%20(1).png?width=3690&height=2079&name=Jetset%20Seeker%20Logo%20(Banner)%20(1).png)
If you are dreaming of a champagne-filled getaway, there is no better place than Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne and the largest city in Marne, France. Known for its rich history, grand Gothic cathedral, and iconic chalk cellars, Reims is the ultimate destination for champagne lovers. As the historic heart of champagne production, Reims has been home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses for nearly 300 years. From royal coronations to modern-day celebrations, champagne has long been intertwined with the city’s identity. Today, champagne tasting Reims experiences offer visitors the chance to explore this legacy firsthand.
Many of the top champagne houses in Reims open their doors for guided tours and tastings, allowing you to stroll through centuries-old cellars and sample the signature cuvées that have made them famous. Whether you are visiting the legendary caves of Veuve Clicquot or discovering the boutique charm of Pol Couronne, each stop on your champagne tasting Reims itinerary will reveal a new facet of this sparkling beverage. Highlights in Reims include renowned producers like Vranken-Pommery, Lanson, Mumm, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Taittinger, G.H. Martel & Co, and Pol Couronne—all offering unique tasting experiences that showcase their history, style, and passion for perfection. Raise a glass and join us as we explore the best champagne tasting Reims has to offer!
Champagne Tasting Reims: What to Expect
Planning a champagne tasting Reims adventure is easier than you might think, especially if you are starting in Paris. Reims is located just 90 miles (about 145 kilometers) northeast of the French capital and is easily accessible by high-speed TGV train in as little as 46 minutes. The close proximity to Paris makes Reims a perfect day trip destination, though many visitors, myself included, opt to stay overnight (or even two nights) to fully immerse themselves in the city’s charm, historic sites, and, of course, its incredible champagne houses.
If you are looking for a hotel recommendation for your time in Reims, look no further than La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa, Autograph Collection. Brian and I stayed here in January and were extremely impressed by the hotel, the impeccable level of service from the staff, and its location directly across from the iconic Reims Cathedral.
(If you book a hotel through one of our Expedia Group affiliate links, we may earn a small commission.)
Whether you are visiting one of the grand maisons like Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger or touring a smaller producer, most champagne tasting Reims experiences include a guided tour of the cellars followed by a tasting of one or more of their signature cuvées. Tours vary in style, some are intimate and educational, while others are more theatrical or luxurious, but they all offer a fascinating look at the craftsmanship and artistry behind every bottle of bubbly.
My Personal Advice on Visiting Reims
I recommend limiting yourself to no more than three champagne houses in a single day and mixing up the type of experiences you choose. For example, you might enjoy a simple tasting at one producer and opt for a full cellar tour at another. While every champagne house has its own unique story and charm, the tours can start to feel a bit repetitive if you do too many back-to-back. That said, I highly recommend the tours at Lanson and Pommery as they were my personal favorites during my visit to Reims! Also, do not shy away from visiting smaller or lesser-known producers. It is a great way to discover new favorites and enjoy a more intimate champagne tasting Reims experience.
I cannot emphasize this enough, but pace yourself throughout the day and build in time to pause and recharge. (This is one of the reasons why I recommend visiting no more than three houses in a day.) Too much champagne will put a damper on your time in Reims, so take time out of your champagne tasting schedule to see some of the other sites in the city and enjoy a lovely lunch. Reims has no shortage of wonderful spots for a long, leisurely lunch, whether you are in the mood for classic French cuisine or something more contemporary. A proper meal not only enhances your experience in Reims, but also gives you a much-needed break between tastings. Most importantly, however, do not forget to stay hydrated! It is easy to overlook drinking water, especially when you are sipping your way through the day.
One last piece of advice, give yourself time to soak in the atmosphere, whether it is walking through ancient chalk cellars, chatting with a passionate winemaker, or simply enjoying a glass of bubbly with a view. Champagne tasting in Reims is as much about the ambiance and joy of the experience as it is about the bubbles themselves.
