Champagne Tours From Reims or Epernay
Champagne:
Champagne & Vineyards
There are 34,000 hectares of Champagne vineyards, which are centered around 323 Champagne producing Villages, known as Cru, a wine growing comune. These Cru villages are historically designated either as Grand Cru, which there are only 17, Premier Cru, which there are only 44 and Crus Secondaire.
The region is spread over a vast area with numerous sub-regions. Our tours focus on the main three regions of Champagne
The viticultural boundaries of Champagne are legally defined and split into five wine producing districts within the administrative province-the Aube, Cote des Blancs, Cote de Sezanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallee de la Marne. The towns of Reims and Epernay are the commercial centers of the area. The principal grapes grown in the region include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in the Aube region and grows very well in Montagne de Reims. Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape in the Vallee de la Marne region. The Cote des Blancs is dedicated almost exclusively to Chardonnay
Montagne de Reims
The Montagne de Reims stretches over twelve miles (20km) and is six miles (10km) wide. Its highest point it is 600 feet (180m) above sea level. The vineyards stretch continuously the length of its northern slopes from Villers-Allerand to Mailly, but the most renowned vineyards are on the northeastern slopes from Verzenay and Verzy to Bouzy and Ambonnay, where the purest chalk subsoil is found and is a perfect environment for the finest Pinot Noir grapes. Here our clients will be able to taste the majestic structure of the Pinot Noir Champagnes.
Pinot Noir grapes account for 38.39 percent of Champagne vineyards and most are found here. The wines from this region are robust and full of flavour.
The Grand Cru villages of the Montagne de Reims are: Ambonnay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Puisieulx, Sillery, Verzenay and Verzy.
Pinot Noir can also be found in the eastern villages of the Vallee de la Marne, including the Grand Cru villages of Ay and Tours-sur-Marne. It is also found in the Aube region of Champagne where it produces strong fruity wines, and in the Petite Montagne.
The Petite Montagne
The Petite Montagne, which is a Northwestern extension of the Montagne de Reims, some Pinot Noir is grown here and because of its sandier soils provides more supple wines than the Pinot Noir of the Montagne proper. The Petite Montagne is one of the best places for the Pinot Meunier Grape, alongside the Vallee de la Marne, and is mostly populated with Premier Cru villages.
Pinot Meunier grapes account for 32.83 percent of Champagne vineyards and provides a stable structure for blending with a fruity fresh palate. However, given the right care and attention can produce excellent wines that are more than capable of ageing well.
Marne Valley
The vineyards of the Vallee de la Marne will show how they are exposed to the North, South, East and West. Our tour concentrates on the area of the Valley near Epernay, but the vineyards stretch 62 miles (100km) along the river Marne towards Paris, all of which offering some of the prettiest scenery in Champagne.. The Grand Cru village of Ay for example, hosts some prestigious names such as Bollinger and Deutz. The Far-eastern villages, including Ay, produce some excellent Pinot Noirs but the Vallee de la Marne is synonymous with the Pinot Meunier grape because of its colder soils, providing fruitiness and suppleness to the wines and is used for many of the big name blends. However, there are a number of producers in this region who have really mastered the art of managing the Pinot Meunier grape and produce some excellent Champagnes.
The Grand Cru villages of the Vallee de la Marne are: Ay and Tours-sur-Marne.
The valley is also host to one of the most famous abbeys at Hautvillers, which in the 17th Century became the home and workplace of the legendary monk Dom Perignon.
Cote des Blancs
The Cote des Blancs presents a hill some 600 feet (180m) high and stretches south from Epernay for about twelve miles (20km) and is the region for the Chardonnay grape, hence its name. It has steeper slopes which are east facing and thinner topsoils than the Montagne de Reims and Vallee de la Marne, in some places the vines are almost growing directly into the chalk.
Chardonnay accounts for only 28.51 percent of Champagne vineyards and most are found here.The grapes produced here provide bold but delicate Champagnes which have overtime, become known as the most elegant, particularly the blanc de blanc Champagnes. The Chardonnay grape also provides that crisp, precise vigor to blended wines. The Grand Cru villages of the Cote des Blancs are: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, home to Krug's famous Clos du Mesnil vineyard, and Oiry.Champagne & Primer
Pinot noir gives the wine red fruits aromas and brings body and power to the cuvee blending.
