From Reims: Champagne and Family-Run Wineries Tour

Planning a trip to the Champagne region and not sure which tour to choose? We’ve taken a close look at this popular experience offered by À la Française Champagne, and while we haven’t done it ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have. If you’re into discovering small, authentic Champagne producers and learning about the production process in a relaxed setting, this might be just what you’re after.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on family-run wineries — you get a much more personal view of Champagne making than at the big houses, plus the chance to taste some truly excellent bottles. The second highlight? Visiting Hautvillers, the village that’s practically the birthplace of Champagne, and soaking in the views of the UNESCO vineyard.

One thing to keep in mind: this tour runs for about 4.5 hours, and it’s quite structured. If you’re someone who loves flexibility or has very specific dietary needs, this might not be ideal. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues, as it involves walking and some cellar visits. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a taste of authentic Champagne in a friendly, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visits to small, family-run Champagne wineries offer a genuine look at production.
• Tasting Variety: You’ll enjoy six different Champagnes, with three tastings at two wineries.
• Historical Sites: The tour includes a stop in Hautvillers, home to Dom Pérignon’s church—great for history lovers.
• Expert Guides: Traveler reviews rave about knowledgeable, engaging guides who make the experience memorable.
• Flexible Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups of up to 8 people make for an intimate, personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Flow

The tour kicks off at Reims train station’s tourist info office in the afternoon, around 2:00 pm. This location is convenient, especially if you’re arriving by train, and makes for a straightforward start. From there, the group hops into an air-conditioned minivan, which helps keep things comfortable, especially in warmer weather.

With a maximum of 8 participants, this small-group format means you get plenty of personal attention, and the guide can share insights tailored to your interests. The entire experience wraps up around 6:30 pm back at the same spot, giving you enough time to explore Reims or head elsewhere.

Visiting Family-Run Wineries

The core of this tour is the visits to two family-run Champagne producers. Each visit lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll see the production process firsthand, from grape to bottle. What makes these visits special is the chance to meet the owners and taste their handcrafted Champagnes.

Reviewers consistently mention the quality of tastings; at each house, you enjoy three different Champagnes, tasting a total of six throughout the day. One reviewer noted, “The quality of the Champagne at both of the independent producers was superb,” which speaks to the authenticity and care put into each bottle.

The visits are designed to help you understand traditional methods of Champagne production, including seeing underground cellars and barrels. Travelers say this kind of close-up look at small producers offers a different perspective compared to the larger, more commercial houses.

Exploring Hautvillers

After the winery visits, the tour makes a stop in Hautvillers, a picturesque village famous for being the birthplace of Champagne. Here, you’ll explore the charming streets and visit the church where Dom Pérignon is buried. This adds a historical and cultural layer to your experience, which many guests appreciate.

Reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and atmosphere of Hautvillers, making it a highlight for those who enjoy scenic strolls and a bit of local history. Expect about 45 minutes here, enough to snap some photos and soak in the ambiance.

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Tasting Experience and Education

A key aspect of the tour is learning about Champagne production. Your guide, often praised for their knowledge and engaging manner, will walk you through the different grapes, methods, and what makes each Champagne unique.

The six tastings are a major draw; some reviews mention that tasting in underground cellars next to barrels gives a real sense of tradition. The guide’s explanations help you identify different styles and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each glass.

Value for Money

At $146 per person, the tour offers a good balance of experiences and tastings for the price. We’ve seen reviews where guests felt the tastings and visits justified the cost, especially considering the personalized experience. However, one review pointed out that the tastings might be on the smaller side (about 60 ml per tasting), so if you’re a big drinker, you might want to plan accordingly.

The included features—guides, transportation, entrance fees, tastings—are comprehensive, and the small group size makes it feel exclusive without being overly expensive.

Transportation & Logistics

The minivan provides comfortable transport between sites, and the guided format means you don’t need to worry about navigation or logistics. The tour’s schedule is tight but well-paced, balancing visits, sightseeing, and tastings.

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes since there’s some walking involved, and bring a jacket because the cellars are cool, averaging around 10°C.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Champagne production, or history lovers interested in Hautvillers. The small group setting is perfect if you prefer more personalized attention and less crowded tours.

It’s not suitable for children under 12 or people with mobility issues, as it involves walking and cellar visits. If you prefer a more flexible or longer-day experience, you might find this tour a bit structured.

The Sum Up

All in all, this From Reims: Champagne and Family-Run Wineries Tour offers a genuine, well-rounded taste of Champagne—its history, its people, and its craft. The inclusion of visits to small, family-operated wineries ensures you’re seeing the real deal, not just the big brands. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the beautiful scenery of Hautvillers, make it a memorable trip.

If you enjoy authentic wine experiences, appreciate a good story behind your drink, and want to avoid overly commercialized tours, this one will likely fit your needs well. The small-group format and high ratings from previous travelers suggest it’s a solid choice for a relaxed, educational afternoon in Champagne.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to walking and cellar visits, and the nature of tastings.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially since the tour requires a minimum of 2 participants. It’s also wise to reserve ahead to secure your spot and ensure availability.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Also, bring a jacket because the cellars are cool (around 10°C).

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a local English-speaking guide, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, entrance fees for visits and tastings at 2 wineries, and a total of 6 Champagne tastings.

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

Where exactly do we meet?
Outside the Reims train station’s tourist info office, in front of the “Reims Centre” exit.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4.5 hours, starting at 2:00 pm and ending around 6:30 pm.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience.

Are the tastings large?
The tastings are about 60 ml each, which is typical for such tours—enough to enjoy and compare different Champagnes but not excessive.

If you’re after a personal, authentic Champagne experience with friendly guides and beautiful scenery, this tour offers a lot for the price. It’s an excellent way to learn about Champagne, meet passionate producers, and enjoy some of the region’s finest bubbles.

You can check availability for your dates here: