Best Champagne Tours and Tastings in Champagne, France

Tasting of premier cru sparkling white wine champagne with view on green pinot noir, meunier vineyards of Hautvillers, Champagne, France

A favorite drink and a gem to visit, Champagne is where sparkling dreams come true—quite literally, after you’ve had a few glasses. While champagne is renowned for being a social and oftentimes celebratory drink, the region itself is quite quaint and exudes a fairytale kind of sleepiness as you drive through the towns of Épernay, Aÿ, and more.

Today, the Champagne region is renowned for its gothic architecture, a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants, and, of course, its sparkling wine. The best part is that the commercial centers of Champagne—Reims and Épernay—are only 90 minutes from Paris, with some trains arriving there in just 45 minutes. Think of Champagne as a weekend getaway or day trip that feels celebratory, but doesn’t really need much occasion.

In recent years, tasting rooms have sprung up at some of the region’s most esteemed estates, so you can sample some of the finest champagnes on the actual vineyards where they are produced. Just remember to savor it all responsibly (remember—spitting is encouraged) along the route through the heart of the region.

Maison Ruinart Crayères

Ruinart caves
Courtesy of Ruinart

Ruinart is the first champagne house established in the region, and it is definitely worth paying a visit to. Maison Ruinart was established in 1729, the same year that the liquid delight was first bottled in the iconic bottle we know today. Down 125 feet into the boozy rabbit hole that is the Crayères, you’ll find the endless cellars and uncover the house’s history within its original walls. Ruinart is also a huge supporter of the arts, and the estate maintains an incredible collection, which includes a replica of Jean-François de Troy’s 1735 painting Le Déjeuner d’huîtres in which a Ruinart champagne bottle is depicted.

Book Maison Ruinart Crayères tours directly on their website at Ruinart.com. Tour prices start at 75€ for adults and 35€ for children under 18. 

Maison Ruinart, 4 rue des Crayères, Reims.

Maison Bollinger

Champagne Bollinger entryway
Courtesy of Champagne Bollinger

Aÿ, the quaint village that once housed none other than Lilly Bollinger, the Grande Dame of Champagne, now proudly preserves her legacy through her esteemed residence. Wander through the courtyard of the family home at 16 rue Jules Lobet in Aÿ, where barrels bask in the sun, just a stone’s throw away from the storeroom where the magic of champagne-making begins. Ascend two streets to Chaudes Terres, the winery, which is decked out with heat-regulated stainless-steel tanks. A staircase leads down to the cellars, where cuvées gracefully age in peaceful solitude. Sample some of the Bollinger special cuvées and immerse yourself in an intimate, family-run tradition. Excitingly, plans are underway for the construction of a small hotel and restaurant just down the street, ensuring guests have a cozy retreat after indulging in a few too many glasses.

Champagne Bollinger, 20 Boulevard Maréchal de Lattre, 51160 Aÿ.

Champagne Telmont

Leonardo Di Caprio on a champagne field.
Courtesy of Champagne Telmont

Championing Mother Nature’s cause, Champagne Telmont stands as a remarkable house, established in 1912 and recently revived with a mission focused on regenerative viticulture. Notably, the house boasts support from none other than Leonardo DiCaprio himself. Located along the river in Damery, this chic and contemporary champagne house awaits. Embark on guided tours of the cellars arranged directly with the brand, savor drinks at the bar, or indulge in a delectable food and wine pairing menu at the communal table. Keep an eye out for the intricate details across the property that showcase Telmont’s commitment to green initiatives.

Visits are granted per request on champagne-telmont.com/pages/visit-form, where guests are invited to fill out a form. 

Champagne Telmont, 1 Av. de Champagne, 51480 Damery.

G.H.Mumm

GM Mumm underground champagne caves.
Courtesy of G.H. Mumm

G.H.Mumm, lovingly dubbed Le Cordon Rouge (the red ribbon) because of the characteristic red stroke on each bottle, is worth the cost and is one of the most overlooked houses in Reims. Dive deep into the world of champagne at Mumm, where you’ll gain intimate insight into the craft. Descend into the quarries and stroll along Champagne’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées, discovering the secrets behind its iconic bottles and savoring one of the smoothest champagne options available. Renowned for its exquisite design, Mumm has earned numerous accolades for its visually stunning bottles, which remain iconic to this day.

