Urville: Tour and champagne tasting with cheese and honey pairings

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back yet gourmet way to explore France’s renowned champagne region, this Urville tour with champagne tasting might just be what you need. Taking about 1.5 hours, it offers a friendly peek into a family estate’s cellar, complemented by thoughtfully paired cheeses and honey — homemade by the estate’s own bees. It’s a cozy, personal experience that’s perfect if you want something intimate and off the beaten path, rather than the big, heavily commercialized champagne tours.

What really draws us in are two things: the chance to taste champagnes aged in oak barrels, which adds a layer of complexity, and the personalized, friendly vibe driven by the owners. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this isn’t a large-group, bus-style tour — which might be less suited if you’re looking for a broader, more touristic experience or are traveling with kids under 18 (since it’s not suitable for minors). Overall, it’s best suited for couples, friends, or small groups wanting to enjoy authentic champagne and gourmet pairings in a warm, welcoming setting.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with small groups led by the estate owners.
• Unique champagnes aged and vinified in oak barrels, offering distinct flavors.
• Gourmet tasting includes handmade cheeses and honey from the estate’s own bees.
• The tour provides insight into environmentally friendly viticulture.
• Duration is manageable at about 1.5 hours, fitting easily into a day’s plans.
• Not suitable for children under 18, so perfect for adult travelers seeking leisure and sophistication.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Visiting a Family Estate Deep in the Côte des Bar

When you arrive at the Domaine Champagne Romain Billette in Urville, you’re stepping into a true family-run operation. From the start, the hosts offer a warm welcome, which immediately makes the experience feel personal and genuine. The estate, located in the heart of the Côte des Bar, is renowned for its distinct terroir, which influences the character of their champagnes. We loved how the owners shared their passion for making environmentally friendly wine, adding an extra layer of appreciation for their craft.

Guided Tour of the Cellar

The tour lasts around an hour and takes you through the estate’s cellars, where the champagnes are aged and vinified. You’ll get a sense of the estate’s history and the meticulous care that goes into each bottle. The owners, who lead the tour, are engaging and eager to share their expertise without turning it into a lecture. They explain how the oak barrels influence the flavor profile, which is a big plus for wine enthusiasts wanting to understand more about champagne production.

What Makes the Champagnes Special?

One of the stand-out features is their champagnes aged in oak barrels. This is a bit more uncommon and gives the wines a unique, sometimes more robust character compared to traditionally tank- or bottle-fermented champagnes. The owner’s blends are described as “special,” and you’ll get to taste three of their iconic vintages. The tasting is structured to highlight how different aging processes and blend choices create a variety of flavors — making this a great chance to refine your palate.

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The Gourmet Tasting: Cheese and Honey

After the cellar tour, it’s time for the best part — the tasting. You’ll sample three of the estate’s champagnes, each paired with delicious homemade cheeses and honey produced by their own bees. The cheese and honey pairings enhance the champagne’s profile, and we found the combinations quite thoughtful and well-executed. The honey’s sweetness complements the acidity of the champagne, while the cheese adds a creamy, savory contrast. The fact that the honey is homemade and comes from bees raised on the estate gives this tasting a local, authentic touch.

Atmosphere and Setting

The setting is cozy, with a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’re visiting old friends. The small-group format ensures you get plenty of personalized attention, and the owners are happy to answer all your questions, making it a very genuine experience. If you’re into gourmet food, you’ll appreciate the quality of the cheese and honey pairings, which are described as “delicious” and “carefully curated” by previous visitors.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Duration and Logistics

The entire experience takes roughly 1.5 hours — a perfect time slot for a half-day activity. The tour begins at 19 Rue des Vignes, where you’ll meet your guide, and then proceeds through the cellar, culminating in the tasting. It’s a private group experience, so you won’t be part of a large crowd, which enhances the intimacy and allows for meaningful interactions.

Accessibility and Language

While the tour is led in French, some content is shown in its original language. The estate is wheelchair accessible, which is great for travelers with mobility needs. The tour’s small-group nature helps keep the experience personal, and the owners are accommodating.

Cost and Value

The price covers the guided cellar tour, tasting of three champagnes, cheese, and honey pairings. Considering the quality of the champagnes — especially those aged in oak barrels — and the homemade gourmet pairings, the cost feels fair. It’s a nice way to enjoy a special moment without the expense of visiting a large champagne house.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• The experience is not suitable for children under 18, so it’s an adult-only outing.
• Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there.
• If you’re looking for a broad overview of multiple champagne houses or a more extensive tasting, this might feel a bit intimate or limited.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy wine, cheese, and gourmet pairings in a cozy, authentic setting. It’s perfect for couples wanting a romantic outing or friends looking to share a special moment. Enthusiasts who appreciate oak-aged champagnes will find this especially interesting. If you’re interested in learning about environmentally friendly viticulture, the estate’s commitment adds another layer of appeal.

People seeking a large, commercial champagne tour might find this a bit too intimate or niche. But for those craving a genuine, personal look at a family estate’s craftsmanship, it’s a real treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic champagne experience that combines great wine with gourmet bites, this tour in Urville hits the mark. The personalized approach and the chance to taste oak-aged champagnes paired with homemade cheese and honey make it stand out from the typical large-scale tastings. You’ll leave not just with a better understanding of champagne but also with some delicious flavors lingering on your palate.

This experience offers a fantastic blend of education, gastronomy, and genuine hospitality. It’s likely to appeal most to wine lovers, foodies, or anyone looking for a laid-back, memorable way to explore France’s champagne country. Just remember, it’s an adult experience, and transportation will need to be planned separately.

FAQs

Is transportation to the estate included? No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize your own way to get to 19 Rue des Vignes.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience takes around 1.5 hours, making it a perfect quick escape in your day.

Is this experience suitable for children? No, this tour is not suitable for minors under 18.

What is included in the price? Price covers the guided cellar tour, tasting of three champagnes, plus cheese and honey pairings from the estate.

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

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is led in French, with some content shown in its original language.

In all, this Urville champagne tour offers a genuine slice of family tradition, combined with gourmet tasting that’s perfect for those who want to savor France’s bubbly in a friendly, small-group setting. It’s a memorable way to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle while enjoying local cheese and honey — a real treat for lovers of good food and good wine alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: