Reims: Veuve Clicquot and Family-Run Winery Day Tour & Lunch

Imagine spending a day in the heart of France’s most celebrated wine region, savoring world-renowned Champagne, exploring historic cellars, and enjoying a delicious lunch at a family-run estate. That’s exactly what this 7.5-hour tour offers, with a perfect blend of luxury and authentic charm. Whether you’re a Champagne novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience promises memorable tastings, scenic views, and stories from industry insiders.

We especially love the opportunity to visit both the grand, historic Veuve Clicquot cellars and a cozy, family-owned winery, giving you a well-rounded taste of Champagne’s diversity. The expert guides make all the difference, offering engaging insights and a genuine passion for the region. Plus, the included lunch, paired with multiple Champagne tastings, makes this a true indulgence.

One thing to consider is that the tour requires a minimum of two participants, so if you’re traveling solo, it’s worth planning ahead. Also, travelers should be prepared for cellar temperatures around 10°C—bring a light jacket to stay comfortable while exploring the underground caves. This tour is best suited for adults or older teens who appreciate fine wine, scenic countryside, and a relaxed pace.

If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of Champagne while enjoying a well-organized, intimate experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for those craving a blend of history, craftsmanship, and good food in a beautiful setting.

Good To Know

• Authentic Mix: Combines visits to historic Champagne houses and intimate family-run wineries
• All-Inclusive Tastings: Enjoy a total of 9 Champagne glasses, with expert guidance
• Delicious Food: A traditional Champagne lunch at a local estate, with dietary needs accommodated
• Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of vineyards, plus a visit to the picturesque Hautvillers village
• Small Group: An intimate experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention
• Flexible Meeting Points: Options in Epernay or Reims, making it convenient for travelers

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Points and Convenience

The tour begins either in Epernay or Reims, both key hubs in the Champagne region. Meeting in front of the tourist office in Epernay or Reims Centre train station makes it accessible, especially if you’re arriving by train. The small-group setup, capped at 8 people, ensures a cozy environment where you can ask plenty of questions and get personalized attention.

A Day Full of Champagne

The day kicks off with a guided visit to Veuve Clicquot’s cellars, one of the most recognizable names in Champagne. Led by a knowledgeable guide (reviewers highlight guides like Suzanne and Chloe for their enthusiasm and expertise), you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the vast underground tunnels where Champagne is carefully stored and aged. Expect to sample 4 different cuvées, which helps you understand the range of flavors and styles that Veuve Clicquot offers.

If Veuve Clicquot isn’t available, the tour swaps it for another top-tier Champagne house, ensuring quality and prestige are maintained. Guests consistently mention the engaging guides, with many describing them as full of facts, humor, and genuine passion—making the experience both educational and fun.

A Scenic Drive and a Historic Village

Next, the group drives through the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, a street lined with grand Champagne estates, perfect for photos and soaking in the luxe atmosphere. The visit includes a stroll through Hautvillers, a charming village famous as the resting place of Dom Pérignon, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Expect breathtaking views over the vineyards, ideal for snapping memorable photos or just taking in the peaceful scenery.

The reviews praise the views and stops for their beauty, noting that the scenery enhances the overall experience. Guests often mention how the village’s quaint charm and historic significance add a special touch to the day.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

A Taste of Authenticity: The Family-Run Wineries

After the grand Champagne houses, the tour takes you to a small, family-run estate for an insider look at winemaking. This part of the tour is treasured by guests who want to see the craftsmanship behind the bubbles. It’s a less polished, more personal experience that offers a glimpse into the hands-on process, often with tastings of local, smaller-batch Champagnes you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Guests highlight the warmth and passion of the owners, as well as the chance to taste unique, artisanal Champagnes. This segment balances the luxury of the larger houses with the authenticity of local producers, making the experience both aspirational and relatable.

