From Reims: Day Trip to Veuve Clicquot Family Grower & Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey through the heart of Champagne country on this immersive day tour from Reims. Explore the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne House, uncover the secrets behind the iconic brand, and venture to a lesser-known family grower, where you’ll witness the artistry of traditional winemaking. Indulge in a leisurely regional lunch, soak in the grandeur of Reims Cathedral, and savor the essence of this celebrated wine region. With exclusive access and a personalized experience, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the rich heritage and production of Champagne – a true delight for the senses.

Key Points

• A day tour from Reims that visits the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne House and a lesser-known family-owned Champagne grower, with a guided tour and tastings.
• Includes a guided tour of the iconic Reims Cathedral and a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant in the Champagne region.
• Offers a personalized experience with a small group size of up to 8 participants.
• Provides an immersive exploration of the Champagne region, showcasing its history, production methods, and unique terroir.
• Includes transportation in a comfortable minivan and all guided tours and tastings at the Champagne houses.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Reims offers an immersive exploration of the Champagne region, highlighting the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne House and a lesser-known family grower.

The 8.5-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Guests will start at the Reims train station before visiting the iconic Veuve Clicquot Visitors Center for a guided tour and tasting of 4 champagnes.

After exploring the Reims Cathedral, they’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch before visiting a family-owned vineyard and another champagne house for a guided tour and 3 additional tastings.

Throughout the day, guests will be transported by van, learning about the region’s rich winemaking heritage from an expert guide.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims – Site Gare (Train Station), where participants gather to embark on their Champagne region exploration.

From there, they head to the renowned Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Visitors Center for a guided tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours, delving into the storied history and production methods of this iconic Champagne house.

Next, the group visits the Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, marveling at its gothic architecture for 30 minutes.

After a 1.5-hour lunch break, they venture to a local vineyard for a 30-minute sightseeing tour before concluding the day with a guided tour and tasting at a family-owned Champagne house.

The tour ends back at the starting point.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Visitors Center

Visitors to the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Visitors Center embark on a captivating journey through the renowned Champagne house’s storied history and production methods, seeing the legacy of this iconic brand.

During the guided 1.5-hour tour, guests explore the opulent cellars where the prestigious Veuve Clicquot champagnes are meticulously crafted. They’ll discover the intricate riddling process, which turns the bottles to ensure the yeast sediment collects in the neck, and witness the skilled disgorging technique that removes this sediment.

The experience culminates in a tasting of four exceptional Veuve Clicquot champagnes, allowing visitors to savor the rich flavors and nuances that have made this maison a global symbol of luxury and excellence.

Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame

After touring the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne house, the group heads to the magnificent Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, a towering Gothic masterpiece that commands attention with its stunning architecture and rich history. The cathedral’s twin bell towers and intricate facade leave visitors in awe, as they imagine the countless masses and coronations that have taken place within its hallowed halls over the centuries. The group is given 30 minutes to explore the interior, marveling at the stained-glass windows, ornate altars, and sacred relics that fill the space. It’s a humbling experience that transports them back in time and connects them to the deep roots of French Catholicism.

Architectural Style	Gothic
Construction Began	1211
Completed	1430
Notable Features	Twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, ornate altars

Lunch

Following a morning spent immersed in the rich heritage of Reims, the group settles in for a convivial lunch at a local restaurant, eager to savor the culinary delights of the Champagne region.

The rustic setting and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for a truly authentic experience.

As they peruse the menu, your are presented with a tantalizing array of regional specialties – from hearty stews made with local produce to delicate tarts showcasing the best of the local terroir.

The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces fills the air, whetting their appetites.

Over the course of the leisurely 1.5-hour lunch, the group shares lively conversation, laughter, and, of course, the prized local bubbly that complements the flavors perfectly.

Vineyard

The group’s van then whisks them away to a nearby family-owned vineyard, where they alight to bask in the sun-dappled rows of grapevines stretching across the gently undulating landscape.

The guide leads them through the lush foliage, stopping to point out the different grape varietals and explain the intricacies of the region’s terroir. Visitors inhale the earthy, fragrant aroma of the vines, marveling at the precision and care that goes into tending these precious plants.

They pause to admire the panoramic views, stretching out across the verdant patchwork of vineyards that blanket the rolling hills.

With a newfound appreciation for the place where their Champagne originates, the group reluctantly reboards the van, eager to continue their exploration of this storied winemaking region.

Champagne House Visit

Next, the group embarks on a guided tour of a renowned champagne house, where they enjoy the storied history and meticulous production methods that define this beloved bubbly.

The guide leads them through the property’s labyrinthine underground cellars, their footsteps echoing against the cool, dimly lit walls adorned with row upon row of aging bottles.

As they descend deeper underground, the air becomes thick with the yeasty, aromatic notes that permeate this hallowed space, a sensory experience that heightens their anticipation of the tasting to come.

The tour culminates in a tasting, where guests savor the complex, nuanced flavors of the champagne, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and science behind each bottle.

Inclusions and Important Information

This tour package includes a range of amenities that enhance the overall experience, from transportation in a comfortable minivan to guided tours and tastings at renowned champagne houses.

Guests can look forward to four champagne tastings at Veuve Clicquot and an additional three tastings at a family-owned grower, as well as a convivial lunch at a local restaurant.

While the guided tours are conducted in English only, the tour operates in all weather conditions, with the underground cellars maintaining a steady temperature of 50°F (10°C) year-round.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the inclusions and experience promise an immersive and delightful exploration of the Champagne region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel or Reschedule the Tour if Needed?

Yes, the tour can be rescheduled or cancelled if needed. Travelers should contact the tour provider as soon as possible to make any changes, as there may be cancellation fees or availability constraints.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required?

There’s no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Avoid wearing overly casual clothes like shorts or flip-flops. Smart casual, such as slacks and a collared shirt, is suitable for this tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There are no special discounts or offers explicitly mentioned for this tour. However, some tour operators may provide occasional promotions or bundle deals that could result in savings. Checking with the tour provider directly is recommended to inquire about any current specials.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

While the tour has a fixed itinerary, customers can work with the operator to customize elements like lunch selections or prioritize certain attractions. The tour’s flexibility allows for a personalized experience tailored to individual preferences.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy allows guests to cancel up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows forfeit the entire tour cost. Flexible policies ensure guests can plan with confidence.

Recap

This immersive day tour offers an unparalleled exploration of Champagne’s renowned legacy.

Visitors explore the opulent history and intricate production processes at the iconic Veuve Clicquot, savor a regional lunch, and discover a family-owned vineyard.

With exclusive access and a personalized experience, guests embark on a captivating journey through the rich heritage and traditions that define the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine.