Guided Champagne Wine Tour at Ruinart in Reims

Description

Champagne Tasting and Wine Tour at Ruinart in Reims

Location
Reims, Champagne-Ardenne, France
Located 140 km (87 mi) northeast of Paris
45 minutes by TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est
Easy access by train, car or taxi

The Experience Includes:

• Guided tour of the Ruinart chalk cellars
• Access to the UNESCO-listed Crayères
• Tasting of one premium cuvée
• Tasting of one prestige vintage cuvée
• Visit conducted by a multilingual guide
• Maximum group size: 12 participants

What to Expect

Your visit begins at Maison Ruinart in Reims. After a short welcome, you descend more than 30 m (98 ft) underground via a staircase into a network of old chalk quarries. These galleries, known as Crayères, were originally dug in the Middle Ages and have been used by Ruinart for storing champagne since the 18th century. The site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015.

The cellar maintains a steady temperature of 11°C (52°F) year-round, which provides ideal conditions for ageing. Your guide explains the history of the house, the role of the Crayères in champagne production, and how the wine is aged and handled over time.

After the cellar tour, you move to a private salon for a seated tasting. You will be served one premium cuvée and one vintage prestige cuvée. The tasting is guided, with explanations about each wine’s structure, aroma, and production details. It is a good way to understand the difference between different levels of champagne and what defines Ruinart’s style.

This champagne tasting is organised in small groups, which ensures time for questions and discussion. The wine tour is available in several languages, depending on the day and schedule.

Visiting Ruinart is a practical and informative way to experience wine tasting in Champagne. The focus is on quiet observation and expert knowledge, without distractions or large crowds.

About Ruinart

Ruinart is the oldest established champagne house, founded in 1729 in Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region of France. It was created by Nicolas Ruinart, inspired by his uncle Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk who recognised the potential of sparkling wine. Ruinart is known for its refined style, with a focus on chardonnay grapes, which bring freshness and structure to its blends. The house uses traditional methods, and its wines are aged in historic chalk cellars, called “Crayères,” some of which date back to Roman times. These deep underground galleries offer ideal conditions for ageing. Ruinart produces several cuvées, including the Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, and prestige vintages. The house continues to be recognised for the consistency and precision of its champagne.

Other Important Information

• Duration: 2 hours
• Languages: Available in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Swedish, Portuguese, Russian
• Group size: up to 12 people
• Must be 18 or older for the tasting
• Available from mid-March to early November, Tuesday to Saturday
• Closed on Sundays and Mondays
• Advance reservation required
• A PRIVATE TOUR AND TASTING CAN BE ORGANIZED

Validity

On XperienceFrance, you purchase a voucher valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. It can be used for yourself or given as a gift.
If you would like to check availability for specific dates, please contact us before making your purchase.