Wine tour of Ruinart Champagne in Reims: cellar & tasting
Experience a wine tour of Ruinart Champagne in Reims with cellar visits and champagne tastings. Guided tours available from March to November.
The Wine tour of Ruinart Champagne in Reims offers a unique experience in the heart of France’s Champagne region. The visit takes place in Reims, at the historic site of Maison Ruinart, established in 1729. Known for its refined production process, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house.
During this wine tour in Reims, you will explore the chalk cellars, known as “Crayères”. These underground galleries are located 40 metres (131 feet) below ground. They have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as a Historic Monument in France.
The tour includes champagne tastings of two high-quality cuvées. It combines heritage, craftsmanship, and sensory experience. The tasting takes place in private salons, offering a quiet setting to understand the style and character of Ruinart champagnes.
This wine tour of Ruinart Champagne in Reims lasts about 2 hours and is available in multiple languages. It’s an opportunity to understand the depth of champagne-making through one of the most renowned producers in the region.
Where and When
Where
The experience is held at Maison Ruinart in Reims, in the Champagne-Ardenne region, northeast France. The address is easily accessible from Paris, approximately 130 km (80 miles) away by train or car. The location is central in Reims, near other champagne houses and historical landmarks.
When
The wine tour of Ruinart Champagne in Reims takes place from mid-March to early November, every day except Sundays and Mondays. Booking in advance is required due to limited group sizes.
The experience
Cellar visit
The tour starts with a guided walk through the Ruinart Crayères, the underground chalk cellars used for champagne ageing. These cellars are carved from Gallo-Roman quarries and descend over 30 metres (98 feet) below ground level. The ambient temperature is a steady 11°C (52°F), ideal for preserving champagne.
Visitors descend via a stone staircase leading to a network of galleries. The setting is quiet, dimly lit, and reveals centuries of craftsmanship. The guide explains the history of the house, the role of the Crayères, and the methods used to mature champagne bottles.
Champagne tastings
After the cellar tour, guests are welcomed into private tasting salons. A sommelier presents two champagnes from the Ruinart collection:
- One premium cuvée,
- One prestige cuvée, such as the Blanc de Blancs or Dom Ruinart, depending on availability.
The champagne tastings include expert commentary on grape varieties, fermentation methods, and tasting notes. The session lasts around 30 minutes and provides context for appreciating the quality of the production.
Languages and group size
Tours are available in French, English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Japanese, and Swedish. Group sizes are limited to 12 participants, offering a calm and attentive experience.
Benefits of the experience
The wine tour of Ruinart Champagne in Reims offers several practical and cultural benefits:
- Learn about champagne production from one of the most historic houses in the region.
- Understand the importance of the Crayères, unique chalk cellars essential to champagne ageing.
- Participate in professional champagne tastings led by trained sommeliers.
- Enjoy a small-group format, allowing better interaction and focus during the visit.
- Enhance your appreciation of wine, with detailed explanations on grape varieties, terroir, and vinification techniques.
- Combine heritage and tasting in one setting, without the crowds of larger-scale visits.
- Perfect for travellers interested in wine culture, regional history, or gastronomy in Reims.
This wine tour in Reims brings both technical insight and sensory enjoyment in a structured, calm format.
Conditions and restrictions
- Participants must be 18 years or older.
- Booking is required in advance.
- Visits are not available on Sundays and Mondays.
- The visit lasts 2 hours including the tasting.
- Group limited to 12 people maximum.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended due to stairs and walking underground.
- Not adapted for people with limited mobility.
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