Pinot Meunier is supple and fruity. It has an intense bouquet and gives roundness to the wine.
Chardonnay is the variety of finesse. It gives floral marks. It develops quite slowly which makes a good balance for wine maturation when blended.
From dry to sweet, Champagnes are labeled
Brut Absolute
Brut,
Extra-Dry
Sec(Dry)
Demi-Sec and
Doux(Sweet).
Blanc de Blancs bottling are made entirely from Chardonnay grapes and tend to be lighter and more delicate in style.
Blanc de Noirs are made from red grapes and tend to be fuller bodied and richer tasting;
Rose Champagnes are dark pink in color and frequently intensely flavored.
Champagne Toast
Half Day Tours
Enjoying a glass at Champagne Hoffman after a walk through the vineyards on our half day vineyard half day private or semi private tour from Reims.
Quick Links to Places near Paris:
Tours departing from Reims, Epernay and Champagne Region
We concentrate our tours to the three main Champagne Vineyard regions: the Montagne de Reims, the Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs. During our tours we present the entire process of creating the magic that is Champagne, the legends, traditions and culture behind it. We visit both large and small producers and arrange tastings which show you the difference between either regions, specific producers or grape varieties.
Pick up and Drop Off
We will pick you up at your hotel in Reims or Epernay at 9:30 or Reims TGV station departing Paris at 8:57am and arriving Reims City Center at 9:42 if coming from Paris, which is only 45 minutes away. Meeting point at Reims Station to be the exit doors by the main exit, which is clearly marked, 'Place de la Gare Sortie'
Drop off locally or if returning to Paris and you are taking the afternoon tour then the 18:17 from station Champagne-Ardenne Station.
Lunch and Picnics
We organise lunches at local restaurants that range from small traditional brasseries to Michelin star gastronomic venues. Also, on occasion and subject to weather, we organise gastronomic picnics in the vineyards.
Inquiry Form
Half Day Semi Private Tours
Saturday Vineyard Tour
Walk in the vineyards of 'Montagne De Reims', visit a small Champagne producer and taste their Grand Reserve Champagne..
more details
Introduction to Champagne Making
Scheduled tours: April to October
Available Days: Saturday : 9:30am or 2:00pm
Duration: 3 1/2hrs
Cost: 60€pp
Itinerary : The tour provides an insight to the entire Champagne making process, from vine to glass.
Meeting behind the Cathederal of Reims - Montagne de Reims promenade in the villages and visits to small vineyards around Sacy, Villedemmange - visit to a small winegrower and tasting included - Return to Reims.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discover the Montagne de Reims and Vallee de la Marne
Scheduled tours: April to October
Available Days: Saturday : 9:00am
Duration: 3 - 4 hrs
Cost: 75 €pp
Itinerary : This is a fast paced tour covering a lot of ground in a short time. Pick up at Reims station or hotel - Visit the vineyards around the Lighthouse of Verzenay where you will hear stories about the famous widows of Champagne - You then cross the Montagne de Reims to the Marne Valley and the birthplace of Champagne in the Premier Cru village of Hautvillers. Here you will spend time in a family producer learning how they grow, produce and harvest champagne. Here you will do a tasting (if time a 2nd) - Quick visit to see the Avenue de Champagne - Return to Reims and location choice of drop off.
CLOSE
Full Day Semi Private Tours
Reims or Epernay & Cotes de Blancs
A perfect solution for single travelers and couples looking for a full day immersion into the heritage of Champagne with a choice of 2 tours.
more details
COTE DES BLANCS / EPERNAY / HAUTVILLERS
Scheduled tours: April to October from Reims at 9:00am or 9:30am Epernay
Days Available: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Duration: 8hrs
Cost: 165 €pp
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable full option minivan
*English speaking escort guide
*entrance fees and tastings at Moët & Chandon and at a family Champagne estate
*Avenue des Champagne tour
*Stop at the Abbey of Dom Perignon in Hautvillers
*Champagne tasting lunch with drinks included.
*8 passengers maximum per vehicle.
Itinerary : You will start your day driving along Scenic Route du Champagnes through the vineyards and picturesque Grand Cru villages like Ay, Hautvillers, Bouzy, Le Mesnil, Verzenay toward the Côte des Blancs passing some of the most famous Grandes Maisons de Champagne such as: Bollinger, Gosset, and Deutz
Guided tour and tasting at world famous Grande Maison de Champagne Moët & Chandon.