When to Visit Reims & Making Reservations
When planning your champagne tasting Reims itinerary, it is immensely helpful to keep the seasons in mind. The busiest time of year is late spring through early fall, especially on weekends, when tastings and tours book up quickly. Harvest season, typically in early September, is an especially exciting time to visit as the region buzzes with energy, but it can also be more difficult to schedule tours as many producers focus on the grape picking and production process, cutting down on their tour schedules. If you are seeking a quieter, more relaxed champagne tasting experience, the winter months are ideal. I visited Reims in January and while it was a bit chilly and some of the houses were closed for the season, I loved the slower pace! It gave me the chance to enjoy more personal tastings and really savor the experience without crowds.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Many champagne houses require advance reservations for their tastings and tours, especially the larger and more popular producers like G.H. Mumm and Veuve Clicquot. Spots can fill up quickly, particularly during the high season (spring through early fall), so it is best to book your experiences well in advance of your visit. Also keep in mind that some champagne houses close to the public during the winter months, typically from late December through February (or even into March), so be sure to check opening schedules before planning your itinerary. I recommend booking your tours and tastings directly with each champagne house in Reims, instead of through a third-party provider.
Champagne Houses in Reims
When it comes to champagne tasting Reims, the city is home to an impressive lineup of world-renowned champagne houses, each offering its own unique history, style, and tasting experience. From iconic names like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger to boutique producers like Pol Couronne, here are the top champagne houses in Reims that I recommend you add to your tasting itinerary.
Quick Links to the Houses in Reims:
- Vranken-Pommery: A Tale of Two Champagne Houses
- Veuve Clicquot: More Than its Iconic Yellow Label
- Lanson: Tour On-Site Vineyards without Leaving Reims
- Ruinart: The Oldest Champagne House
- G.H. Mumm: The Red Ribbon of Reims
- Taittinger: Family Owned & Operated
- G.H. Martel & Co.: Small House, Big Character
- Pol Coroune: Chic, Centrally Located Tasting Room
Vranken-Pommery: A Tale of Two Champagne Houses
A visit to Champagne Vranken-Pommery in Reims is unlike any other champagne tour and tasting experience. Vranken-Pommery are actually two distinct champagne houses with shared ownership: Vranken and Pommery. While their champagnes may be bottled separately, a visit to Vranken-Pommery on a trip from Paris to Reims will allow you to taste cuvées from both brands.
Champagne Pommery: Insight into the Genius of Madame Pommery
Champagne Pommery is one of the most iconic stops on any champagne tasting Reims itinerary and my favorite champagne house in Reims. The house owes much of its legacy to the visionary Madame Louise Pommery, who took over the business after her husband’s death in 1858. Known for its bold blue branding and innovative spirit, Pommery combines historic winemaking traditions with contemporary art, making it one of the most unique champagne houses in the region. Champagne Pommery is my favorite champagne house in Reims—for both the champagne and the cellar tour! Beyond its champagne and art, Champagne Pommery boasts a truly remarkable history and who doesn't love a strong, revolutionary female business woman?!
Madame Louise Pommery was a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the world of champagne. Under her leadership, Madame Pommery became synonymous with innovation, elegance, and a pioneering spirit, most notably for creating the first commercially successful brut champagne. (Before Madame Pommery, champagne was typically much sweeter, catering to the 19th-century preference for sweet, sugary wines.)
Madame Pommery was not just a champagne innovator. She was also a brilliant businesswoman and visionary. Under her guidance, Champagne Pommery moved its operations to an impressive 123.5 acre (50 hectare) estate in Reims, where it remains today, and commissioned the excavation of 11 miles (18 kilometers) of ancient Gallo-Roman chalk quarries, turning them into underground chalk cellars (called crayères in French) to store and age champagne. Today, these historic cellars are one of the most iconic attractions in Reims, blending tradition with modern art installations as part of the Expérience Pommery project in honor of the spirit and legacy of Madame Pommery.
To book a tour and tasting at Champagne Pommery, please visit the Champagne Pommery website. Champagne Pommery also operates a tasting room which is open to the public. Advance reservations for the tasting room are not required.
