Reims: Small-Group Champagne Tour with Champagne Tastings and Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to the Champagne region and want an experience that balances tasting, culture, and scenery without the crowds, this small-group tour from Reims might just be what you’re after. It’s a carefully curated half-day that promises not just bubbly but also a taste of local life, history, and beautiful views.

What really draws us in is the intimate size — a maximum of 8 travelers — which often leads to more personalized attention from guides and more genuine interactions. We also appreciate the blend of visiting both notable Champagne houses and smaller family-run wineries, giving a well-rounded picture of the region’s diversity. However, one point to consider is that this tour runs for about six hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and tasting.

Overall, if you’re a wine enthusiast, someone who loves scenic drives and authentic experiences, or just curious about Champagne beyond the big-name houses, this tour is a solid choice. It balances education and indulgence, which makes it appealing for most adults, especially those keen on understanding how Champagne is made while enjoying great food and wine.

Key Points

• Intimate group size ensures a more personal experience and interaction with guides.
• Visit both famous and boutique wineries for a well-rounded taste of Champagne production.
• Includes a traditional lunch paired with Champagne — a highlight for food lovers.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary, making the experience more enriching.
• Beautiful scenery and vineyard views are woven into the itinerary, perfect for photos.
• Cost reflects quality — roughly $249 per person for a full, well-organized day.

This tour is designed for those who want to experience more than just the glitz of big Champagne brands. It offers a balanced look at the region’s wine-making heritage while providing plenty of tasting opportunities and a chance to relax with good food in a picturesque setting. Traveling with a small group of no more than eight people keeps things cozy and avoids the hustle and bustle of large tours, which can sometimes feel impersonal or rushed.

Starting Point and Duration

You’ll meet your guide at the Reims train station at 11:15 am, a convenient location if you’re arriving by train or staying nearby. The journey lasts about six hours and fifteen minutes, with the day ending back at the same spot. This timing allows plenty of space to enjoy each stop without feeling hurried.

The price is around $249.09 per person, which might seem steep at first glance, but it covers tastings, a full lunch, guide services, and transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle. Considering the personalized attention and the quality of experiences, many travelers find it offers good value.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes five glasses of Champagne — enough to really get a feel for different styles — along with a delicious lunch paired with Champagne, guided commentary, and comfortable transport. The small-group setting is a real plus, making conversations more natural and engaging.

However, it doesn’t cover hotel pickups or drop-offs, drinks outside of the tastings, bottled water, or any personal purchases. If you’re staying outside Reims or Epernay, you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point. Also, note that children under 10 are not permitted, likely due to the tasting and adult-focused nature of the experience.

The Itinerary — What You’ll Experience

Avenue de Champagne and Epernay

Your adventure kicks off with a drive along the famous Avenue de Champagne. This street is lined with some of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses, and seeing it from the bus gives you an immediate sense of the region’s grandeur. While the tour doesn’t include entry into these big houses, driving past their historic facades is noteworthy and sets the tone for your day.

Hautvillers — Dom Pérignon’s Village

Next, you’ll stroll through the quaint village of Hautvillers. This is a picture-perfect stop, with charming streets and vineyards everywhere you turn. A highlight here is the view of the vineyards from a viewpoint, perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery. The village is also where Dom Pérignon is buried, adding a layer of historical significance.

Smaller Champagne Houses — Authentic Tastings

The tour includes a visit to a family-owned Champagne estate, offering an authentic look at how smaller producers craft their bubbly. This is where you’ll get a more personal perspective on Champagne production, often with tastings of multiple varieties. Travelers have raved about the guide’s knowledge and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere at these boutique wineries, making this part of the tour especially memorable.

Lunch at a Champagne Domaine

A key highlight is the four-hour stop at Le Clos Corbier, where you’ll enjoy a traditional French lunch paired with Champagne. The setting is described as lovely, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated if mentioned in advance. Guests from reviews praise the meal as one of the best they had, with locally sourced ingredients and excellent presentation.

Vineyard Views and Final Tastings

The day concludes with some more scenic vineyard views and a final tasting session back at the boutique winery or at a family cellar. This allows you to savor the flavors and learn about the production process from passionate, knowledgeable hosts.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many mentioning the guide’s expertise and friendliness. For example, one reviewer said, “Our guide Lou was terrific. She was knowledgeable and passionate about Champagne and she made this trip memorable.” Others appreciated the quiet, small-group atmosphere that felt more like a private tour than a crowded bus trip.

Tasters also loved the variety of wines and the quality of the lunch — “the lunch was spectacular,” and “the food was amazing,” are common themes. The scenic views, especially the vineyard vistas and views from Hautvillers, are often cited as highlights.

Some reviews mention minor hiccups, like a train delay or a need for more tastings, but these are few and generally overshadowed by the overall positive experience. A couple of travelers noted that the tour doesn’t include additional drinks outside the tastings, so if you want more, you’ll need to purchase separately.

This experience is ideal for wine lovers eager to understand how Champagne is made, with a taste for authentic, family-run wineries. It suits those who enjoy scenic drives, good food, and engaging guides who can share stories and insights. The intimate group size makes it perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, personalized day.

It’s less suited if you’re traveling with children under 10 or seeking a more leisurely, less structured experience. Also, if you’re looking for access to the big Champagne houses or a less intensive tasting schedule, you might prefer other tours.

For those wanting a well-rounded, genuine look at the Champagne region — combining scenic views, insider visits, and delicious food — this small-group tour offers a compelling package. The combination of knowledgeable guides, authentic wineries, and a beautiful setting makes it a memorable choice for adults who love their bubbles and want to learn more about the craft behind them.

While the price might seem high, the quality of the experience, especially the intimate setting and expert guidance, justifies the cost for many travelers. It’s a day that balances education, indulgence, and sightseeing without feeling rushed or crowded.

If you’re planning a trip to Reims and want to sip your way through Champagne while soaking up the scenery and local charm, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for a full, engaging day that leaves you with plenty of stories and, of course, a few bottles to take home.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 10 are not permitted on this tour, likely due to the adult-focused tastings and the nature of the experience.

What’s the meeting point?
You’ll meet your guide at the Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims, near the train station, making it easy to access if arriving by train.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about six hours and fifteen minutes, ending back at the start point — a good length for a full day without feeling overly tiring.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers five Champagne tastings, a traditional lunch paired with Champagne, a guided experience, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, dietary restrictions and allergies can be managed if mentioned at booking, especially for the lunch.

Can I visit the big Champagne houses?
This tour does not include entry into the huge Champagne maisons like Moët & Chandon but provides a close look at family wineries and boutique producers.

What about the group size?
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour offers a personal, relaxed experience, ideal for those who prefer smaller groups.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 41 days in advance, as it’s a popular choice among visitors.

This tour is a wonderful way to spend a day soaking up the beauty, flavor, and history of Champagne in a relaxed and personal setting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about the bubbly, it’s a memorable experience worth considering.