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

Planning a trip to the Champagne region? If you’re like us, you’d want an experience that offers authentic tastings, insider knowledge, and a taste of the local charm without the crowds or the hefty price tag. This private full-day tour from Reims, offered by Sparkling Tour, promises exactly that—visiting three family-run champagne houses, exploring iconic sights, and enjoying a superb French lunch.

What we love about this experience is the intimacy and personalized attention it offers. It’s clear the guides are passionate and knowledgeable, making the day both educational and fun. Plus, the chance to visit small, independent producers—rather than the big-name houses—is a real bonus if you’re after authentic, less commercialized champagne tasting.

A potential consideration is the price point: at around $452.82 per person, it’s not the cheapest outing, but when you weigh the comprehensive nature of the day—including tastings, lunch, transfers, and exclusive visits—it can be a solid value for serious champagne fans. This tour is best suited for those who want a deeper, more personalized look at champagne outside the usual tourist spots and don’t mind a full day on the road.

If you’re after a tailored, intimate experience with experts, this tour might just be the perfect fit. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to understand champagne better in a relaxed setting, it seems to hit the right notes.

Key Points

• Small-group, private experience with personalized attention and exclusive visits
• Visits to three family-owned wineries outside of the big-brand houses, offering authentic tastings
• Educational guides who are passionate about champagne and share insightful details
• Delicious three-course lunch with Champagne, in a charming French restaurant
• Convenient pickup and drop-off in Reims or Épernay, eliminating transportation worries
• Includes 10 champagne tastings throughout the day, giving plenty of opportunity to sample different styles

What to Expect From This Champagne Day Trip

If you’re a lover of bubbles, this tour is designed to indulge your palate while providing a taste of the local culture and history. From the moment you’re picked up in a comfortable Mercedes minivan, the day feels tailored and hassle-free. The small group size (maximum 8 people) ensures you get personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers

Your day begins with a stroll through the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, a charming village where Dom Pérignon is laid to rest. Expect to walk through the church where Dom Pérignon was involved in the early days of champagne-making, and learn how this legendary monk contributed to the process. The admission is included, and the visit is around 15 minutes—just enough to soak in the atmosphere and get a quick dose of history.

Based on reviews, visitors particularly enjoyed the guided explanations on Dom Pérignon’s role, with one noting that the guide made the history engaging and accessible.

Stop 2: Why Not – A French Bistro in Épernay

Next, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch at Why Not, a cozy restaurant serving a three-course meal featuring starter, main, and dessert. The meal includes a glass of Champagne, coffee, and water, making it a true culinary highlight of the day. Lunch lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you time to relax and savor both the food and the wine.

Travelers consistently praise the quality of this meal, with some calling it the best they had in France. It’s a chance to sit down, chat with fellow travelers, and discuss the morning’s sights.

Drive Through the Avenue de Champagne

After lunch, expect a scenic drive along the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. This famous street is lined with grand champagne houses and lush vineyards, offering a chance to appreciate the grandeur of the region. While the tour does not include visits to the major houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, the drive itself is a lovely way to see the scale and elegance of the Champagne landscape.

Stop 3: Vineyards and a Family-Owned Winery Visit

The core of this tour is the visits to three small, family-run wineries, each with their own unique approach and offerings. The visits include a quick cellar tour, followed by tastings of three different Champagnes at each location—totaling 9 tastings over the day.

According to reviews, the guides do a great job explaining the manufacturing process and distinguishing the different styles of champagne, including some unusual offerings like oak barrel-made bubbly.

One guest mentions that they appreciated the small, intimate visits, which allowed for a relaxed conversation with the winemakers and more detailed tastings. The guides’ passion and knowledge are frequently praised, with one reviewer highlighting that their guide was “fabulous” and very helpful.

Final Stop: Optional Additional Tastings or Scenic Overlooks

The itinerary may include a scenic drive down Rue de Champagne or a brief stop to admire vineyard views—something that makes the experience well-rounded and visually appealing.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $452.82 per person, this tour offers an impressive package: pickup and drop-off in Reims or Épernay, admission and tastings at three small wineries, lunch with Champagne, and transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan.

The 10 Champagne tastings throughout the day are particularly attractive for enthusiasts eager to explore different styles and flavors. The tour is exclusive, with a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring you get personal attention and meaningful interactions.

However, note that famous Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot are not included—if you’re hoping to visit those, you’ll need a different tour or additional arrangements. Also, the tour only covers visits in Reims and Épernay; if you’re staying in Paris, you’d need to arrange transportation separately, as hotel pickup in Paris isn’t included.

Why This Tour Works Well

Several reviewers have called this experience “amazing” and praised the knowledgeable guides. The fact that it’s a private tour means you won’t be rushed or squeezed into a large group, allowing for more personalized insights and questions.

The small wineries visited are perfect if you’re interested in the craft of champagne-making and want to see how family-run operations differ from the large brands. Visitors frequently mention how welcoming the owners are, and how the tastings are generous and varied.

The lunch experience is also a highlight, with many saying it’s one of the best meals in France, complemented by a glass of Champagne that adds to the enjoyment.

The Value and the Price

While the cost might seem high, it’s important to consider what’s included: private transportation, multiple exclusive visits, a full day of tastings, and a curated lunch. For serious champagne lovers or those seeking an intimate, educational experience, this tour delivers solid value. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer more famous houses and less personalized attention, other options might be more suitable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is particularly suited for travelers who value expert-guided, small-group excursions and enjoy tasting wine in a relaxed, authentic setting. It’s ideal for those who want to see beyond the big brands and learn about the craftsmanship of small producers.

Families with older children or wine enthusiasts will appreciate the depth and quality of the experience. If you’re a connoisseur seeking oak-aged champagnes or unique styles, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

If your main goal is to visit the most famous Champagne houses or prefer a quick overview, you might want to explore other options, but for a personal, immersive day, this tour seems like a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is designed for adults interested in champagne, older children with an interest in wine and good behavior might enjoy the experience. However, the itinerary is focused on adult tastings and history, so check with the provider if you’re traveling with kids.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 people, making it intimate and ideal for those wanting personalized attention without the crowds.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transportation is included in a private Mercedes minivan with A/C, starting from Reims or Épernay, which keeps things comfortable and easy.

Can I customize the wineries I visit?
The tour covers visits to three small family-run wineries outside Reims. If you want to visit specific big brands, you’ll need a different tour. Contact the operator for more tailored options.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing and shoes suitable for walking are recommended, especially since the stops involve some walking through villages and vineyards.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a three-course lunch at a French restaurant with a glass of Champagne, coffee, and water is included, making it a full-day experience.

Wrapping It Up

This private Champagne tour from Reims offers a personalized, educational, and delicious look at the region’s small producers. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re eager to learn about champagne making from passionate artisans, sample a variety of styles, and enjoy a relaxed day in the countryside. The small group and guided approach make it more than just a tasting—it’s an insider’s peek into the heart of Champagne craftsmanship.

While it’s a higher price point, the inclusions—tastings, lunch, private transport, and expert guides—offer real value for those serious about their bubbly. If you’re after an authentic experience away from tourist crowds, this tour is likely to leave you with plenty of memorable moments and, of course, some fantastic bottles to take home.

Enjoy your trip, and remember, the best champagne is the one shared with friends—so pick your tour wisely!