Champagne: Small Group Wine Tour & Tastings from Reims

Summary

Family-run champagne tastings village strolls and vineyard views

You’ll taste six champagnes at two family-run wineries outside Reims, hear stories from local producers, wander through Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon rests (afternoon only), and share vineyard views with new friends. Expect honest flavors and warm laughter — not just another wine tour.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there’s that soft, chalky light outside Reims — the kind you only get in Champagne. I remember our guide, Camille, waving us into the van right by the train station (she had this bright scarf, impossible to miss). We were just eight, so it felt more like a group of friends than strangers. The drive out was quiet at first; you could smell the morning dew on the vines through the window, and someone behind me whispered about how endless they looked. I didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful.

First stop was this family-run Champagne producer — “Premier Cru,” Camille said proudly. Inside it smelled faintly of yeast and cold stone. The owner’s hands were stained a little from work; he poured three different champagnes for us while explaining each step of the process. I tried asking about dosage in my best French (not great), and he grinned before answering in English anyway. The tasting itself… well, one glass had these tiny bubbles that tickled my nose more than I expected. We laughed when someone tried to describe it as “crisp” but couldn’t find a better word.

We wound up at a viewpoint above the vineyards next — honestly, photos don’t do it justice. There’s this hush over everything except for birds and maybe a tractor somewhere far off. If you do the afternoon tour, you’ll walk through Hautvillers too, where Dom Pérignon is buried. The church is simple but feels important somehow; Camille told us a story about monks sneaking sips after dark (not sure if she made that up). Then another small producer — different village, slightly different style of champagne. Six tastings altogether by the end; I lost track of which was which but remember laughing more easily with everyone by then.

I still think about that view over the vines whenever I see bubbles in my glass now. It wasn’t fancy or rushed — just real people sharing what they love about their home, even if my French was hopeless.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half Day Champagne Tour with Tastings

• Visit first Premier Cru producer
• Taste 3 different Champagnes
• Stop at vineyard viewpoint for photos
• Visit second Premier or Grand Cru producer
• Taste 3 different Champagnes
• Visit Hautvillers village and Dom Pérignon's tomb

Top questions

How many champagnes do you taste on this tour?

You’ll taste six different champagnes across two small producers during the day.

Is pickup included for this Champagne wine tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet in front of the tourism office at Reims main train station.

Does the tour visit Hautvillers and Dom Pérignon’s church?

Yes, but only on the afternoon tour — not available in the morning option.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at eight travelers for a small-group feel.

Are children allowed on this Champagne day trip?

No, children or babies aren’t allowed on this particular tour.

Can you ship champagne home after tasting?

Yes, shipping is available to destinations like the US, Australia, and Europe if you want to send bottles home.

What type of vehicle is used for transport?

The tour uses Mercedes minivans with air conditioning for comfort.

Are public transportation options nearby for getting to Reims?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Reims main train station where you meet your guide.

What’s included

Your half-day includes meeting your guide outside Reims train station before heading out by Mercedes minivan to two family-run champagne producers for tours and tastings (six champagnes total), plus entry fees covered throughout. Afternoon tours add a stroll through Hautvillers village and Dom Pérignon’s church before returning together to Reims.