The Connoisseurs from Reims (Private Half day Tour)

About this tour

A half-day private tour through Champagne's heartland, centred on the UNESCO-listed Marne Valley near Epernay. You'll explore Hautvillers, the village where Champagne production began, visit two independent producer cellars, and taste six Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines alongside regional spirits like Ratafia and Marc. The route sweeps across the Côte des Blancs' Chardonnay slopes and down Epernay's legendary Avenue, where 200 million bottles rest beneath the street.

Highlights

• Dom Pérignon's church and vineyard in historic Hautvillers
• Panoramic vantage across working vineyards with viticulture insight
• Six tastings of Grand Cru and Premier Cru from family growers
• Ratafia, Fine, and Marc—traditional Champagne spirits rarely sampled
• Côte des Blancs' 100% Chardonnay 'Blanc de Blancs' terroir
• Avenue de Champagne's subterranean cellar network and heritage

What to expect

Your guide collects you from Reims and drives into the Marne Valley's rolling vineyard landscape. You'll walk Hautvillers' narrow lanes, glimpse Dom Pérignon's legacy, then climb to a quiet overlook where the guide explains slope aspect, chalk soils, and harvest timing. Two cellar stops follow: intimate family operations where you taste directly from the producers, learning their philosophy before moving through tastings. Between stops, you'll see the Côte des Blancs' distinctive pale slopes. In Epernay, a brief stroll down the Avenue reveals Belle Époque mansions and hints at the vast chalk galleries underneath.

Good to know

Pickup is within 6 km of Reims city centre. Wear comfortable shoes—there's moderate walking on village streets and vineyard viewpoints. The pace suits all fitness levels. If you prefer public transport, local buses reach the region, though a car maximises flexibility. The tour runs year-round; spring and autumn offer the best light for photography.