Reims Champagne Tour: Family Vineyards & 6 Tastings Morning

Summary

Family-run Champagne tastings in Reims vineyards with local stories

You’ll walk vineyard rows near Reims with a local guide, meet two families behind Champagne’s famous bubbles, sample six unique cuvées (with plenty of stories), and see cellars most tourists miss. Expect laughter, real conversations, and that feeling when sunlight hits your glass just right.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped out of the Reims Centre train station just after nine, the air still a little sharp — you could smell that early-morning bakery thing drifting from somewhere nearby. Our guide, Camille, waved us over with this huge grin and immediately started talking about how the city wakes up slower than Paris. I liked her right away. She drove us out past these rows of vines that looked almost too neat, like someone had combed them on purpose. It was quiet except for the crunch of gravel under our shoes when we stopped in Montagne de Reims — she handed me a bit of chalky soil to feel, said it’s what gives Champagne its “bite.” I didn’t expect to care about dirt but there you go.

The first family vineyard felt like someone’s home — their dog barked at us but then just flopped over in the sun. Inside, it smelled faintly of yeast and apples. The owner (Madame Lefèvre? My French is tragic) showed us these old presses and let us peek into their cellar where bottles sleep for years. We tasted three different cuvées — one was so crisp it made my jaw tingle. Camille explained the méthode champenoise without making it sound like homework. At one point I tried to pronounce “remuage” and got laughed at (in a nice way). It felt easygoing, not stuffy at all.

After that we drove to another small producer — this one was more modern but still run by a couple who seemed genuinely proud to show us around. Their son poured our glasses and told me he prefers his Champagne with potato chips (honestly? Same). We tried three more styles; by then I could actually tell them apart, or at least pretend convincingly. There was this moment where sunlight hit the glasses just right on the tasting table and everything kind of glowed — maybe that sounds cheesy but I still think about it sometimes.

The drive back into Reims was quiet, everyone a little tipsy and smiling for no reason. It ended before lunch but felt like we’d been away much longer — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Champagne family growers tour in Reims

• Meet guide at Reims Centre Station
• Visit first family-run winery
• Taste three cuvées at first winery
• Stop in Montagne de Reims vineyards
• Visit second family-run producer
• Taste three cuvées at second producer
• Return to Reims Centre Station

Top questions

How many Champagne tastings are included on this Reims tour?

The tour includes six tastings: three at each family-run producer.

Where does the Champagne tour from Reims start?

The meeting point is in front of the Reims Centre Train Station Tourist Office at 9:20 AM.

Is transportation included during the Champagne day trip?

Yes, transportation between stops is provided as part of the small-group tour.

Are children allowed on this half-day Champagne tour?

No, children under 10 years old are not permitted on this tour.

What should I wear for visiting vineyards near Reims?

Wear casual shoes suitable for walking in vineyards; dress appropriately for all weather conditions.

Does this Champagne tasting tour operate year-round?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; check availability for specific dates.

How long does the morning Champagne tour last?

The tour runs from 9:20 AM to approximately 1:15 PM.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from Reims Centre station, guided visits and entry fees at two family-run wineries in Montagne de Reims, six different Champagne tastings (three per estate), comfortable transport between stops, and an English-speaking local guide before returning to town by early afternoon.