Champagne in a Day: The Family Growers

Two family growers, their cellars and their wines, far from the big houses' coaches.

Quick Overview

• Your group only (up to 6 people)
• Duration: About 10.5 hours, from Paris and back
• What we see: The Avenue de Champagne, Hautvillers and Dom Pérignon's abbey, two family growers, the Montagne de Reims
• What's special: Tasting in the cellar with the people who made the wine
• Travel: Train with me to Épernay, then a private car with a licensed driver partner; back by train from Reims
• Season: April to October (growers are busy at harvest time)
• Book: At least 2 weeks ahead, so the growers can host us
• Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
• Languages: English; ask if you need another language
• Best for: Wine lovers, couples, celebrations (tastings are for guests aged 18 and over)
• Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history

The Experience

The great Champagne houses are impressive, but the most interesting wines often come from small family growers. On this day we meet two of them, in their own cellars, and taste with the people who made the wine.

We start on the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, then drive up to Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon lived and is buried. After the first grower, lunch in a vineyard village, a viewpoint over the Montagne de Reims, and the second grower.

A licensed professional driver takes care of the roads, so nobody behind the wheel ever drinks. We finish at Reims station, with the fast train home.

Route & Walking Info

• Distance: 2 to 3 km on foot
• Terrain: Cellar stairs, vineyard paths
• Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
• Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.

Good to Know

• Meeting Point: Gare de l'Est, in front of the main departure boards. I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
• Timing: Meet me 15 minutes before the train; I'll have everything ready.
• Tastings are for guests aged 18 and over. Nobody who drives ever drinks.
• Cellars are cool: bring a layer, even in summer.
• L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération.
• Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
• Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
• Late Arrivals: Trains don't wait. If we miss ours, we'll take the next one; any ticket change fee is at your cost.

Optional Add-Ons

• Reims cathedral before the train home
• Harvest-time day (September, on request)
• Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
• Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)

After You Book

• A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
• My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
• I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
• Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
• Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.

FAQ

Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.

Why not the big houses? We can add one, but the growers are what make this day different: smaller, personal and often better value.

Who drives? A licensed professional driver. I guide; nobody driving drinks.

Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.