Champagne Day tour with Veuve Clicquot and 2 other big wineries

Exploring Champagne: A Detailed Look at the Reims Day Tour with Veuve Clicquot and Major Wineries

If you’re considering a trip to the Champagne region and wondering how best to experience its legendary bubbly, this tour from Reims offers a solid option. It’s a six-hour adventure designed for those who want to see some of the top Champagne houses without the fuss of private guides or complicated arrangements. While it’s not a private tour, it packs in enough highlights to make for a memorable day—especially if you’re new to the area or want a balanced, straightforward experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the chance to visit both historic and modern wineries in one day, offering a well-rounded perspective on Champagne production. Plus, the inclusion of a three-course lunch with Champagne at a Michelin-starred restaurant elevates the whole experience, making it more than just a tasting trip.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind. The tour is fairly structured, so if you’re someone who prefers total flexibility or private guides, you might find it a bit limited. Also, since you’ll be visiting multiple wineries in one day, the pace can be a little brisk, especially at the larger houses where tours are guided with a set timeline.

This experience fits best for first-time visitors to Champagne, wine enthusiasts wanting a broad overview, and those who enjoy a mix of history, art, and good food. It’s not ideal if you’re seeking a private or super relaxed outing, but it’s a well-organized, engaging way to get a taste of what Champagne has to offer.

Key Points

• Great for Champagne newbies who want an overview of major houses.
• Includes a delicious 3-course lunch with Champagne at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Visits four different locations, blending history, modern art, and tastings.
• Group size is limited to 20, making it more intimate than large coach tours.
• No private guide, but guides at each location are knowledgeable, and app-based or paper info allows you to go at your own pace.
• Cost is around $560 per person, which covers tastings, meals, and entrance fees—good value for a full day of Champagne exploration.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Veuve Clicquot

This iconic house is a must-see for Champagne lovers. You’ll explore massive cellars beneath the estate, some as deep as 30 meters, giving you a real sense of the scale involved in Champagne production. The guide provides insights into how aroma and flavor are created, and you’ll get to sample some of their finest offerings. Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable guides and the remarkable underground tunnels—a highlight that truly shows why Veuve Clicquot is such an enduring name.

One guest remarked, “We loved the way they explained the aromas and the history behind Veuve Clicquot. It’s an experience that’s both educational and delicious.” Expect about 1.5 hours here, enough to take in the sights and sample a few glasses.

Stop 2: Brasserie Le Jardin (Lunch)

Next, you’ll indulge in a three-course meal paired with Champagne at a Michelin-starred restaurant’s brasserie. This stops is a nice break from the winery visits, giving you time to relax and enjoy gourmet food in a lovely setting. The meal isn’t just a filler—it’s a carefully curated experience, and the inclusion of Champagne enhances the flavors.

Guests have noted that this lunch is a highlight, especially with a glass of Champagne accompanying each course. It’s a good way to savor the regional cuisine and toast the day.

Stop 3: Pommery

This famous house combines history, art, and innovation. You’ll visit UNESCO-listed cellars, some dating back to the Middle Ages, giving a tangible sense of the Champagne’s long history. Pommery also features a modern art exhibit, which adds a contemporary twist. Using an app or info sheet, you’ll explore at your own pace, making this experience flexible and relaxed.

One reviewer shared, “The art exhibit was surprisingly modern and fun, and the cellar tour was fascinating.” Afterward, a double tasting lets you compare different styles and get a feel for Pommery’s signature.

Stop 4: Taittinger

The final stop is Taittinger, renowned for its historic cellars and elegant Champagne. A guided tour here offers an engaging look into their middle-aged underground caves—a real step back in time. To wrap up, you’ll enjoy another double tasting, cementing your newfound knowledge and appreciation for Champagne’s diversity.

Guests have appreciated the personalized feel of this stop, with one saying, “The guide’s insights made the tasting even better, and the atmosphere in the cellars is unforgettable.”

Practicalities and Logistics

This tour begins at Veuve Clicquot’s visitor center at 10 a.m. and ends at Taittinger’s cellars. You’re responsible for your own transportation—Uber is a good option, and the tour starts and ends at well-connected locations in Reims. The total duration is about six hours, which is enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

The group size is capped at 20 people, making it more personal than large coach tours. You’ll be greeted by front-desk assistants rather than private guides at each location, which means you’ll have some autonomy during the visits. The price is approximately $560 per person, including tastings, a three-course meal, and entrance fees.

What about the reviews?

While most reviews are glowing, with guests praising the knowledgeability of the guides and stunning cellar views, one guest expressed frustration over the value, suggesting booking directly with the houses might be cheaper. It’s worth noting that this tour offers a convenient, all-in-one experience with some added perks, but if you’re on a tight budget, booking the visits independently could be more economical.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those new to Champagne who want a comprehensive look at major houses without the stress of organizing multiple visits. It’s perfect if you enjoy a mix of history, art, and good food, and appreciate guided tours that provide context along with tastings. The inclusion of a luxury lunch makes it suitable for special occasions or those wanting a little extra indulgence.

If you’re someone who prefers total control over your itinerary or a private guide, this might feel a bit restrictive. But for a well-organized, engaging group experience, it strikes a good balance.

The Bottom Line

This Champagne day tour from Reims offers a solid value for those wanting to experience top Champagne houses without the fuss of private arrangements. You’ll get to see iconic cellars, enjoy exquisite tastings, and indulge in a gourmet lunch—all in one smooth, well-paced day. The blend of historic caves, art, and tasting experience makes it a well-rounded introduction to Champagne’s charms.

While it isn’t a private or entirely flexible tour, the knowledgeable guides, beautiful cellars, and delicious food make it a worthwhile choice, especially if you’re visiting for a first time. Just be prepared for a full schedule, and consider booking ahead—most guests are glad they did.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour? No, there’s no pick-up service. You’ll meet at the Veuve Clicquot visitor center, and transportation back from Taittinger is on your own, with Uber or taxis being available.

Can I do this tour if I don’t drink alcohol? The tour includes several tastings, but if you prefer not to drink, you could likely inform the staff beforehand. The tour itself focuses on tastings, so non-drinkers might feel out of place during tasting sessions.

Is this tour suitable for large groups? No, it’s limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, making it more intimate than big coach trips.

What is included in the price? The tour price covers all winery visits, tastings (eight glasses in total), and a three-course lunch with a glass of Champagne.

Are private guides available? No, guides are at each location, and the experience is more self-guided within the group setting.

How far in advance should I book? The average booking window is around 56 days in advance, so plan early to secure your spot.

Can I customize the itinerary? Not really—this is a fixed schedule, but you can ask questions during the visits to get more personalized insights.

What is the duration of the tour? Approximately six hours, from around 10 a.m. to early afternoon.

Is it family-friendly? The tour is designed for adults, especially given the tastings and the pace. It might not be suitable for young children.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, engaging way to taste Champagne and see some historic cellars, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable solution. Just remember to book early, pace yourself, and savor each sip and sight along the way.