Discover the top Champagne Houses in Reims for first-time visitors

You’re coming to Reims, in the heart of Champagne, to visit the famous and best champagne houses, a dream for many and soon to be a vivid reality for you. I’m here to share my expert picks of the best champagne houses in Reims, tailor-made for those embarking on their first journey to this exquisite area. But why is Reims a must-visit for every champagne enthusiast? Which houses offer the most unforgettable experiences for a first-time visitor? And how do these selections reflect the diversity and richness of Champagne?

Join me on this exploration to uncover the hidden jewels of Reims, through the eyes of a local aficionado eager to divulge the most closely guarded secrets of this iconic region.

Reims: The gateway to Champagne

Welcome to Reims! This city is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of flavors, history, and culture that defines the Champagne region. Choosing Reims as your first step into the champagne world is an excellent decision. You’re here to gather ideas and information about this magnificent city and its best champagne houses to visit in Reims.

Tips for first-time visitors

Embarking on your champagne adventure in Reims is thrilling, yet it demands a bit of preparation to ensure a seamless experience. The golden rule? Book, book, book! From my extensive explorations and heartfelt recommendations on BnB Epernay Champagne, the importance of booking cannot be overstated.

The champagne houses in Reims are celebrated worldwide, drawing visitors to experience the heart of champagne culture. To avoid the disappointment of missing out, make booking your cellar visits and accommodation a top priority. This piece of advice is perhaps the most vital for those eager to explore the best champagne houses to visit in Reims.

If you want to prepare well and enjoy every tasting to the fullest, insider tips on visiting champagne houses will guide you in choosing the right places, avoiding common pitfalls, and making your experience truly memorable.

What else to do in Reims

But Reims is more than just its champagne houses. Whether planning a quick visit or a more extended stay, the city offers a plethora of activities that promise to enrich your journey. Venture beyond the cellars to explore picturesque villages, lush vineyards, and the architectural marvel of the Reims Cathedral, immersing yourself fully in the Champagne region.

For those looking to make the most of their visit, I’ve put together guides that highlight the essential experiences in Reims:

• My comprehensive guide to Champagne tours in Reims outlines the premier experiences for both enthusiasts and newcomers.
• Discover things to do in Reims in one day, combining culture, history, and gastronomy for a memorable trip.
• Explore my personal selection of top places to visit in Reims, offering unique insights into the city’s charm and history.

Your exploration of Reims is an adventure into the heart of champagne’s legacy, guided by the stories, beauty, and flavors of this iconic region. As you discover the best champagne houses to visit in Reims, let the experience be a doorway to understanding the tradition, innovation, and passion that fuels the Champagne region.

Discovering Champagne Veuve Clicquot

If I had to pick a favorite champagne house visit, it would be Champagne Veuve Clicquot. Nestled in the heart of Reims, this house embodies the spirit of the Champagne region. The story of the Widow Clicquot is not just inspiring; experiencing it in the authentic Crayères, where history meets the art of champagne making, is truly unforgettable. The tasting session, set in the atmospheric caves, offers a perfect introduction to champagne for first-time visitors. It’s a blend of history, beauty, and flavor that makes Veuve Clicquot a standout experience.

• Prices: from €30 for an adult entry
• More info: 1 Rue Albert Thomas, 51100 Reims, France

Champagne Canard-Duchêne

A short journey from Reims takes you to Champagne Canard-Duchêne in Ludes, another gem perfect for newcomers. This house offers something truly special: the chance to saber a bottle of champagne among the vines. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery that shifts with the seasons, Canard-Duchêne is a place where the beauty of nature enhances the champagne experience. Offering both sabrage and a picturesque setting, it’s a visit that combines adventure with the allure of the vineyards, making it an essential stop for first-time visitors seeking the best champagne houses to visit in Reims.

• Closed on Sundays
• Price: Starting from 24 € for an adult ticket
• Tour Duration: Approximately 1h30
• Address: 1 Rue Edmond Canard, 51500 Ludes

Champagne Lanson

Champagne Lanson stands out among the storied houses of Reims not just for its heritage but for a unique feature unmatched in the city’s heart: a clos. For those unfamiliar, a clos is essentially a walled vineyard, and Lanson’s includes an hectare of Chardonnay vines thriving amidst urban surroundings. Discovering this oasis in the middle of Reims was a delightful surprise! The visit to Lanson is a blend of history and innovation, offering a journey through time with its fascinating story and beautiful visitor path. The presence of the clos in such an unexpected setting adds a special touch to the experience, making Lanson a must-visit for those exploring the best champagne houses to visit in Reims.

• Price: Starting from 26 € for an adult ticket
• Tour Duration: Approximately 1h
• More Info: 66 Rue de Courlancy, 51100 Reims
• Getting there: The nearest tram stop “Courlancy” is just 450 meters away. Perfect for a Reims champagne tour.

Champagne Ruinart

Champagne Ruinart offers one of the most stunning cellar tours in Reims, thanks in part to its ancient Gallo-Roman crayères. As the oldest established champagne house in Reims, Ruinart’s visit is nothing short of spectacular, taking guests on a journey through time in the heart of the city. The crayères themselves are an architectural marvel, providing a dramatic backdrop to the rich history and exquisite champagnes of Ruinart. For anyone looking to delve deep into the heritage of champagne in Reims, a visit to Ruinart is an unforgettable experience that beautifully combines historical depth with the art of champagne making.

• Address: 4 Rue des Crayères, 51100 Reims
• Price: Starting from 75 € for an adult ticket

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Discovering the best champagne houses to visit in Reims has been a journey through the heart of champagne culture, from storied cellars to breathtaking vineyards. Each house we explored offers a unique taste of the region’s rich history and the exquisite craft of champagne making.

I hope this guide has inspired you to visit one (or more!) of these exceptional destinations in Reims. Whether you’re drawn to the historic allure of Champagne Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Ruinart or the unique experiences offered by Champagne Canard-Duchêne and Champagne Lanson, there’s a story waiting to be discovered and savored.

May your adventures in Reims deepen your appreciation for champagne and leave you with memories that sparkle as brightly as the drink itself. Cheers to your champagne discoveries in the beautiful city of Reims!

if you’re planning to visit the champagne cellars in reims and want to explore those in Epernay as well, check out our guide the best of épernay: top champagne houses for beginners.