You can book a visit directly online at mumm.com/book-a-visit. Three tour experiences are available for 28€, 35€, and 50€ per person. Additional tasting and pairing options are available for 60€ and 75€.

G.H.Mumm, 34 rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims.

Veuve Clicquot

A large brick building
Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot is a much-loved champagne named after Madame Clicquot, who took over the house at the age of 27 following her husband’s death in 1805. She was the first to offer a blended rosé champagne and approach her advertising strategy in an unconventional way. Veuve is often the star at many high-brow events; it’s even the de facto champagne of polo, as a frequent sponsor of matches. The champagne itself is elegant, lovely, and perfect for a summer soirée… or any occasion, for that matter.  

Tours and tastings can be booked directly at veuveclicquot.com/es-int/visitus. Diverse experiences are available from 35€ to 250€ per person. 

Veuve Clicquot, 1 Rue Albert Thomas, 51100 Reims.

Perching Bar

Perching Bar Champagne
@vineandbubble

Take a scenic detour through the Montagne de Reims nature park, where a 30-minute drive through rugged terrain leads you to a secluded forest path and a charming suspension bridge. This wobbly bridge serves as the sole entrance and exit to a unique treehouse wine bar. With its hanging armchairs and champagne buckets suspended from the ceiling, this spot offers the ideal setting to unwind and savor a glass of champagne while watching the sun set. It doesn’t get better than this! 

Reserve in advance on perchinglife.com/produit/booking-the-perching-bar for a prepaid 21€ swing seat per guest.  

Perching Bar, Forêt Brise Charette, 51380 Verzy.

Le Réfectoire Vranken-Pommery

Pommery Restaurant
Courtesy of Vranken-Pommery

Stop by the Vranken-Pommery estate, which features an ensemble of gothic towers nestled along the route to Reims. Join a tour of its historic champagne cellars, followed by a delightful dinner in the dining room, situated within the ancient refectory, which graciously extends its hours for guests of the estate. Indulge in the tantalizing risotto paired with leek fondue, accompanied by a glass of one of Pommery’s prized Bruts. Complete your meal with a decadent serving of profiteroles for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Book a table directly on TheFork.fr.

Le Réfectoire Vranken-Pommery, 5 Place du Général Gouraud Domaine Vranken, Pommery, 51100 Reims.

Au Bon Manger

au bon manger
Courtesy of Au Bon Manger. 

In this épicerie/bar, you’ll encounter a delightful array of offerings unlike anything you’ve experienced before, and you’ll love every sip and bite of it! Established in 2008 by Aline and Eric Serva, this establishment has become a staple in Reims. At Au Bon Manger, you’ll find a curated selection of gourmet delights, including top-quality charcuterie, smoked fish, farm-fresh cheese, and delectable hot dishes, all meticulously crafted with care, expertise, and passion on a small scale. These culinary treasures are available for both takeaway and enjoyment on-site at the shop in Reims. However, the true highlight lies in Aline’s curated collection of her favorite champagnes sourced from passionate wine producers across the region.

Walk-ins accepted; reservations are available at aubonmanger.fr/reservations.

L’Epicerie Au Bon Manger, 7 Rue Courmeaux, 51100 Reims.

Taittinger

tattinger champagne tasting room
Courtesy of Tattinger.

Maison Taittinger extends a regal invitation to guests for an exclusive tasting experience at the Comtes de Champagne Residence. Located within an 18th-century edifice in the heart of Reims’ historic center, guests have the opportunity to delve into the essence of the champagne house, immersing themselves in the site’s rich history and its ties to the Count of Champagne dynasty, the ruler of the County of Champagne from 950 to 1316.

Book your visit and tasting online at book-a-visit.taittinger.fr/visite/degustation. Tastings start at 35€. 

Champagne Taittinger – Demeure des Comtes de Champagne, 20 Rue de Tambour, 51100 Reims.

Abysse Terrasse at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Royal Champagen Hotel
Courtesy of Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Prefer to admire the vineyards from afar? Why not indulge in a glass of your favorite bubbly on the terrace of the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, overlooking the Champagne Hillsides, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the picturesque villages nestled among the vineyards, such as the historic vines of Hautvillers, known as the cradle of Champagne.

Walk-in bar. Reservations are available for Le Bellevue and Le Royal restaurants at royalchampagne.com.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, 9 Rue de la République, 51160 Champillon.

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