Then troll along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay located in the heart of town, Epernay internationally known as the "Capital of Champagne". Epernay’s stunning main street appears like an exhibition of opulent mansions housing the most illustrious Maisons de Champagne: Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, Mercier, etc. Not to mention the 100km of tunnels under the pavement!
During your Champagne tasting lunch you will be introduced you to local specialties, paired with three types of Champagne (Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noirs and Rosé) of the main terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blanc regions.
After lunch, we take you to the Marne Valley on a journey through the vineyards to meet with another prestigious figure: Dom Pérignon who finalized the process to elaborate Champagne and is now buried in the church of the former Benedictine Abbey of Hautvillers.
On the way back to Epernay you will enjoy the discovery of another face of Champagne: tour and Champagne tasting at a family estate. Among the Grandes Maisons de Champagne, more than 1 000 family wine makers contribute to the prestige of Champagne.
Return: 5:00PM Reims Champagne-Ardenne TGV train station.
5:30PM Tourist Office of Reims centre train station.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTAGNE DE REIMS, MUMM / CATHEDRAL
Scheduled tours: April to October Saturday from Reims at 9:00am
Days Available: Wednesday, Friday
Duration: 8hrs
Cost: 165 €pp
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable full option minivan
*English speaking escort guide
*entrance fees and tastings at Mumm and at a family estate
*Avenue des Champagne tour
*Tour of Reims Cathedral, sightseeing of Reims Grandes Maisons de Champagne,
*Champagne tasting lunch with drinks included.
*8 passengers maximum per vehicle.
Itinerary : You being the day with a sightseeing tour of Reims, city of coronation, and of Champagne. You will see pass several famous Grandes Maisons de Champagne: Veuve Cliquot, Taittinger, Pommery before stopping for a guided tour and tasting at world famous Grande Maison de Champagne Mumm. The Mumm Maison de Champagne was founded in 1827, however the Mumm dynasty dates back to the 12th century. They were German and in the 18th century they were already wine producers and merchants. Recognizing the quality and the potential of the sparkling wines produced in the nearby Champagne region, in 1927 they decided to establish a branch of their wine company there. “Only the Best” being their motto, they soon seduced illustrious European royal families. The creation of the “Cordon Rouge” definitely established their fame: they became the official supplier of the British Royalty.
During your Champagne tasting lunch you will be introduced you to local specialties, paired with three types of Champagne (Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noirs and Rosé) of the main terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blanc regions.
After lunch you will have a guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims. Listed in the Unesco World Heritage, 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. Let you be captivated by the unique stained glasses and the exceptionally rich statuary – over 2 300 statues among which the famous Smiling Angel. 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 would be crowned here!
We end the day in Montagne de Reims vineyards and a tasting at a family estate near Reims.
Return: 05:00PM Reims Champagne-Ardenne TGV train station or .
05:30PM Tourist Office of Reims centre train station.
*Wineries and family estates may change according to their availability.
For people staying in Epernay there is an,
08:19AM departing Epernay arriving Reims at 08:48AM.
05:54PM departing Reims arriving Epernay at 06:17PM
CLOSE
Half Day Private Tours
Our half-day tour is mostly conducted out of Reims and provides you with an opportunity to experience the wonderful sight of the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, to discover the legends behind Champagne and to see historical features of this famous landscape.
more details
Days Available: Daily throughout the year at 9:30am and 2:00pm
Duration: 3 1/2 to 4 hrs
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable minivan
*English speaking guide
*tastings fees at small producers
*8 passengers maximum per vehicle.
Description: Discovery of a Champagne vineyard, traditional press, cellars followed by 2 visits and Grand Reserve tasting in a small champagne producer. In the vineyard, the guide will explain the Champagne soil, the three main grape varieties in Champagne, the vines through the seasons from pruning in winter to ripening and harvest in autumn.
Options:
Discover the Reims Mountains
Discover the Champagne Grand Cru villages of Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay, five villages of only 17 out of 323 Champagne Villages having earned this label of excellence. We will stop and visit two traditional Grand Cru producers with tours and tastings, Houses such as Paul Dethune in Ambonnay and Ernest Remy in Mailly Champagne or we might take a promenades in the villages of Sacy and Villedemmange, and visits to two producers with tour and tasting at Nicholas Maillart or Ponson and tasting at Hoffman.