Vranken & Villa Demoiselle
Meanwhile, Vranken, the lesser known name in Vranken-Pommery, is housed just across the street in the beautiful Villa Demoiselle in Reims. This magnificent Art Nouveau mansion is a destination in itself. Lovingly restored to its original glory, the villa is a blend of architectural styles and a symbol of the region’s Belle Époque opulence. Originally built between 1904 and 1908, it sat abandoned for decades before being acquired and restored by Paul-François Vranken in the early 2000s.
Today, visitors can tour the Villa Demoiselle as part of their champagne tasting Reims experience with Vranken-Pommery. The villa showcases intricate stained glass, rich woodwork, period furniture, and striking design details, offering a beautiful backdrop to the tasting experience. It is an ideal stop for champagne lovers with an appreciation for art, architecture, and history.
If you are pressed for time, I recommend skipping the Villa Demoiselle experience, and sticking to the tour and tasting at Pommery. Pommery, in my humble opinion, offers the opportunity to see impressive chalk caves and taste some really fantastic champagne, as part of a more traditional tour and tasting experience. However, if you are a fan of Art Nouveau architecture and design, then you may be interested in visiting Villa Demoiselle and tasting Vranken champagne, too.
To book a tour of Villa Demoiselle, please visit the Champagne Vranken website.
Veuve Clicquot: More than its Iconic Yellow Label
No champagne tasting Reims experience would be complete without a visit to Veuve Clicquot, one of the most prestigious and beloved champagne houses in the world. Founded in 1772, the house rose to international fame under the leadership of Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, the original “Veuve” (French for widow), who took over the business at the age of 27 after her husband’s death. She was a true trailblazer, credited with creating the first vintage champagne and inventing the riddling table, a key innovation that revolutionized champagne clarity and quality.
The Veuve Clicquot estate in Reims is both historic and stylish, perfectly reflecting the house’s bold, elegant brand. Tours typically begin with a visit to the chalk cellars, which are not only designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also house some of the oldest bottles and vintage reserves in existence.
What makes a visit to Veuve Clicquot stand out is the polished, immersive nature of the experience. Guided tours weave together storytelling, history, and technical insight before concluding with a tasting of their signature cuvées, such as the iconic Yellow Label Brut or the refined La Grande Dame. Due to the house’s popularity and limited tour slots, advance reservations are pretty much required, particularly in the summer months. If you are dreaming of toasting with one of the world’s most legendary champagnes, this is a stop you will not want to miss on your champagne tasting Reims itinerary.
Please note that Veuve Clicquot is closed to the public during the months of January and February. For additional information, including opening hours (which vary by season), and to book at tour, please visit the Veuve Clicquot website.
Lanson: Tour On-Site Vineyards without Leaving Reims
Founded in 1760, Champagne Lanson is one of the oldest champagne houses in Reims, with a long-standing reputation for quality, tradition, and a distinctive style that emphasizes freshness and purity. What makes Lanson especially unique among the major houses in Reims is that it offers visitors a chance to tour its on-site vineyards, located right in the heart of the city. This rare feature allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of champagne making process, quite literally from grape to glass.
Unlike the romantic, historic atmosphere found in some of the older chalk cellars, the Champagne Lanson experience gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the more industrial and technical side of champagne production. You will walk through areas where aging and fermentation take place, offering a modern and educational perspective on how champagne is made at scale while still maintaining high standards. I really found this aspect of champagne making interesting and helped Lanson stand-out compared to the other champagne houses that I visited while champagne tasting in Reims.
For anyone interested in the craftsmanship and precision behind each bottle, Lanson provides a refreshing and insightful stop on your champagne tasting Reims journey. I booked the Original Creation: The House Signature tour and tasting when I visited Champagne Lanson in January. The tour was great and the tasting was fine, but in hindsight, I wished I booked a tasting that gave the ability to try more than just one glass of the signature cuvée, Le Black Création. As such, I would recommend booking either The Signature or The Vintage experiences at Champagne Lanson.
To book a tour and tasting at Lanson, please visit the Champagne Lanson website. Champagne Lanson also operates a tasting room, which is open the public, and advance reservations are not required.
Ruinart: The Oldest Champagne House
As the oldest established champagne house, founded in 1729, Ruinart is a crown jewel of the Champagne region and an unmissable stop for any champagne tasting Reims itinerary. With nearly 300 years of history, Ruinart is renowned for its refined, Chardonnay-driven champagnes and its deep connection to art, heritage, and innovation. The house was established by Nicolas Ruinart, inspired by the vision of his uncle Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk.
Like many of the other champagne houses in Reims, Ruinart has extensive chalk cellars, which date back to the Roman era and are also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These soaring, cathedral-like underground caverns plunge nearly 131 feet (40 meters) below ground and provide the perfect aging environment for Ruinart’s champagnes.
The tastings at Ruinart are intimate and elevated, showcasing their signature Blanc de Blancs, produced from beautifully crisp Chardonnay grapes. Ruinart also offers a number of gastronomic experiences, pairing their prestigious champagnes with expertly prepared food. Since Ruinart offers a more curated and exclusive experience, advance booking is required.
To book a tour and/or gastronomic experience at Ruinart, please visit the Ruinart website.
G.H. Mumm: The Red Ribbon of Reims
Another must-visit on your champagne tasting Reims itinerary is G.H. Mumm, one of the most internationally recognized champagne houses, thanks in part to its iconic red ribbon label and longstanding association with sporting events and Formula 1 celebrations. (G.H. Mumm was the official sponsor of Formula 1 from 2000 to 2015, providing the champagne for podium celebrations after each race.) Founded in 1827 by three German brothers, the champagne house quickly earned a reputation for producing refined, expressive champagnes that reflect the richness of the Champagne terroir.
Recognized by its signature red ribbon (Cordon Rouge) bottles, inspired by the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest order of merit, G.H. Mumm has long been associated with prestige, celebration, and innovation. G.H. Mumm is one of the largest champagne houses in the world, so visiting G.H. Mumm will feel a bit more industrialized than the small houses, but their tour is still engaging and interesting.
A tour of G.H. Mumm offers a well-organized look at the champagne-making process, combining history, heritage, and innovation. Visitors descend into the house’s vast network of underground cellars, over 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) long, where millions of bottles are stored in cool, chalk tunnels. Throughout the tour, guests are guided through each step of production, with engaging exhibits and displays along the way. I really loved the G.H. Mumm museum, included as part of the tour, seeing old tools used in the champagne making process.
What sets G.H. Mumm apart is its strong sense of brand identity and innovation, all while honoring tradition. Morever, G.H. Mumm champagnes, especially its Cordon Rouge, are well-priced. The house places a particular emphasis on Pinot Noir, which brings power and structure to many of its cuvées, especially the flagship Cordon Rouge. Due to its popularity and global name recognition, G.H. Mumm tours can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
I highly recommend booking the Grand Cru Experience which gives you the opportunity to try some really fantastic champagnes from their RSRV Collection. On my trip to G.H. Mumm, I booked the cheapest tour option (the Cordon Rouge Experience) which only included a glass of their signature brut. It was fine, but it was a champagne I had tasted previously, so I ultimately ended up paying for an extra tasting of two champagnes from their RSRV Collection which were fantastic.
To book a tour and tasting at G.H. Mumm, please visit the G.H. Mumm website. G.H. Mumm also operates a tasting room, which is open to the public. Advance reservations for the tasting room are not required.
Taittinger: Family-Owned & Operated
Family-owned and proudly independent, Taittinger is one of the most respected names in Champagne and a highlight of any champagne tasting Reims experience. Founded in 1932 by Pierre Taittinger, the house is known for its elegant, Chardonnay-forward champagnes and strong sense of tradition. Today, the Taittinger family continues to oversee the operations, ensuring that each bottle reflects their legacy of quality and finesse.
What makes a visit to Taittinger especially memorable is the opportunity to explore the house’s remarkable Gallo-Roman chalk cellars, which date back to the 4th century. These historic underground tunnels once belonged to the Saint-Nicaise Abbey and are now used to age Taittinger’s finest cuvées in ideal, constant temperatures. The descent into these cellars is a highlight in itself, steeped in history and serenity.
