Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour 3 Small Champagne Growers

Small Group – Full Day Champagne Tour 3 Small Champagne Growers: An Honest Look

If you’re considering exploring the Champagne region beyond the big-name houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, this small-group tour might be just what you’re after. It promises an intimate experience visiting three family-run wineries, tasting a variety of champagnes, and getting a good taste of the local charm. While it’s a full-day adventure, packed with sights and sips, it offers a different perspective on champagne making—more personal and less commercial.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on smaller producers, giving you a chance to see how real artisans craft bubbly with care and passion. Plus, the included three-course lunch and multiple tastings mean you’ll leave feeling well-fed and happily tipsy—without the crowds of larger tours. On the flip side, the price might seem steep for some, and it’s definitely an adults-only experience, so if you’re traveling with kids, this isn’t the right fit. Overall, it’s ideal for those eager to learn about champagne in a relaxed, intimate setting with knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Intimate group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Visit small, family-run wineries for a more authentic experience.
• Tastings include 9 champagnes, allowing a broad understanding of different styles.
• Includes a three-course lunch with champagne, making it a full day of indulgence.
• Expert guides share detailed knowledge about champagne and the region.
• Comfortable transport in air-conditioned Mercedes minivans makes the day smooth.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What’s the Tour All About?

This full-day adventure offers an opportunity to taste champagne from three different small producers outside of Reims, with the added bonus of a scenic drive, a historical stop, and a hearty lunch. It’s designed to give you a taste of the region’s diversity without the overwhelming crowds or cookie-cutter experiences often associated with the bigger champagne houses.

The tour is operated by Sparkling Tour, known for their focus on small groups—max eight people—so you won’t be lost in a crowd. Your guide is an English speaker, passionate and knowledgeable, making complex details about champagne more accessible and engaging. The round trip lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am in Reims, with a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing.

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is in a comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, which makes the journey easy and pleasant. Because of the small group size, you’ll get plenty of personal attention, and the driver-guide can adjust the experience to suit your questions or interests. The intimacy of a smaller group also means conversations flow better, and you get to know your fellow tasters a bit more.

The Stops and What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers

This is a quick but meaningful stop at the church associated with Dom Pérignon, often called the father of champagne. Walking through the church gives a sense of the region’s spiritual and historical connection to bubbly. The admission is included, so you can explore without worries. You’ll learn about Dom Pérignon’s role in shaping champagne as we know it today—an essential piece of the puzzle for enthusiasts.

Stop 2: Why Not Restaurant in Épernay

Here, you’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour sit-down meal with starters, a main course, and dessert, all paired with a glass of champagne. This part of the tour is a highlight for many, offering a chance to relax, chat, and savor French cuisine alongside bubbly. The included lunch makes this tour feel like a proper gastronomic day out rather than just a tasting spree.

Stop 3: Avenue de Champagne

After lunch, you’ll drive through the famous Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, a street lined with prestigious champagne houses and grand mansions. While you’re not visiting the big, famous brands on this trip, driving along this historic street is a visual treat. It’s a chance to appreciate the region’s grandeur and learn about its luxurious reputation.

Tasting Experience

You’ll sample a total of 9 different champagnes throughout the day. From the reviews, it’s clear that the quality and variety of tastings are a big hit—many guests comment on how delicious and diverse the champagnes are, especially when trying from smaller, family-run producers. Guides are passionate about explaining the nuances, from different grape varieties to unique production methods.

The Value for Money

At around $284 per person, this tour might seem like a splurge, but when you consider the inclusions—transport, three tastings at three wineries, a three-course lunch with champagne, and a knowledgeable guide—it adds up to a well-rounded experience. Plus, the opportunity to visit smaller producers often means tasting more reasonably priced bottles compared to the luxury big-brand houses, which many travelers appreciate.

Reviews and Real Feedback

People consistently give this tour a perfect 5-star rating, which speaks volumes about its quality. Guests love the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, with quotes like “Christophe was a great driver, as well as an exceptional tour guide” and “Xavier was very knowledgeable about the wines and the history of the area.” The small group size is also repeatedly praised for making the experience intimate and engaging.

Many reviews highlight how much attendees enjoyed the variety of champagnes tasted, often describing them as some of the best they’ve sampled. The scenic stops and the chance to learn about the region’s history make it educational as well as indulgent.

What’s Not Included

It’s worth noting that this tour does not cover visits to the bigger, more famous champagne houses like Moët & Clicquot or Veuve Clicquot. If that’s your priority, you’ll need a different tour. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you should plan to meet at the designated starting point in Reims.

Children are not allowed on this tour, as it’s strictly for adults—probably due to the alcohol consumption and the nature of the stops. If you’re traveling with kids, you might want to look for a different experience.

Practicalities and Tips

• The meeting point is at Cour de la Gare in Reims, with the tour starting at 9:30 am.
• The tour ends back at the starting point, so plan your transportation accordingly.
• Most travelers find the timing comfortable, with enough breaks to enjoy the scenery and ask questions.
• Remember that good weather makes for a more enjoyable day—if rain or poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• While the drive involves some longer stretches between stops, it’s all about seeing different parts of the region and understanding how diverse champagne production can be.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re curious about small, family-run champagne producers, this tour will hit the mark. It’s especially suited to those who want a more personal, less commercial experience. Food lovers will appreciate the included lunch paired with champagne, and anyone interested in learning about how champagne is made will find the guides’ explanations engaging. It’s a great choice for wine enthusiasts who want to expand their knowledge without the crowds.

However, if your main goal is to visit the most famous champagne houses or you prefer a more flexible, DIY approach, you might want to explore other options. This experience is best for those who enjoy guided tours, tasting multiple styles, and savoring a relaxed pace.

The Sum Up

This small-group champagne tour from Reims offers an authentic, well-rounded look at the region’s smaller producers. With knowledgeable guides, a delicious included lunch, and 9 different champagne tastings, it’s a rewarding day for anyone keen to understand what makes Champagne special beyond the big brands. The intimate size and personal attention make it feel more like a local peek into the craft than a commercial affair.

While it’s not a cheap outing, the value is clear in the quality of tastings, the comfort of the transport, and the richness of the experience. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want to learn and taste in a relaxed setting, especially those who enjoy a good meal paired with bubbly. If you’re visiting Reims and want an authentic, engaging champagne experience, this tour might just be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? No, children are not allowed on this tour as it involves alcohol consumption and adult-oriented stops.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to book ahead to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons. The tour operates with a maximum of 8 guests.

What’s included in the price? The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, visits and tastings at three small wineries, nine champagne tastings, and a three-course lunch with a glass of champagne, water, and coffee.

Is transportation provided? Yes, transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, ensuring a smooth ride throughout the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather, but if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are the visits to famous champagne houses included? No, this tour focuses on smaller, family-run producers and does not include visits to big brands like Moët & Clicquot.

If you’re looking for a laid-back yet insightful way to experience Champagne’s craft, this tour offers a great blend of education, tastings, and scenic stops—perfect for wine lovers wanting a more personalized day out.