Lunch: A Highlight for Food and Wine Lovers

Midday, the group enjoys a gourmet lunch paired with Champagne at a family-owned estate. The sit-down meal features local flavors, and dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated if noted in advance. Many guests describe the lunch as a highlight, appreciating the chance to relax and savor regional cuisine alongside excellent bubbly.

The Finale: More Tasting and Scenic Views

The afternoon continues with visits to additional estates, including a small micro Champagne house, where you’ll taste a total of 9 glasses throughout the day. This generous tasting selection is often praised by guests for giving a comprehensive sense of Champagne’s diversity—from crisp Blanc de Blancs to richer, more complex blends.

Guests frequently mention the guides’ skill in teaching the art of Champagne tasting, making it accessible regardless of prior knowledge. The tasting sessions are described as fun, quick, and packed with interesting facts, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation of the wine.

End of the Day

The tour winds down around 4:45 PM in Epernay or 5:30 PM in Reims, with drop-offs at the original meeting points. You’ll leave feeling well-informed, relaxed, and with a good stash of Champagne and memories.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to visiting just one Champagne house, this full-day experience provides a well-rounded view of the region’s offerings. The price of $386 per person includes transport, all tastings, an expert guide, and a delicious lunch—making it a practical choice for travelers who want a hassle-free, comprehensive Champagne day.

Guests frequently comment on the quality of the guide—described as friendly, humorous, and full of knowledge—adding to the overall value. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for conversation and questions.

Practical tips

• Dress warmly, as cellars stay around 10°C
• Book train tickets in advance to confirm your arrival and departure times
• Mention any dietary restrictions when booking for a smooth lunch experience
• Prepare for a day of walking and standing, especially during cellar tours and village strolls

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy wine or are curious about Champagne, this tour is a wonderful way to immerse yourself without the stress of planning logistics. It’s ideal for those who appreciate authentic experiences, good storytelling, and a mix of large and small producers.

It’s well-suited for adults and older teens rather than children under 10, given the focus on tasting and cellar visits. Travelers looking for a relaxed, informative day with great scenery and excellent Champagne will find this tour particularly rewarding.

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and tastings—delivered in a small-group setting that feels intimate and genuine. You’ll learn about Champagne’s fascinating process from passionate guides, enjoy a satisfying lunch paired with bubbly, and visit both iconic and lesser-known estates.

While the price might seem steep, the all-inclusive nature, quality guides, and diverse stops make it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a comprehensive Champagne experience. Whether it’s your first visit or a special indulgence, this day out in Reims and Épernay promises plenty of memorable moments.

What are the meeting points for the tour?
You can meet either in front of the tourist office in Epernay or at Reims Central Train Station, depending on the option you choose.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, starting early in the morning and ending mid-afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
Transport by air-conditioned minivan, entry fees for visits and tastings at one family winery, a total of 9 Champagne glasses tasted, and a lunch at a winery.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, if you mention special needs when booking, the lunch can be tailored to dietary restrictions or allergies.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, as the focus is on wine tastings and cellar visits.

What should I bring?
Bring a jacket for the cellar’s cool temperatures, comfortable shoes for walking, and your camera for the vineyard views.

Can I customize the tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but the small group setting allows for some personalized questions and interaction with guides.

Do I need to book train tickets separately?
Yes, it’s recommended to book your train tickets in advance to secure the best fares and ensure your arrival aligns with the tour schedule.

Is the tour suitable for wine enthusiasts?
Absolutely. Guests frequently mention the engaging tastings and the chance to learn from knowledgeable guides, making it perfect for wine lovers.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of big-name Champagne houses, intimate family wineries, stunning scenery, and a delicious lunch creates a well-rounded, memorable experience.

To sum it up, this Reims and Épernay Champagne tour offers a carefully curated day that balances luxury, authenticity, and fun. Perfect for curious travelers wanting to see the region’s highlights and taste a variety of Champagnes, it guarantees a day full of beautiful scenery, expert insights, and, of course, plenty of bubbles.

You can check if your dates are available here: