Day-by-day estate-visit plans for Champagne: weekend, first-timer and deep-cellar editions.

Day-by-day plans

Reims grandes marques weekend ★ 4.6

  1. Day 1

    Morning
    Start in Reims with a cellar tour at Champagne Taittinger in the Saint-Nicaise crayeres, the Roman chalk pits beneath the city, followed by a Comtes de Champagne tasting.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon cellar visit at Champagne Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house, to taste the Chardonnay-led Blanc de Blancs in its deep crayeres.
    Evening
    Aperitif and oysters at Le Bocal near the Boulingrin, then a late grower-Champagne flight at Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage on the Place du Forum.

  2. Day 2

    Morning
    Morning visit at Champagne Veuve Clicquot to see the riddling tradition of Madame Clicquot and taste the Yellow Label and La Grande Dame.
    Afternoon
    Walk the Avenue de Champagne and tour Champagne Perrier-Jouet, finishing at Le Cellier with a Belle Epoque flight.
    Evening
    Closing grower flight at C Comme Champagne on Rue Gambetta before dinner in Epernay.

Grower Champagne three-day tour ★ 4.7

  1. Day 1

    Morning
    Drive into the Montagne de Reims for a morning appointment at Champagne Pierre Paillard in Grand Cru Bouzy to taste single-plot blanc de noirs.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon visit at Egly-Ouriet in Ambonnay for powerful, long-aged Pinot Noir Champagnes.
    Evening
    Return to Epernay for a grower flight at C Comme Champagne, then dinner at La Cave a Champagne.

  2. Day 2

    Morning
    Head to the Cote des Blancs for a morning at Champagne Larmandier-Bernier in Vertus to taste organic, low-dosage blanc de blancs.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon tasting at Champagne Agrapart or Pierre Peters in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for Grand Cru Chardonnay.
    Evening
    Dinner in Epernay and a nightcap of Ratafia at the Distillerie Jean Goyard boutique in nearby Ay if open, otherwise a late glass on the avenue.

  3. Day 3

    Morning
    Drive south to the Cote des Bar for a morning with the cult grower Roses de Jeanne in Celles-sur-Ource, by allocation visit only.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon at biodynamic Vouette et Sorbee in Buxieres-sur-Arce on the Kimmeridgian slopes near the Chablis border.
    Evening
    Return north to Epernay or continue toward Troyes for the night.

Biodynamic Champagne long weekend ★ 4.5

  1. Day 1

    Morning
    Begin in Epernay at biodynamic Leclerc Briant, certified organic since 2004 and biodynamic since 2008, to taste the range up to the sea-aged Abyss.
    Afternoon
    Drive to Grand Cru Ambonnay for an afternoon at Demeter-certified Champagne Marguet, tasting amphora-aged single-plot cuvees.
    Evening
    Return to Epernay for a biodynamic-leaning grower flight at Le 25bis by Leclerc Briant on the avenue.

  2. Day 2

    Morning
    Drive to Vertus in the Cote des Blancs for a morning at organic Champagne Larmandier-Bernier and its taut blanc de blancs.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon at Demeter-certified Vouette et Sorbee in Buxieres-sur-Arce, or biodynamic Marie-Courtin in Polisot, by appointment.
    Evening
    Dinner in Troyes or back in Epernay with a glass of certified-organic grower Champagne.

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Itineraries in Champagne, FAQ

When is the best time to visit Champagne for wine?

Peak wine-travel season in Champagne is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.

Do I need an appointment to taste at Champagne estates?

classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.

What hours do Champagne cellars and tasting rooms keep?

most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.

How does tipping work at Champagne tastings?

tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.

What is the one wine to try in Champagne?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Champagne rewards trust.

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