Taittinger offers guided tours and tastings that are both informative and approachable, covering the champagne-making process from grape to glass. You will get a close-up look at their craftsmanship and a chance to sample signature labels such as Brut Réserve and the exquisite Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. While the atmosphere is refined, the experience feels warm and welcoming, making Taittinger a favorite among first-time visitors and seasoned champagne lovers alike.
Due to its popularity, booking your tour for Taittinger in advance is highly recommended, especially during the spring and summer months when Reims sees a surge in visitors. For additional information and to book a tour of Taittinger, please visit the Taittinger website.
G.H. Martel & Co: Small House, Big Character
If you are looking to experience a champagne tasting in Reims beyond the big-name houses, G.H. Martel & Co offers a more intimate, boutique-style visit with plenty of charm and character. Founded in 1869, this family-run house has maintained a lower profile compared to some of its neighbors, but it delivers a delightful and authentic experience that feels refreshingly personal.
Located just a short walk from some of the grand maisons like Taittinger, G.H. Martel is housed in a collection of traditional buildings with an old-world atmosphere. One of the highlights here is the tour through their chalk cellars, where the experience is approachable and welcoming, making it a great choice for both champagne aficionados and curious newcomers.
Tastings at G.H. Martel are informative, often featuring a selection of their cuvées, including less widely distributed blends you may not find elsewhere. It is also a great spot to purchase bottles at reasonable prices, especially if you are looking to bring home something unique from your champagne tasting Reims experience.
To book a tour at G.H. Martel, please visit the G.H. Martel website.
Pol Couronne: Chic, Centrally Located Tasting Room
For those seeking a true boutique champagne tasting Reims experience, Pol Couronne is an excellent choice. Unlike many of the larger champagne houses, Pol Couronne is a small, family-run producer that offers a refined yet approachable tasting right in the heart of Reims, just steps from the gorgeous Reims Cathedral.
Their chic, modern tasting room sits in an unbeatable location, making it one of the most convenient stops for visitors exploring the historic center. Whether you are popping in after admiring the cathedral's Gothic architecture or looking for a relaxed alternative to the structured tours at the grandes maisons, Pol Couronne provides a welcoming experience.
As a boutique champagne house, Pol Couronne focuses on quality over quantity. Their champagnes are elegant, expressive, and crafted with great attention to detail. You can choose from a variety of tasting flights, including pours of their Grand Cru and vintage cuvées, and even opt to saber your own bottle—a fun and memorable experience that sets them apart from more traditional tastings.
The team here is passionate and knowledgeable, always ready to guide you on a tasting of their champagnes without the formality of a cellar tour. If you are short on time or simply want to try some bubbles in a more intimate, central setting, Pol Couronne is the perfect addition to your champagne tasting Reims itinerary.
I personally loved my experience and tasting at Pol Couronne. It was also quite affordable, making it a must-visit for champagne lovers on a budget. I opted for their Tasting Set of three cuvées (brut, 75-25, and brut rosé) which I really enjoyed. The staff onsite and the champagne were both excellent, contributing to a really nice evening in Reims.
To book a tasting at Pol Couronne, or one of their sabre experiences, please visit the Pol Couronne website. Pol Couronne may have walk-in availability for tastings, but please know that this is not a guarantee.
Champagne Tasting Reims: Final Thoughts
Reims is truly one of my favorite places to visit in France, not just for the incredible champagne, but for the charm of the town itself. Strolling its elegant streets between tastings is just as delightful as sipping a crisp glass of bubbly. Whether you are new to champagne or simply curious about how it is made, the tours here are approachable, informative, and perfect for beginners.
One of the things that struck me most was the immense care and labor that goes into producing each bottle of champagne. All of the grapes are hand-picked, and the process is as meticulous as it is fascinating. Despite the prestige and luxury associated with champagne, the producers themselves are welcoming and down-to-earth, always eager to share their knowledge and passion with visitors. If you are planning a trip to France, champagne tasting in Reims is an experience not to be missed! Santé! 🍾
Looking to learn more about Reims? Check out our Reims Travel Guide for restaurants recommendations and more things to do in the heart of Champagne.
Have you experienced a champagne tasting in Reims? Or are you eager to visit Reims on your next trip to France? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
