Home Trip Planning Private Guides See Paris Food & Wine Romantic Paris Night Magic Champagne
Champagne:
There are 34,000 hectares of Champagne vineyards, which are centered around 323 Champagne producing Villages, known as Cru, a wine growing comune. These Cru villages are historically designated either as Grand Cru, which there are only 17, Premier Cru, which there are only 44 and Crus Secondaire.
The region is spread over a vast area with numerous sub-regions. Our tours focus on the main three regions of Champagne
The viticultural boundaries of Champagne are legally defined and split into five wine producing districts within the administrative province-the Aube, Cote des Blancs, Cote de Sezanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallee de la Marne. The towns of Reims and Epernay are the commercial centers of the area. The principal grapes grown in the region include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in the Aube region and grows very well in Montagne de Reims. Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape in the Vallee de la Marne region. The Cote des Blancs is dedicated almost exclusively to Chardonnay
The Montagne de Reims stretches over twelve miles (20km) and is six miles (10km) wide. Its highest point it is 600 feet (180m) above sea level. The vineyards stretch continuously the length of its northern slopes from Villers-Allerand to Mailly, but the most renowned vineyards are on the northeastern slopes from Verzenay and Verzy to Bouzy and Ambonnay, where the purest chalk subsoil is found and is a perfect environment for the finest Pinot Noir grapes. Here our clients will be able to taste the majestic structure of the Pinot Noir Champagnes.
Pinot Noir grapes account for 38.39 percent of Champagne vineyards and most are found here. The wines from this region are robust and full of flavour.
The Grand Cru villages of the Montagne de Reims are: Ambonnay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Puisieulx, Sillery, Verzenay and Verzy.
Pinot Noir can also be found in the eastern villages of the Vallee de la Marne, including the Grand Cru villages of Ay and Tours-sur-Marne. It is also found in the Aube region of Champagne where it produces strong fruity wines, and in the Petite Montagne.
The Petite Montagne
The Petite Montagne, which is a Northwestern extension of the Montagne de Reims, some Pinot Noir is grown here and because of its sandier soils provides more supple wines than the Pinot Noir of the Montagne proper. The Petite Montagne is one of the best places for the Pinot Meunier Grape, alongside the Vallee de la Marne, and is mostly populated with Premier Cru villages.
Pinot Meunier grapes account for 32.83 percent of Champagne vineyards and provides a stable structure for blending with a fruity fresh palate. However, given the right care and attention can produce excellent wines that are more than capable of ageing well.
The vineyards of the Vallee de la Marne will show how they are exposed to the North, South, East and West. Our tour concentrates on the area of the Valley near Epernay, but the vineyards stretch 62 miles (100km) along the river Marne towards Paris, all of which offering some of the prettiest scenery in Champagne.. The Grand Cru village of Ay for example, hosts some prestigious names such as Bollinger and Deutz. The Far-eastern villages, including Ay, produce some excellent Pinot Noirs but the Vallee de la Marne is synonymous with the Pinot Meunier grape because of its colder soils, providing fruitiness and suppleness to the wines and is used for many of the big name blends. However, there are a number of producers in this region who have really mastered the art of managing the Pinot Meunier grape and produce some excellent Champagnes.
The Grand Cru villages of the Vallee de la Marne are: Ay and Tours-sur-Marne.
The valley is also host to one of the most famous abbeys at Hautvillers, which in the 17th Century became the home and workplace of the legendary monk Dom Perignon.
The Cote des Blancs presents a hill some 600 feet (180m) high and stretches south from Epernay for about twelve miles (20km) and is the region for the Chardonnay grape, hence its name. It has steeper slopes which are east facing and thinner topsoils than the Montagne de Reims and Vallee de la Marne, in some places the vines are almost growing directly into the chalk.
Chardonnay accounts for only 28.51 percent of Champagne vineyards and most are found here. The grapes produced here provide bold but delicate Champagnes which have overtime, become known as the most elegant, particularly the blanc de blanc Champagnes. The Chardonnay grape also provides that crisp, precise vigor to blended wines. The Grand Cru villages of the Cote des Blancs are: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, home to Krug's famous Clos du Mesnil vineyard, and Oiry.Pinot noir gives the wine red fruits aromas and brings body and power to the cuvee blending.
Pinot Meunier is supple and fruity. It has an intense bouquet and gives roundness to the wine.
Chardonnay is the variety of finesse. It gives floral marks. It develops quite slowly which makes a good balance for wine maturation when blended.
From dry to sweet, Champagnes are labeled
Brut Absolute
Brut,
Extra-Dry
Sec(Dry)
Demi-Sec and
Doux(Sweet).
Blanc de Blancs bottling are made entirely from Chardonnay grapes and tend to be lighter and more delicate in style.
Blanc de Noirs are made from red grapes and tend to be fuller bodied and richer tasting;
Rose Champagnes are dark pink in color and frequently intensely flavored.
