Champagne Private Wine Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tastings

Getting a taste of Champagne without the driving hassle sounds tempting, doesn’t it? This private wine day trip takes you from Paris into the heart of France’s celebrated Champagne region. Priced at around $1,050 per person, it offers a full-day adventure, approximately 12 hours long, that includes tours of two Champagne houses, tastings of eight different Champagnes, a gourmet lunch with Champagne pairing, and scenic stops at Reims, Epernay, and Hautvillers. The trip promises an intimate experience with door-to-door transfers—so you can focus on enjoying the bubbles instead of navigating roads.

What I find particularly appealing here are the personalized guided visits at two family-run Champagne estates and the opportunity to taste a wide variety of Champagnes—eight different wines over the course of the day. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, with reviews specifically mentioning guides like Chloé and Simone who know their stuff and make the day fun. Another standout is the combination of insider visits, stunning vineyard views, and a tasting experience that includes both cellar exploration and vineyard tastings depending on the weather, which adds a seasonal touch.

A word of caution: this tour begins early at 7:30 am, which is perfect if you’re eager to maximize your day but might feel a bit early after a late night. Also, the price includes a lot—transfers, tastings, a gourmet lunch, and a bakery croissant in the morning—so it’s a good value if you’re after a comprehensive Champagne experience. Still, if you prefer to explore at your own pace or are looking for a cheaper option, this might be more structured than some travelers want. The inclusion of optional stops like Dom Pérignon’s tomb or the Reims cathedral adds some variety but depends on timing.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: The private tour means your group is the only one participating, making it flexible and intimate.
• Diverse tastings: Eight Champagne tastings across two houses give a broad flavor spectrum and an authentic tasting journey.
• Scenic landscapes: The views over vineyards in Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne are a wonderful highlight—expect photo-worthy vistas en route.
• Expert guides: Many reviews praise guides like Chloe and Simone for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the day fun.
• Delicious food: The gourmet lunch, often prepared by a family-run Champagne house, pairs perfectly with your bubbly, adding a culinary dimension to the day.
• Flexible stops: The itinerary includes key sites like Reims cathedral and Hautvillers, with options to customize based on your preferences.

The Itinerary in Detail

Reims – The Gateway to Champagne

Your day begins with a pickup in Paris, heading straight to the city of Reims. Here, you’ll visit a famed Champagne house, where you’ll explore the cellars and learn about the art of Champagne making. Many travelers enjoy this stop for its mix of history and taste, with reviews noting the visit as “famous” and “VIP.” The relaxed 1.5-hour stop allows you to get a feel for why Reims is considered the Champagne capital.

Reims itself is home to the impressive Reims Cathedral, where you might pop in to admire its stunning Gothic architecture—if timing allows. This stop sets the tone for the day, blending culture with your first Champagne tasting.

Vineyard Landscapes and Scenic Drives

Next, you’ll enjoy a quick drive through the Champagne-Ardenne region, renowned for its beautiful landscapes. Reviews describe this as “great landscapes” in just 20 minutes, giving you a chance to appreciate rolling vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see—perfect for photo enthusiasts.

Epernay and Lunch Time

The tour makes a special stop at Epernay, the town celebrated for its grand Champagne avenue, the Avenue de Champagne. Here, you’ll have your gourmet lunch, often in a charming, family-run Champagne house or a local restaurant, with a Champagne pairing included. The 2-hour lunch break is praised for its quality—delicious food, beautiful wine, and a relaxed atmosphere. Several reviews mention the “divine” champagnes and “so good” food, often made by local producers, giving the experience a genuine touch of local hospitality.

Visiting Champagne Houses and Tasting

In the afternoon, you’ll visit a family estate or cooperative for another 1 hour 15-minute tasting. Expect to sample different styles and learn about the nuances of Champagne production. Many reviewers emphasize how guides explain the differences between varieties, making the tasting educational as well as pleasurable. This is where you truly get to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Optional Stops and Additional Insights

Depending on the timing and weather, the tour can include a visit to Hautvillers, home of Dom Pérignon’s tomb, adding a dash of history and legend. Some travelers find this stop especially meaningful, as it links Champagne’s heritage with its production.

Views and Photo Opportunities

Between stops, the drive offers picturesque vistas over vineyards. These views are especially stunning in spring and summer but also charming in fall. Travelers often stress how these scenic drives are a highlight, providing a peaceful break from tasting.

Transportation and Comfort

The round-trip transfer means you won’t need to worry about navigating or drinking and driving, making this a stress-free luxury experience. The vehicle is private, air-conditioned, and tailored to your group size, which usually means a small, comfortable minivan. Pickups from your Paris hotel mean you start your day relaxed, with a bakery croissant provided to kick things off.

Duration and Pacing

The 12-hour schedule is packed but well-balanced, offering enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. Waking early might be tiring but ensures you get the most out of each experience.

Cost and Value

While $1,050 plus is on the higher end for a day trip, the value is clear. You’re paying for exclusivity, expert guides, tastings at two distinct Champagne houses, a gourmet meal, and seamless transportation—components that are hard to replicate independently without additional planning or expense.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate good wine, enjoy scenic drives, and want an intimate, personalized experience. It’s particularly appealing if you value guided visits, want to learn about Champagne production, and prefer a comfortable, all-in-one trip without the hassle of logistics. The gourmet lunch adds a culinary element that will please food lovers as well.

However, it’s less ideal if you’re on a tight budget or prefer exploring at a more leisurely pace—this is a structured, premium experience designed to maximize Champagne tasting and sightseeing in one go.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a comprehensive, hassle-free day in the Champagne region, this private tour offers a fantastic combination of educational visits, tasting variety, and scenic beauty. Guides seem knowledgeable and personable, which makes the experience all the more memorable. The included gourmet lunch and door-to-door transfers mean you’re pampered from start to finish.

This trip works well for those looking to indulge in a luxurious yet authentic Champagne experience—perfect for a special occasion or just to elevate your understanding of Champagne beyond the bottle. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to avoid the complexities of self-driving, embrace local hospitality, and come away with a deeper appreciation of this iconic region.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, the minimum drinking age is 18 years old, so this tour is designed for adult travelers.

Can I customize the visited wineries?
Yes, the tour provider offers flexibility; you can request to change the wineries, although this may affect the price.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring a jacket, as caves and cellars tend to be cool and damp (around 45°F / 10°C). Comfortable shoes for vineyard walks are also recommended.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, a bakery croissant, eight Champagne tastings, guided visits, vineyard tasting (weather permitting), and a gourmet lunch with Champagne pairing.

Are guided tours conducted in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, making it accessible to a diverse group of travelers.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Just be sure to do so within this window to avoid losing your payment.

This Champagne trip offers a balanced blend of education, indulgence, and scenic beauty, making it a memorable highlight of any Parisian itinerary. It’s perfect for those wanting a private, curated experience that combines France’s finest bubbly with an authentic, relaxed day in the countryside.