helps bring the region’s history and winemaking to life. One reviewer even called their guide “fantastic” and “extremely helpful,” emphasizing the personal attention you’ll receive.

The small group size (limited to eight participants) seems to enhance the experience, fostering a friendly, conversational atmosphere. Many customers note how this setup allows for more tailored explanations and questions than larger tours.

The tastings are another highlight. Not only do you get to taste 6 glasses across two estates, but the tasting experiences are often described as “authentic,” “warm,” and “informative.” Several reviews mention the contrast between the estates — smaller, family-run wineries versus the bigger brands — giving a broader perspective on Champagne production.

Value and Price

At $281 per person, considering the full day’s activities, the tastings, lunch, and transportation, this is a solid deal. Many reviews compare it favorably to doing the same things on your own; the hassle-free logistics and expert guidance add significant value.

However, keep in mind that train tickets from Paris are not included, so if you’re coming from afar, you’ll need to factor that into your planning. The tour also doesn’t include visits to very large Champagne houses like Taittinger or Moët in a detailed way — instead, it focuses on the charm and authenticity of smaller estates, which many find more meaningful.

Potential Drawbacks

Some travelers mention feeling a bit rushed, especially during the lunch or visits, since the whole day is packed into 8 hours. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or more free time, this might not be ideal. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which is worth noting if you have mobility concerns.

Another consideration is the timing during peak seasons. The tour runs Monday through Saturday, with some special arrangements on Sundays from March to June and September to October. In July and August, no trains run on Sunday mornings, so arriving in Reims a day early might be necessary.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is a fantastic choice for wine enthusiasts wanting an immersive, guided look at Champagne production without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate history, scenic drives, and small, family-run wineries. If you’re after a leisurely, unstructured day, you might find the schedule a bit tight, but if you’re eager to pack in as much as possible, this tour hits all the right notes.

It’s also perfect for visitors who want a friendly, engaging guide to show them around, making the day both educational and fun. While not designed for wheelchair users, families or travelers with mobility concerns might want to plan accordingly.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular and limited to 8 people, so booking ahead guarantees your spot.

Is the price per person?
Yes, it’s $281 per person, which includes tastings, lunch, and transportation.

What’s included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off at Reims train station, transportation, expert guide, visits to Hautvillers and Épernay, tastings at two estates, and a traditional French lunch.

Are train tickets from Paris included?
No, travelers need to arrange and pay for their own train tickets from Paris to Reims.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify, but generally, wine tastings are not recommended for children. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the tour?
It’s an 8-hour experience, starting around 9:20 AM and returning by late afternoon.

What if I arrive late or miss the pickup?
The meeting point is at the Tourist Office in front of Reims Station. You need to arrive on time; late arrivals might not be accommodated.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I get to see the underground tunnels?
Yes, as part of the visit to the Avenue de Champagne and the estate tours.

Is this tour available on Sundays?
Yes, with some special arrangements from March to June and September to October. In July and August, no Sunday morning trains are available, so plan accordingly.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic peek into Champagne country, combining history, scenic drives, and plenty of bubbly. It’s a reliable choice if you want a guided experience that balances education, sightseeing, and tasting in a friendly, intimate setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: