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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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.