Champagne Toast
Enjoying a glass at Champagne after a walk through the vineyards.
We concentrate our tours to the three main Champagne Vineyard regions: the Montagne de Reims, the Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs. During our tours we present the entire process of creating the magic that is Champagne, the legends, traditions and culture behind it. We visit both large and small producers and arrange tastings which show you the difference between either regions, specific producers or grape varieties.
Inquiry Form
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Start your day driving along Scenic Route du Champagnes through the vineyards and picturesque Grand Cru villages like Ay, Hautvillers, Bouzy, Le Mesnil, Verzenay toward the Côte des Blancs.
more details
Pick up and Drop Off
Depart Paris at 7:50am, arrives Reims Centres at 8:44
Drop off locally or if returning to Paris take the 18:20 from TGV station Champagne-Ardenne.
COTE DES BLANCS / EPERNAY / MOET / HAUTVILLERS
Scheduled tours: March to October from Reims at 9:00am or 9:30am Epernay
Days Available: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Duration: 8hrs
Cost: 169 €pp
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable full option minivan
*English speaking escort guide
*entrance fees and tastings at Moët & Chandon and at a family Champagne estate
*Avenue des Champagne tour
*Stop at the Abbey of Dom Perignon in Hautvillers
*Champagne tasting lunch with drinks included.
*8 passengers maximum per vehicle.
Itinerary : You will start your day driving along Scenic Route du Champagnes through the vineyards and picturesque Grand Cru villages like Ay, Hautvillers, Bouzy, Le Mesnil, Verzenay toward the Côte des Blancs passing some of the most famous Grandes Maisons de Champagne such as: Bollinger, Gosset, and Deutz
Guided tour and tasting at world famous Grande Maison de Champagne Moët & Chandon.
Then troll along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay located in the heart of town, Epernay internationally known as the "Capital of Champagne". Epernay’s stunning main street appears like an exhibition of opulent mansions housing the most illustrious Maisons de Champagne: Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, Mercier, etc. Not to mention the 100km of tunnels under the pavement!
During your Champagne tasting lunch you will be introduced you to local specialties, paired with three types of Champagne (Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noirs and Rosé) of the main terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blanc regions.
After lunch, we take you to the Marne Valley on a journey through the vineyards to meet with another prestigious figure: Dom Pérignon who finalized the process to elaborate Champagne and is now buried in the church of the former Benedictine Abbey of Hautvillers.
On the way back to Epernay you will enjoy the discovery of another face of Champagne: tour and Champagne tasting at a family estate. Among the Grandes Maisons de Champagne, more than 1 000 family wine makers contribute to the prestige of Champagne.
Return: 5:00pm Reims Centre train station for the next train at 7:15pm or 5:30pm for the 6:20pm from Champagne-Ardenne
Also available any day except Sunday as a private tour.
Monday & Wednesdays
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Reims, city of coronation, as you pass several famous Grandes Maisons: Veuve Cliquot, Taittinger, & Pommery before a guided tour and tasting at world famous Champagne Mumm.
more details
Pick up and Drop Off
Depart Paris at 7:50am, arrives Reims Centres at 8:44
Drop off locally or if returning to Paris take the 18:20 from TGV station Champagne-Ardenne.
MONTAGNE DE REIMS, MUMM / CATHEDRAL
Scheduled tours: March to October Saturday from Reims at 9:00am
Days Available: Wednesday, Friday
Duration: 8hrs
Cost: 169 €pp
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable full option minivan
*English speaking escort guide
*entrance fees and tastings at Mumm and at a family estate
*Avenue des Champagne tour
*Tour of Reims Cathedral, sightseeing of Reims Grandes Maisons de Champagne,
*Champagne tasting lunch with drinks included.
*8 passengers maximum per vehicle.
Itinerary : The Mumm Maison de Champagne was founded in 1827, however the Mumm dynasty dates back to the 12th century. They were German and in the 18th century they were already wine producers and merchants. Recognizing the quality and the potential of the sparkling wines produced in the nearby Champagne region, in 1927 they decided to establish a branch of their wine company there. “Only the Best” being their motto, they soon seduced illustrious European royal families. The creation of the “Cordon Rouge” definitely established their fame: they became the official supplier of the British Royalty.
During your Champagne tasting lunch you will be introduced you to local specialties, paired with three types of Champagne (Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noirs and Rosé) of the main terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blanc regions.
After lunch you will have a guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims. Listed in the Unesco World Heritage, 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. Let you be captivated by the unique stained glasses and the exceptionally rich statuary – over 2 300 statues among which the famous Smiling Angel. It is here that King Clovis was baptized around year 498 giving birth to the Kingdom of the Franks and starting a long lasting tradition: except two, all of the Kings of France would be crowned here!
We end the day in Montagne de Reims vineyards and a tasting at a family estate near Reims.
