Champagne Lamiable: Make your own Champage bottle !

If you’re thinking about visiting the Champagne region and want a truly memorable activity, the Champagne Lamiable experience might just be what you’re looking for. This isn’t your typical tour — it offers a chance to get your hands dirty (well, bottle) in the process of creating this iconic bubbly. With a friendly, family-run estate at its heart, the tour combines learning, tasting, and a bit of fun, making it a wonderful choice for anyone who appreciates wine and wants to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Champagne production.

What particularly caught our eye is the interactive nature of the experience—you’re not just tasting but actively participating in the disgorging of your very own half-bottle of Champagne and labeling it with your own custom design. Plus, the guided tasting of three different Champagnes, where you get to pick your favorite, makes it more than just a touristy stop; it’s a mini adventure in wine making.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite intimate, with a maximum of 8 travelers, so it feels personal, but it also means you’ll want to book ahead — on average, folks reserve about 45 days in advance. The price of around $95 per person feels fair, considering you’re getting so much more than just a tasting — you’re creating a keepsake.

This experience is well suited for wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a fun, educational activity in the Reims area. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy a hands-on approach and want a genuine story behind their bubbly. If you’re seeking a straightforward Champagne tasting, this might be a bit different than larger, more commercial tours, but that’s part of its charm.

Key Points

• Hands-On Involvement: You’ll disgorge and label your own half-bottle of Champagne, making it a personalized souvenir.
• Expert Guidance: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share their expertise with humor and clarity.
• Tastings: Sample three different Champagnes blind, and choose your favorite to bottle.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 8 people, the experience feels intimate and tailored.
• Family-Run Estate: The personal touch from a family business adds authenticity.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple departure times are available throughout the day, so you can pick what suits you best.

What to Expect from the Tour

Arrival and Introduction

The journey begins at 8 Rue de Condé in Tours-sur-Marne, where you’ll meet your guide, typically Hélène, who’s praised for her passion, humor, and clear explanations. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you’ll immediately get a sense of the family’s pride in their craft. Our reviews highlight how guides like Hélène make the experience engaging—someone who’s not just knowledgeable but also genuinely eager to share the story of the estate and their wines.

Exploring the Cellars

Next, you’re led into the dug-by-hand cellars, which are an integral part of Champagne making. These cool, underground spaces are where the magic happens, and hearing about their history and process adds depth to the tasting. The personal stories and detailed explanations make the experience informative without being overwhelming. One reviewer mentioned, “The tour of cellars and process was a highlight,” emphasizing how this behind-the-scenes look elevates the tour beyond a simple tasting.

Blind Tasting and Selection

Then comes the fun part — the blind tasting of three Champagnes, where you get to try different dosages (the amount of sugar in the Champagne). The guide explains how each impacts flavor, which makes picking your favorite both educational and satisfying. Multiple reviews praise the guide’s ability to explain these nuances clearly—“Good knowledge and skills of making Champagne explaining by Ellen,” one reviewer said.

Disgorging and Labeling

After choosing your preferred Champagne, you’ll get to disgorge your half-bottle—a process that involves removing sediment, just like in real production. You’ll also have the chance to label your bottle with your name or a custom design. This step is truly the highlight for many, turning a simple tasting into a personal craft project. As one reviewer shared, “Finishing our own half bottle of Champagne was a lovely afternoon,” which captures how special this moment feels.

Takeaway and Souvenir

Finally, you’ll leave with your custom-labeled half-bottle of Champagne, a tangible reminder of your visit. Many travelers appreciate this personal touch, making it a perfect souvenir or gift.

The Experience in Context

At $95, the experience offers good value for those interested in more than just a tasting. You’re paying for the expertise, the interactive process, and the unique opportunity to bottle your own Champagne. Compared to larger tours with multiple stops, this one is more intimate, allowing for more personal attention and detailed explanations.

The reviews frequently mention the knowledgeable guides—their ability to explain complex processes with humor and clarity makes the whole experience approachable. “Helène was brilliant, her passion and sense of humor made the tour fun and informative,” one guest noted, highlighting how the guides elevate the experience.

Why It Works

The combination of education and participation makes this tour stand out. Instead of passively tasting, you’re actually involved in the process, which deepens your understanding and appreciation for Champagne. The small group size creates a friendly, engaging atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and you can really connect with the guide.

Considerations

While the tour’s focus on hands-on involvement is a big plus, it may not be ideal for very young children or those looking for a quick visit. The process involves some steps that might be best suited to adults or older teens who can appreciate the craftsmanship. Also, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to get to the estate.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or those who enjoy a personal, interactive activity. If you’re visiting Reims and want a break from large-scale tours, this private-style experience offers a more authentic look at Champagne production. Families with older children who are interested in wine might also find it enjoyable, but it’s not specifically tailored as a family activity.

If you value guides who are passionate and knowledgeable, and want to create a meaningful, personalized souvenir, this tour hits the mark. It’s less about sightseeing and more about learning and participating, which makes it a rewarding choice for those wanting a deeper connection with their bubbly.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to get to 8 Rue de Condé in Tours-sur-Marne.

Can I choose a specific time for the tour?
Yes, there are multiple departure times throughout the day, so you can pick what fits best with your itinerary.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?
You get three glasses of Champagne, the chance to disgorge and label your own half-bottle, and a guided, small-group tour.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activity seems geared toward adults and older teens who can appreciate the process. Children might find the hands-on parts less engaging.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 45 days in advance, as the experience is popular and limited to small groups.

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

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic, memorable experience that combines education, participation, and a personal keepsake, Champagne Lamiable offers a compelling choice. It’s a chance to peek behind the scenes of Champagne making, taste multiple varieties, and craft your own bottle — all within a friendly, family-run setting. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it feel special without the fluff, giving you a real taste of what goes into each bubbly bottle.

This tour works best for those who appreciate wine, enjoy interactive experiences, and want a meaningful souvenir to take home. It’s a laid-back, engaging way to deepen your understanding of Champagne while having fun and creating a unique memento of your trip to Reims.

Whether you’re celebrating something special, looking for a personal activity, or simply want to learn about Champagne’s craftsmanship, this experience is worth considering — just be sure to book ahead.