Sabrage and Viticulture and Triple Tasting in the Mountains of Reims

Welcome to Our Honest Take on the Reims Sabrage and Viticulture Tour

If you’re exploring Reims and have a soft spot for bubbly, this Sabrage and Viticulture experience might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the information and reviews suggest it’s a thoughtfully designed way to dive into the world of champagne—combining a bit of history, a little hands-on fun, and some tasting.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it offers a unique mix of learning and tasting—you get to understand the terroir and history of champagne while also trying your hand at the dramatic art of sabering. Plus, the stunning views of Chardonnay 1er Cru and the Reims Cathedral make it a visual treat. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the session lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, so it’s not overly long but still packed with activity.

This tour seems best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of a hands-on experience, especially if you love champagne or are interested in the craftsmanship behind it. It’s also a good pick if you want something more interactive than just tasting, but don’t want a full day of touring. Keep in mind, it’s limited to just eight people, so it feels intimate rather than crowded.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Learn to saber a champagne bottle safely with a friendly guide.
• Stunning scenery: Enjoy views of Chardonnay 1er Cru and the Reims Cathedral while learning about terroir.
• Expert insights: Understand champagne’s economic, historical, and terroir aspects directly from the winemakers.
• Tasting included: Savor three different glasses of champagne, including the cuvée sabrable.
• Small group: Max of 8 travelers, making it more personal and engaging.
• Value for the price: Around $58 for about 75 minutes of combined education, activity, and tasting.

What to Expect from This Champagne Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at the Champagne Lallement Massonnot Winery in Coulommes-la-Montagne. Situated conveniently on Rue Haute, the meeting spot is easy to find, and the setting promises a cozy yet professional environment. As you arrive, you might notice the intimate atmosphere—since only about eight of you will be in the group, it’s more like a fun class with friends than a big tourist bus.

The Introduction: Champagne, Terroir, and Views

The experience kicks off with a relaxed intro set amidst ten hectares of Chardonnay 1er Cru vineyards. The views here are more than just pretty—they serve as a backdrop for understanding why this region’s soil, climate, and tradition make Champagne so special. The hosts talk you through the different “economic actors” of champagne, which might be a new concept for some, but it’s an interesting peek into how the industry functions.

They also share stories about the terroir and history of champagne, giving you a sense of the area’s significance. You’ll get a good feel for what makes Reims and its surroundings such a hub for high-quality bubbly. The view of the Reims Cathedral from this vantage point adds a memorable touch, making it not just educational but visually inspiring.

The Sabrage: Learning from Napoleonic Roots

Next, the tour moves into the fun part: saber your own champagne. Starting with a practice on a control bottle, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of saber-ing a full bottle. The guide’s approach is friendly and reassuring, which is important considering how dramatic the act looks. They provide mandatory protective glasses—a smart touch that underscores safety.

The chance to physically perform sabrage is what sets this experience apart. It’s a thrill to see how a simple sword swipe can open a champagne bottle with a satisfying pop. The success rate is claimed to be around 90%, so most participants walk away with a sense of accomplishment (and a bit of bubbly). As one reviewer put it, the experience is “much more than just a tasting,” highlighting the engaging nature of the activity.

Tasting Three Champagne Varieties

After mastering the art, you’ll have the chance to taste three glasses of champagne. The included cuvée sabre is a highlight, but you also get to pick from two other options, offering some variety. These tastings are a good way to understand different styles or blends, and the guide will probably share insights about each.

While snacks aren’t included, the focus here is more on the champagne experience itself. If you’re hungry afterward, you might want to plan for a meal nearby, but for the activity, the tasting is enough to satisfy your curiosity and palate.

Wrapping Up and Returning

The tour wraps back at the starting point, which makes logistics straightforward. The overall duration—about 75 minutes—is just enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. It’s a compact, well-paced activity designed to be both fun and informative.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

When we look at the price—$58.84 per person—it’s clear you’re paying for more than just tasting. You’re gaining a hands-on skill, learning about the local viticulture, and enjoying stunning views that enhance the whole experience. For the price, you get a mix of education, activity, and tasting in an intimate setting, making it a worthwhile pick if you’re into champagne or curious about the craft.

The Authenticity Factor

One notable point is the genuine friendliness of the guides—as mentioned in the review—who make sure everyone feels comfortable trying the sabering. The safety measures, like protective glasses, also mean you can relax and focus on the fun. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate.

Practical Considerations

Timing-wise, the 3:00 pm start fits well into an afternoon itinerary, giving you the morning for other sightseeing. Keep in mind that the tour is relatively short, so if you’re looking for a full-day activity, this might need to be combined with other experiences. Also, since the activity has a maximum of 8 people, booking in advance is recommended if you want to secure a spot.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for champagne lovers who want a more active role in their tasting, and those interested in the history and craft behind bubbly. It’s also suited for travelers looking for something fun and memorable without dedicating an entire day. If you love stunning vineyard views and want to add a bit of drama to your trip, this tour hits the mark.

It’s not necessarily geared towards families with small children or those seeking a relaxed, purely tasting-focused experience—this is more about the interactive act of sabering and the stories behind champagne.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guide walks you through each step, and protective glasses are provided, so you don’t need any prior experience. It’s designed to be approachable for everyone.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a perfect short activity for an afternoon.

What is included in the price?
You get to participate in the sabrage lesson, see beautiful vineyard views, and taste three different champagnes, including the cuvée sabre.

Are snacks provided?
No, snacks are not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour if you want something more substantial.

What is the maximum number of participants?
The tour is small, with a limit of 8 travelers, which helps keep it personal and engaging.

Where do the tours start and end?
They begin and end at the Champagne Lallement Massonnot Winery in Coulommes-la-Montagne. The address is 35 Rue Haute.

When does the tour start?
It begins at 3:00 pm, so plan to arrive a little earlier.

How safe is the sabrage activity?
With safety measures like protective glasses and guided instruction, it’s quite safe. Most participants succeed without issues.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed, which is thoughtful for travelers with disabilities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Reims and want an experience that combines learning, fun, and a bit of adventure, this Sabrage and Viticulture tour offers good value. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of champagne and enjoy a hands-on activity that’s both exciting and memorable. The stunning views, friendly guides, and intimate group size make it stand out from just a typical tasting.

While it’s a short activity, it packs a punch in terms of engagement and education. Whether you’re a seasoned champagne fan or just curious about how this sparkling wine is made and served, this experience hits the right notes. Just remember to book ahead, arrive prepared to learn, and get ready to pop a cork with style.

In summary, this tour is best suited for curious, active travelers who want more than just a tasting—those keen to see how tradition and craft come together in the art of champagne sabering. If that sounds like your kind of experience, it’s likely to be a delightful highlight of your Reims trip.