About this tour
A private seven-hour exploration of Champagne's most distinguished terroirs, starting from Reims. Visit Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards across the Côte des Blancs and Marne Valley, including Hautvillers—where Dom Pérignon pioneered champagne production—and the prestigious village of Aÿ. Tour two family-run producer sites, taste six distinct champagnes, sample traditional eaux-de-vie, and enjoy lunch with wine included. Your guide drives and shares insider knowledge of viticulture and regional heritage.
Highlights
- Hautvillers church and vineyard, birthplace of champagne traditions
- Côte des Blancs Chardonnay slopes and UNESCO-listed Marne Valley
- Six Grand Cru and Premier Cru tastings at independent grower estates
- Ratafia, Fine and Marc—essential Champagne spirits beyond wine
- Epernay's Avenue de Champagne, world's priciest street
- Panoramic stops across working vineyards with production insight
- Three-course lunch paired with champagne for two
What to expect
Your driver-guide collects you from near Reims and heads into rolling vineyard country. Expect a leisurely pace: you'll stop at scenic overlooks to understand how chalk soil and aspect shape different grapes, visit two working producers where owners or staff walk you through cellars and methods, then sit down to taste methodically—starting with lighter wines, building to richer expressions. Mid-tour, you'll pass through Épernay's grand avenue lined with maison headquarters, then settle for lunch at a local table with proper champagne. The day balances education and pleasure; no rushing between stops.
Good to know
Wear comfortable shoes for vineyard walks and cellar floors. Morning pickup includes a 6km radius around Reims; confirm your exact location. Bring sunscreen and a light layer—vineyards offer little shade. Tasting alcohol over seven hours requires pacing; eat well beforehand. All fitness levels welcome; routes are gentle.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.