Reims Visit & Champagne Wine Tour Private Day Trip From Reims

Meet your English speaking guide, expert in Champagne Wines 

Today, meet your English speaking guide who is an expert in Champagne Wines. Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of your champagne tasting tour with you.

Guided tour of Reims Cathedral

Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. It is considered to be a masterpiece of Architecture and one of the most impressive Cathedrals of Northern France.

It is here that King Clovis was baptized around year 498 giving birth to the Kingdom of the Franks and starting a long lasting tradition: except two, all of the Kings of France have been crowned here! The most famous King to have been crowned here on July 17th 1429 is without a doubt Charles VII who was accompanied by Joan of Arc. The last King that was crowned in Reims  was Charles X on May 29th 1825.

Inside, admire the unique stained glass windows the most beautiful are located on the western façade including the rose window. There are also unique stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall in the central axial chapel.

Other amazing features of the Cathedral include the 15th century Gothic Organ Case as well as the wooden Astronomical Clock and a statue of Joan of Arc that dates back to the early 20th century. The Cathedral is also home to an exceptionally rich statuary – over 2 300 statues among which the famous Smiling Angel.

Visit & Wine tasting at Champagne House Veuve Clicquot (or similar)

This highly recommended visit includes product descriptions, a company history, profile of the owner, and harvest information. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, the house played an important role in establishing champagne as a favored drink of Bourgeoisie and Nobility throughout Europe.

After the death of her Husband, in 1805, Barbe Nicole Ponsardin known as the widow Clicquot (veuve in French) became the first woman to take over a Champagne house. Under Madame Clicquot's guidance, the firm focused entirely on producing high rated Champagne. She will also revolutionize the techniques behind the Champagne making process.

Participate in a small group Champagne tour that will include a cellar visit. You will then have the opportunity to taste one of the best Champagnes produced in Reims. After your tasting visit, it will be time to move on and continue your Champagne day private tour.

Make your way to the Champagne producing region

Then, board your premium, air conditioned vehicle and begin to make your way to the Champagne vineyard wine producing region. Arriving in the Champagne region, you start your day with the scenic Route du Champagne. It meanders among the vineyards and picturesque villages, offering a charming bucolic landscape.

Reach the Côte des Blancs producing area for a sightseeing of some of the most famous Grandes Maisons de Champagne such as: Bollinger, Gosset, Deutz, etc. En route the countryside is enameled with beautiful Grand Cru villages like Ay, Hautvillers, Bouzy, Le Mesnil, Verzenay, etc.

Optional Champagne pairing lunch at a local property

The Foureur family have been wine growers since the 16th century and they produce Champagne under their own brand since 1875. They are located in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. They own 4 hectares of grand cru vineyard, especially renowned for their Pinot Noir.

This allowed them to produce 20 000 bottles, mainly sold in France. Far from the commercial aspect of the Grandes Maisons, you will discover here the ancestral methods for the making process of champagne and meet passionate people.

If you select this option, you will be introduced to the art of Food & Wine pairing. On this particular tour your food will be paired with Champagne from starters to dessert. After lunch, your private champagne tour moves on to visit another family vineyard.

Visit & Champagne tasting at a family owned winery

The House was created in 1875 in the little village of Damery located in the Marne’s Valley. Laure and David are proud to be today the Fifth generation of winemakers. They are focused on the respect of both traditional and ancestral working methods.

Their champagne Plaisir d’Antan is a good example of this philosophy: made with 100% Chardonnay, this Cuvée is aged in oak barrels like it was done before the creation of stainless steel vats. This gives the Champagne a very unique taste. They work as independent winemakers with 12 hectares (30 acres) of vineyards and produce 80 000 bottles per year.

After this final visit and tasting, it will be time for us to make our way back to Reims and that will be the end of our services. Please note that if you wish it is possible to modify the winery visits as this tour is completely private. If you would like to include other wineries such as Moet et Chandon or visit the village of Hautvillers where Dom Perignon is buried, just let us know.