Reims or Epernay: Full day Veuve Clicquot family grower & lunch

If you’re planning a trip to France’s Champagne region, you might be considering a guided tour that combines the grandeur of big-name houses with the charm of small, family-run wineries. This particular experience, offered from Reims or Epernay, promises a full day of tastings, sightseeing, and culinary delights, all wrapped up in a small-group setting. It’s a popular choice — the tour has a perfect 5.0 rating from over 180 reviews, and many travelers highly recommend it.

What we love about this tour is how well it balances the big and small Champagne producers — giving you a taste of the historic, high-volume houses like Veuve Clicquot, alongside more intimate, family-run estates. The lunch is another highlight, with a generous meal paired with Champagne, adding to the overall value. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a full-day experience, so it’s not ideal if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who want a comprehensive, in-depth look at Champagne. If you’re a true enthusiast eager to learn about the region’s history, production methods, and get a variety of tastings, it fits the bill. It’s also perfect if you enjoy small groups and personalized attention, as the tour caps at just 8 travelers.

Key Points

• Balance of big and small producers: Visit the iconic Veuve Clicquot and charming family wineries.
• Educational and engaging: Guides are knowledgeable, making the experience more enriching.
• Tastings included: You’ll taste a total of 9 different Champagnes across the day.
• Gourmet lunch: A traditional meal paired with Champagne adds extra value.
• Small group size: Max 8 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Convenient transportation: Air-conditioned minivans make traveling between stops comfortable.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins in Reims, with a pickup point that’s described as very convenient—close to public transportation and easy to find, according to reviews. You’ll travel in a clean, well-maintained air-conditioned minivan, which is key for making a long day comfortable. This small group setup (maximum 8 travelers) means you’ll get more personal attention from your guide and the chance to ask plenty of questions.

The Veuve Clicquot Cellars

A major highlight is the visit to Veuve Clicquot’s underground cellars. Known the world over, Veuve Clicquot is a large, historic Champagne house, and touring its vast tunnels is a visual treat. You’ll get an inside look at how Champagne is stored and aged beneath Reims’ streets, and of course, taste four different Champagnes during the visit. One reviewer said, “The Veuve Clicquot tour was amazing! It was also nice to see the smaller production Champagne houses within the same tour,” which suggests that, even if Veuve Clicquot is the star, the experience of other producers shines through.

Charming Hautvillers Village

Next, your route takes you to Hautvillers, a picture-perfect village where Dom Pérignon is buried. Here, you’ll stroll through vineyards and narrow streets, soaking in the scenery and learning about the region’s viticulture. Visitors love the relaxed vibe of the village, and it offers a nice break from the busier Champagne houses. It’s a free stop, lasting about an hour, where you can explore at your own pace and ask your guide about local traditions and the history of winemaking.

The Champagne Avenue and Epernay

A quick drive will take you through Epernay’s famous Champagne Avenue, lined with grand Champagne houses—an Instagram-worthy stretch. While the tour focuses on the smaller producers, passing by this street adds context and appreciation for the scale and grandeur of the Champagne industry.

Tasting and Lunch at a Family-Run Winery

The real gem of this tour is the lunch at a family-owned winery. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional meal paired with Champagne, which many reviews praise as “excellent” and “yummy.” This sit-down meal gives you the chance to relax and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each sip, in a cozy countryside setting. The tasting at this small estate offers a more personal experience, with insights into the production process that larger houses can’t provide. Multiple reviews mention the guide’s extensive knowledge and friendly attitude, enriching the day even further.

Additional Tastings and Insights

After lunch, the tour includes visits to another small, independent Champagne producer, where you’ll enjoy more tastings and learn about the nuances of smaller-scale Champagne making. With a total of nine tastings throughout the day, this tour is generous in its offerings. Guests often find the variety to be one of the most enjoyable parts—ranging from well-known brands to hidden gems.

The Guides and Group Experience

The reviews repeatedly highlight the quality of guides like Jérôme, Thomas, Xavier, and Anne—each praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendliness. It’s clear that personalized attention and storytelling are front and center here, making the visit more engaging than a standard large-group tour. With small numbers, you’re encouraged to ask questions and get a deeper understanding of Champagne.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $391.02 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option but is often deemed good value. You’re getting a full day’s worth of visits, tastings, a gourmet lunch, and a personable guide—all in a small-group setting. Travelers note that the experience feels well thought out, combining education, flavor, and scenery. Since the tastings alone are plentiful—and the lunch adds extra delight—the cost covers a lot of memorable moments.

Practical Considerations

Keep in mind this is a full-day tour—approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes—so it suits travelers who want an in-depth experience and don’t mind spending most of the day exploring Champagne. Since it doesn’t include transportation from Paris, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to Reims or Epernay. The tour is suitable for most adults; children under 4 aren’t permitted, and anyone with dietary restrictions should communicate these when booking.

The Verdict: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about Champagne or eager to learn about the region’s nuances, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially ideal for those who want to see both the grand and intimate sides of Champagne production, enjoy a relaxed, small-group atmosphere, and indulge in quality food and drink. The knowledgeable guides, coupled with the stunning scenery and plentiful tastings, make it a worthwhile splurge. It’s a solid choice for couples, friends, or small groups of travelers who want a comprehensive, memorable day.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or are on a tight schedule, this might feel a bit long. Also, since transportation from Paris isn’t included, you’ll need to plan that separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a full-day tour worth the price?
Yes, if you value comprehensive experiences, multiple tastings, a good lunch, and small-group intimacy, this tour offers a lot for the price.

What type of Champagne will I taste?
You’ll enjoy a total of 9 tastings, including at Veuve Clicquot and a second small family-run producer. The variety ranges from large houses to smaller, independent wineries.

Can I book this tour if I’m staying in Paris?
No, the tour doesn’t include pick-up or drop-off in Paris. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to Reims or Epernay.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours and 10 minutes, making it a full-day commitment but ideal if you want an in-depth look at Champagne.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 are not allowed, and the experience is geared toward adults who can appreciate the tastings and learning.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal, engaging experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, travelers are advised to mention any specific dietary needs at booking—just check with the tour provider.

What makes this tour special?
The mix of large and small producers, the gourmet lunch, the friendly guides, and the scenic villages make this experience stand out.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Reims or Epernay strikes a nice balance between educational and indulgent, perfect for those who want to explore France’s Champagne region in depth. The combination of iconic houses like Veuve Clicquot, charming villages, and intimate family producers ensures you get a well-rounded experience. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides elevate it beyond standard sightseeing, making each moment more personal.

Whether you’re a serious Champagne lover or simply looking for a memorable day in France’s northern vineyards, this tour offers plenty to savor—literally and figuratively. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to understand the craft behind the bubbles, enjoy some excellent food, and take home a deeper appreciation of Champagne’s allure.

Plan ahead if you’re traveling from Paris, and be prepared for a full, lively day that’s both fun and educational. If you love discovering regional gems, tasting a variety of Champagnes, and relaxing in scenic countryside, this tour could very well be the highlight of your trip.