Return: 5:00pm Reims Centre train station for the next train at 7:15pm or 5:30pm for the 6:20pm from Champagne-Ardenne
Also available as a private tour.
*Wineries and family estates may change according to their availability.
For people staying in Epernay there is an,
08:19AM departing Epernay arriving Reims at 08:48AM.
05:54PM departing Reims arriving Epernay at 06:17PM
Discover a vineyard, traditional press, cellars and experience 2 tastings. Your guide will explain the soil, main grape varieties and the vines through the seasons from pruning in winter to ripening and harvest in autumn.
more details
Days Available: Daily throughout the year at approx 9:30am and 2:00pm with limited options on Sunday.
Duration: 3 1/2 to 4 hrs
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable minivan
*English speaking guide
*tastings fees at small producers
*8 passengers maximum per vehicle.
Option 1. Discover the Reims Mountains
We will pass through Grand Cru villages like Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay 2 route two traditional Grand or Premier Cru producers for tour and tastings. Houses such as Paul Dethune in Ambonnay, Ernest Remy in Mailly, Nicholas Maillart or Champagne Ponson. The selection will be based on availability of the growers. If time, promenades in the villages of Sacy or Villedemmange.
-----------------------------------------------------
Option 2. Discover Epernay & Marne Valley (Available Daily)
Head south to the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay for a visit to Moet et Chandon or on Weekday not far away in Mareuil sur Ay the exclusive house of Billecart-Salmon for a cellar visit and tasting. After the tour you will drive to the Village of Hautvillers to pay hommage at the Abbey of Dom Perignon and close by have a tasting at a family producer.
-----------------------------------------------------
Option 3. Discover the Cote de Blancs
On this tour you will visit 2 small family producers who make excellent champagne. The first will be in the Cote de Blanc specializing in Chardonnay. The 2nd grower will be situated in the Marne Valley. After the tour you may have time for a quick visit to the picturesque village of Hautvillers.
Appreciate the differences between the Champagne regions. Experience the tradition and the challenges producers face producing the World's most famous and prestigious wine.
more details
Days Available: Daily throughout the year with limted options on Sundays
Duration: 8 hrs
Includes :
*Transportation in a comfortable minivan
*English speaking guide
Pick up : Reims or Epernay
Lunch : There are many lunch options which include: Le Grand Cerf, Les Crayeres Brasserie in Reims, Cave a la Champagne in Epernay or with at least 3 weeks notice we can also arrange a cold tasting lunch in the Treetops with a panoramic view of the Montagne de Reims. A place to relax and breath in the cool breeze of the Champagne air, a moment of real repose. On option a 3 champagne tasting of the classic Bollinger (Bolly to the Brits) as well as 2 small family estates as a comparison. On occasion and subject to weather, we can organise a picnic.
------------------------------------------------------
Examples Only
Option 4. One Region Tour :
This tour concentrates on one particular region or type of Champagne for the day, taking in the different elements to the region/wine and providing the opportunity for people to taste the differences in the wines.
Marne Valley if departing from Reims
Morning: Cellar visit at Moet et Chandon or Billecart Salmon followed by visit to Hautvillers (Premier Cru Village) followed by tasting at a small producer and visit to the abbey of Dom Perignon
Afternoon: Visit to 2 small family producers such as Ch. Charpentier who specialize in Pinot Meunier and 2nd producer to discover Blancs de Blancs or the Champagne of Comtess Lafond.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Option 5. Two Region Tour :
Montagne de Reims and Marne Valley
This tour concentrates on the 2 most well known regions in Champagne for the day,
Morning: Visit through the vineyards and the Champagne Grand Cru villages of Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly Champagne, Bouzy and Ambonnay, five villages of only 17 out of 323 Champagne Villages having earned this label of excellence. We will stop and visit two traditional Grand Cru producers with tours and tastings, Houses such as Paul Dethune and Ernest Remy.
Afternoon: Cellar visit at Moet et Chandon or Billecart Salmon followed by visit to Hautvillers (Premier Cru Village) followed by tasting at a small producer and visit to the abbey of Dom Perignon.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Option 6.
Montagne de Reims, Marne Valley and Cote de Blancs
This tour concentrates on the 3 most popular regions in Champagne in one day.
Morning: Montagne de Reims
Visit to Hautvillers (Premier Cru Village) and a tasting at a small producer and visit to the abbey of Dom Perignon.
Afternoon: You will be spent south of Epernay in the White Coast primarily known for it's Chardonnay grapes where you will visit Grand Cru producers in Cramant, Avize or Chouilly.
Option Art of Sabrage :
Learn about and participate in sabrage, a traditional ceremony in which you open a Champagne bottle with an authentic saber. Become part of the Champagne culture and heritage of Napoleon's Hussars and learn the Art of Sabrage plus an exclusive private lunch at a famous Champagne Chateau.
