Champagne Day Tour Planning
We organize unforgettable trips to discover Champagne's winemaking highlights with one of our professional drivers or if you want to drive we will just do the planning and make the vineyard and lunch reservations. Whether spending a half-day or full-day wine adventure, we will ensure a memorable and personalized experience in the world's most celebrated sparkling wine region. This page will will guide you though the 4 key planning questions to consider in creating your ideal visit to the Champagne region.
First - How do you want to get to Champagne?
Champagne, is located approximately 100 miles east of Paris. By car 2 1/4hrs, by coach 2 ½ to 3hrs drive and by TGV train from Gare de l'Est - 40mins.
Second - What are your key interests?
We will build an itinerary around the key experiences you want to have and if available, specific Houses or vineyards you may wish to visit. Given the high demand in Champagne during high season your specific choice may be fully booked. Don't worry! With over 20 years experience and a network of over 150 vineyards, we will find the best alternatives.
Third – How do you want to divide your time?
Do you prefer more time learning the secrets of famous Champagne Houses, wandering through vineyards, educating your palate with single varietal tastings or do you want to visit Reims Cathedral or Dom Perignon's tomb in Hautvillers? Here is a rough guide of how you can break up the day.
Classic Full Day 11hrs Tours from Paris: Depart 7:30/ 7:45 am.
• 2 Famous Houses + Lunch
• 1 Famous House + Lunch + 2 Vineyard Visit
• 1 Famous House + Vineyard Lunch + 1 Vineyard Visits/Tastings
Classic Full Day 8hrs Tours from Reims or Epernay: Depart 8:45am / 9:30am
• 1 Famous House + Lunch + Immersive Vineyard Visits/Tastings
• 1 Famous House + Lunch + 1 Vineyard Visits/Tastings + 1 Tasting Stops
• Vineyard Visits/Tastings + Vineyard Picnic Lunch + 2 or 3 Tasting Stops
Classic Half Day 4 / 5 hrs Tours from Reims or Epernay: Depart 8:45 am or 1:45 pm
• 2 or 3 Family Vineyard Visits/Tastings
• Immersive Family Vineyard Visit + Vineyard Visit/Tastings
• Large or Small Cellars Visit in Epernay + 1 Tasting Stop
Wine Lover Full Day 8hrs Tours from Reims or Epernay
Wine Enthusiasts love to discover new winemakers who produce high quality wines, and which represent outstanding value.
• Special Club producer visits
• Grand & Premier Cru Grower visit
• Winemaker visits
• Discover Varietals in depth Cote de Blancs, Montagne de Reims, & Marne Valley
• Wine to Table Winemaker Immersion Experiences
Fourth - What sort of lunch experience do you want?
Champagne's the perfect complement to many kinds of food as well as an aperitif served on its own. High levels of acidity and low quantities of sugar, make it ideal for both seafood, caviar, high fat foods like French Fries, and lightly flavored white fish with a young non vintage fruity Blanc de Blanc, whilst a more mature Blanc de Blanc vintage pairs better with Caviar.
Fifth - Most Frequently Asked Questions
• What should I wear? Comfortable layered clothing
• Can I buy champagne at the vineyards? Yes but not all ship to the US
• Is food served during a tasting? Only at a few places
• Best time of year to visit: April to July – end of September to early November
• Are family vineyards open to tour on Sunday. Less than a handful.