Wine Tasting Tours in the Champagne Region
Luxury Champagne Tours
At SmoothRed, we’re passionate about our Champagne Region tours. And not just for their fizzy delights.
Travel through the heart of Champagne along the scenic Route du Champagne, where you’ll encounter iconic wine estates such as Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon in Épernay, and explore the historic cellars of Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart in Reims. As well as the vineyards and châteaux, discover charming towns like Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne, and indulge in rustic culinary specialities and peaceful river and canal cruises.
These are just a few handpicked ideas to inspire your Champagne holiday. Every SmoothRed experience is bespoke — carefully tailored and refined until it’s perfectly matched to you.
Ready to raise a glass in Champagne? Get in touch today to start planning your personalised wine tour.
Popular Champagne Wine Experiences
Featured Champagne Itinerary
Why choose SmoothRed for your Champagne wine holiday
With SmoothRed, you’ll enjoy a truly luxurious escape to Champagne, designed entirely to your tastes and preferences. From private tastings at prestigious Champagne houses to relaxing stays in boutique hotels, every detail is curated to deliver an unforgettable experience.
You’ll explore the best of the region with expert-led champagne wine tours, meet passionate winemakers, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. With over 20 years of experience and insider access, SmoothRed turns your trip into a sparkling adventure filled with elegance, flavour, and discovery.
So, whether you’re planning a romantic break or a celebration with friends, we’ll make your Champagne holiday seamless and special.
Highlights of Champagne
“Come quick, I am drinking the stars!” – with these words, the monk Dom Pérignon is said to have announced his invention of champagne in the late 17th century. And he certainly wouldn’t be the first to be driven to poetic paroxysms by the scintillating wines of the Champagne region.
Alas, like so many great stories, this is probably something of a myth. The romantic quote was actually first used in an advertising campaign in the 1880s. And there’s strong evidence to suggest that sparkling wine was first produced intentionally around 1662 by Christopher Merret, a scientist from Gloucester. So perhaps it’s closer to West Country scrumpy than we might think.
Champagne's Wine Regions
Champagne is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions and the exclusive home of authentic Champagne. The region is divided into five main growing areas, each of which contributes distinctive characteristics to the wines. Together, these diverse sub-regions produce a remarkable range of styles, from elegant and mineral-driven Blanc de Blancs to rich, structured vintage Champagnes.
Read our guide to learn more about this iconic French region and its eponymous sparkling wine.
Our Champagne Wine Guide
Things to do in Champagne
Of course, on our SmoothRed Champagne tours you’ll have plenty of chances to taste the region’s favourite export. But beyond the châteaux you’ll also want to visit some of its most popular attractions too.
Read our guide on the best things to do in Champagne and where to visit in the region.
10 Things to Do in Champagne
Where to Stay in Champagne
From spa hotels to historic masterpieces, there’s no shortage of incredible places to stay in Champagne.
Find a few of our favourites at the link below.
Where to Stay in Champagne
When to Visit Champagne
The best time to visit Champagne depends on what you want most from your trip: the high-energy harvest window, warm weather and classic vineyard views, or a quieter, more intimate feel when cellar tours take centre stage.
Read our full guide about the best time to visit Champagne.
When to Visit Champagne
Where to Eat in Champagne
Champagne is one of the most versatile wines for food pairing, thanks to its signature acidity, minerality and fine bubbles.
Discover our favourite food pairings and the best places to eat in Champagne below.
Where to Eat in Champagne
Expert answers to common questions about Champagne
What is the best time of year to visit Champagne, France?
The best time to visit Champagne is between April and September. You’ll see the famous vines during their life cycle as they produce some of the highest-quality grapes. Watch lots of activity in the vineyards as the farmers trim and work the vines, and if you visit between August and September, you may be lucky enough to witness the harvest!
What are the best Champagne houses to visit?
With 370 Champagne houses registered in the region of Champagne, there are plenty to choose from. 24 of these are considered “Grande Marque”, which are the Champagnes you’re most likely to have heard of, such as Moet & Chandon, Ruinart and Bollinger).
We recommend visiting just one of Grande Marques; the smaller boutique houses tend to offer more charming and personal experiences, where you frequently get to meet the winemakers themselves, and taste a wider range of wines.
Is it better to stay in Reims or Epernay?
It is better to stay in Reims as it’s a bigger, more vibrant city and offers more amenities for tourists. There are some superb restaurants for all budgets, top quality champagne bars and of course the Notre Dame cathedral, which served as the traditional site of the coronation of French monarchs.
Do you need to book Champagne houses in Reims?
Yes, we always recommend booking Champagne houses in Reims in advance to avoid disappointment — especially during peak season. Many Champagne houses, especially the popular Grand Marques book up weeks or even months in advance.
Smaller, boutique Champagne houses and wineries may have limited availability or space and so booking in advance is also preferred. As wine travel specialists with many partners in the Champagne region, we have better connections and exclusive access than you could get by booking directly.
How many days should I stay in Champagne?
We recommend a stay of 2 or 3 nights. This is enough time to discover the beautiful vineyards, try lots of the wine and enjoy some time in the city too. If you have a little extra time, though, there are some fabulous spa hotels in the vineyards where you can enjoy a couple of extra days at leisure.
Have more questions?
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(+1) 646 968 0388 (US and Canada)
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