Exclusive Champagne Tour from Paris

From Paris: Small-Group Champagne Tour with 3-Course Lunch

Discover the delights of Champagne from Paris. Visit 2 champagne houses with their cellars. Learn interesting facts and hear about the history. Enjoy a 3-course lunch at an authentic local restaurant.

Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now & pay later. Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today. Duration 11 hours. Check availability to see starting times. Live tour guide in English. Pickup included. Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The activity provider will inform you about the exact pickup time one day before the travel. Private or small groups available.

Taste different sparkling wines on a tour of the Champagne region. Visit the cellars of one of the famous champagne houses. Enjoy a 3-course lunch and learn more about the gastronomy of France. Visit 2 different wineries and have a tasting in each of them. Learn about the history of the region and champagne production.

Explore the Champagne region on a guided day tour from Paris. Visit the cellars of reputable champagne producers, learn about the history of the region, taste local wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Start with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation and head for the heart of the champagne region, Épernay. Take a guided tour of one of the grand champagne houses such as: Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Moet & Chandon or other famous champagne houses, depending on availability, as well as a smaller estate later in the day. Learn about the history of its namesake and sip on fine champagne. Discover local gastronomy and savor a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant. See the vines up and personal while your experienced guide tells you about the different varietals of grapes, the terroir, and what makes champagne so celebrated. Visit a local champagne house and meet the people behind the production of this great drink. Taste their elegant and exclusive product and hear about the history of their champagne estate. Finish with a drop off at your hotel, having tasted and experienced the best champagne has to offer. At the end of the tour, you will have a better understanding of the various types of Champagne, such as Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Champagne rosé, as well as the distinction between Grands Crus and Premiers Crus and the concept of Champagne terroir.

Hotel pickup and drop-off. Transportation by air-conditioned minivan. Driver/guide. Tour at 2 Champagne houses. Wine tastings. Lunch. Up to 6 glasses of Champagne. Bottled water.

Know before you go. The tour of the larger champagne house is subject to availability and may include any of the following: Moet & Chandon, Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Canard Duchene or other famous champagne houses. The duration of the transfers and trip is approximate and will depend on the schedule for the day, the time of day, and traffic conditions. Lunch is included in the price of the trip. Note: beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol, and still or sparkling bottled water, etc. are not included. The cellars are often cold and damp, so a jacket or second layer is recommended. Depending on the timings of each of the two tours, the schedule may occur in a different order than above. We do our best to fit all activities in one day; however, there may be instances occasionally where a visit to the vines may not be possible (weather, schedule, etc.). Persons under 18 years of age may be offered non-alcoholic grape juice.

Discover the history and culture of the Champagne region: The Art of Champagne Production

The Champagne region, nestled in the northeast of France, is renowned worldwide for its exquisite sparkling wine. Beyond the effervescent bubbles lies a rich history and culture that has shaped the production of this iconic beverage. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of Champagne-making, from its humble beginnings to its global prominence today.

The Birth of Champagne

The story of Champagne begins in the 17th century with a bit of serendipity. A Benedictine monk named Dom Pérignon played a pivotal role in refining the production process. His meticulous observations and experiments led to significant improvements in the quality and taste of the wine.

Initially, Champagne was a bit of an accident. The cold winters in the region caused fermentation to halt, leaving behind residual sugar and dormant yeast. When the weather warmed up in the spring, fermentation resumed, creating natural carbonation. This unintentional effervescence gave birth to what we now know as Champagne.

The Art of Champagne Production

Producing Champagne is a meticulous and regulated process. It begins with the careful selection of grapes, primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are harvested by hand to ensure the highest quality. The pressing of the grapes is a gentle process to extract the purest juice.

The magic happens in the cellar. The clear grape juice is placed in bottles with a mixture of yeast and sugar, triggering a second fermentation. This is where the bubbles are born. The wine then matures on its lees, acquiring complex flavors and aromas.

Next comes the riddling process, where bottles are gradually turned and tilted to collect the spent yeast in the neck. After this, the neck is frozen, and the yeast plug is disgorged. The bottle is then topped up with a mixture of wine and sugar, known as the dosage, to achieve the desired sweetness level.

The Importance of Terroir

Terroir, a French term encompassing the unique environmental factors of a vineyard, plays a crucial role in Champagne production. The region's chalky soil, coupled with its cool climate, imparts distinct mineral notes and vibrant acidity to the grapes.

Moreover, the microclimates within the Champagne region, such as the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, contribute their own nuances to the final product. This intricate interplay between soil, climate, and grape varieties is what gives Champagne its unparalleled character.

Champagne: A Cultural Icon

Beyond the technicalities of production, Champagne has become a symbol of celebration and luxury. It graces the tables of grand events, from weddings to diplomatic banquets, and has earned its place in cultural milestones worldwide.

The region itself is dotted with charming vineyards, historic cellars, and quaint villages. Visitors can embark on tours that offer a glimpse into the centuries-old traditions and the modern innovations that have elevated Champagne-making to an art form.

FAQs

Q: What are the primary grape varieties used in Champagne production?

A: The main grape varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Q: How is the effervescence in Champagne created?

A: The effervescence in Champagne is created through a second fermentation that occurs in the bottle, where yeast and sugar are added.

Q: What is the significance of terroir in Champagne-making?

A: Terroir refers to the unique environmental factors of a vineyard, including soil and climate, which impart distinct characteristics to the grapes and, consequently, the final Champagne.

Q: Why is Champagne associated with celebrations?

A: Champagne has come to symbolize celebration and luxury due to its historical association with special occasions and its reputation for exceptional quality.