-----------------------------------------------------
Discover the Marne Valley
Visit to Hautvillers to pay hommage to Dom Perignon and have a tasting followed by visit of Moet or Billecart Salmon Champagne House in Mareuil sur Ay given enough advance notice.
CLOSE
Full Day Private Tours
Appreciate the differences between the Champagne regions. Experience the tradition and sometimes first-hand, the challenges producers face producing the World's most famous and prestigious wine.
more details
Days Available: Daily throughout the year
Duration: 8 hrs
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable minivan
*English speaking guide
You will experience first-hand the passion of the Champagne Producers and taste a selection of Champagnes from each region.
------------------------------------------------------
One Region Tour :
This tour concentrates on one particular region or type of Champagne for the day, taking in the different elements to the region/wine and providing the opportunity for people to taste the differences in the wines.
Montagne de Reims
Pick up from hotel in Reims/Epernay
Visit through the vineyards and the Champagne Grand Cru villages of Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay, five villages of only 17 out of 323 Champagne Villages having earned this label of excellence. We will stop and visit two traditional Grand Cru producers with tours and tastings, Houses such as Paul Dethune and Ernest Remy.
13:30 Lunch on the Montagne de Reims at Le Grand Cerf or village brasserie.
15:20 Visit to either Ruinart (has to be booked well in advance), Martel, Veuve Cliquot or Taittinger followed by a visit to the famous Cathedral in Reims.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Two Region Tour :
Montagne de Reims and Marne Valley
This tour concentrates on the 2 most well known regions in Champagne for the day,
9:42Pick up from hotel in Reims/Epernay
Visit through the vineyards and the Champagne Grand Cru villages of Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay, five villages of only 17 out of 323 Champagne Villages having earned this label of excellence. We will stop and visit two traditional Grand Cru producers with tours and tastings, Houses such as Paul Dethune and Ernest Remy.
13:00 Lunch on the Montagne de Reims at Le Grand Cerf or village brasserie.
14:30 Cellar visit at Moet et Chandon followed by visit to Hautvillers (Premier Cru Village) followed by tasting at a small producer and visit to the abbey of Dom Perignon.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Three Region Tour :
Montagne de Reims, Marne Valley and Cote de Blancs
This tour concentrates on the 3 most popular regions in Champagne in one day.
9:42 Pick up from hotel in Reims/Epernay
10:00 Visit to either Ruinart (has to be booked well in advance), Martel, Veuve Cliquot or Taittinger.
12:00 Visit to Hautvillers (Premier Cru Village) and a tasting at a small producer and visit to the abbey of Dom Perignon.
13:00 Lunch on the Montagne de Reims at Le Grand Cerf or village brasserie.
14:30 The afternoon will be spent south of Epernay in the White Coast primarily known for it's Chardonnay grapes where you will visit Grand Cru producers in Cramant, Avize or Chouilly.
CLOSE
Special Experiences
Perhaps you have been to champagne before and visited a few of the large prestige producers. This time become part of the Champagne culture and heritage. We will arrange lunch and Sabrage or lunch and tasting in a Treetops bar.
more details
Sabrage Lunch
Sabrage is a ceremonial technique for opening a bottle of Champagne with a saber. This technique became popular in France when Napoleon's Hussars celebrates their victoires as they conquered Europe. Today the Champagne sword (sabred à champagne) is a blunt instrument specially made for sabrage with blades as short as 12 inches.
During a full day tour we will arrange a visit to family producer for a cellar visit followed by lunch, sabrage demonstration and then you will do it and receive a diploma testifying to your experience
-------------------------------------------------------------
Treetop Lunch and / or Tasting :
On a full day tour after lunch we'll take you to a place to relax and breath in the cool breeze of the Champagne air, a moment of real repose, a bar perched in the treetops with a panoramic view of the Montagnes de Reims, for a 3 champagne tasting of the classic brand Bollinger (Bolly to the Brits) as well as 2 small family estates as a comparison.
On request and with at least 3 weeks notice we can also arrange a cold tasting lunch with your tasting
CLOSE
