Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tasting in Reims: Review & Tips
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right.”
If you love champagne as much as I do, Reims is one of those cities you'll want to visit at least once. It's home to some of the world's most famous Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot, which is exactly where we're heading in this guide.
So, hold onto your flute because I'm about to take you on a tour of the iconic Veuve Clicquot estate. From exploring the historic cellars to learning more about the story behind those famous orange labels—and, of course, tasting some Champagne along the way—here's everything you need to know before booking a Veuve Clicquot tour in Reims.
Grab your glass, and let's toast to Champagne dreams coming true while we cover all aspects of the Veuve Clicquot Tour:
The History of Veuve Clicquot
The story of Veuve Clicquot goes back to the early 19th century in Reims, when Madame Clicquot took over the Champagne house after the death of her husband. At a time when the Champagne industry was largely dominated by men, she went on to become one of its most influential figures.
Madame Clicquot played an important role in changing the way Champagne was produced, most famously with the development of the riddling table, a technique used to remove sediment and create the clear Champagne we know today. The house survived wars, political upheaval, and plenty of changes over the centuries, but her influence is still a huge part of the Veuve Clicquot story.
You'll learn much more about Madame Clicquot and the history of the house during the tour, which I personally found to be one of the most interesting parts of the experience.
The Tour
It's time to add a little sparkle to your day with a Veuve Clicquot tour. Booking tickets online is easy, and there are several tours to choose from depending on how much time you want to spend at the Champagne house and, of course, how much Champagne you want to taste. Prices range from around €35 for a one-hour tour to €250 for a four-hour experience. I personally booked the 1.5-hour tour for €75, which I felt was a good amount of time.
The tour takes you through the history of Veuve Clicquot and explains how Champagne is made, including some of the techniques introduced by Madame Clicquot herself. You'll also spend time exploring the cellars, so I'd recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there is some walking and quite a few stairs involved.
Of course, you can't visit Veuve Clicquot without actually drinking some Champagne. The tour ends with a tasting, giving you the chance to try some of the house's most famous bottles after learning how they're made.
And if you're not quite ready for the Champagne to stop after Reims, you're in luck. Disneyland Paris isn't too far away, and there are actually three spots where you can enjoy a glass of Champagne in the parks.
The Tasting
Now, onto the best part of the Veuve Clicquot Tour—the tasting! Picture yourself cozied up in the historic cellars, surrounded by rows upon rows of aging champagne. It's like stepping into a bubbly wonderland! During my chosen tour, I was treated to not one, not two, but four different champagnes. From crisp and refreshing to rich and full-bodied, each sip was an experience in itself.
You'll also learn some insider tricks of the trade, like how to properly pop that cork (hint: it's all in the twist) and how to distinguish the subtle nuances in the champagne-making process. It's like champagne school but way more fun! So, grab your flute and get ready to sip, savor, and soak in the bubbly.
Want to visit another house and taste more champagnes? You got it. In my Reims travel guide, I cover everything you need to know about the city and which Champagne tastings you can’t miss out on.
The Verdict
So, is the Veuve Clicquot tour worth it? In my opinion, yes. Depending on which tour you choose, it can be a little pricey, but you're getting much more than just a glass of Champagne at the end. I genuinely enjoyed learning about how Champagne is made and exploring the cellars, and I wasn't bored for a single second.
Madame Clicquot's story was also one of the most interesting parts for me. Taking over the business at a time when the industry was dominated by men and going on to change the way Champagne was produced makes her story pretty impressive. There's definitely a story of female empowerment behind that famous orange label.
If you're planning a trip to Reims and already enjoy Veuve Clicquot—or simply want to learn more about Champagne—I think the tour is well worth adding to your itinerary. And, of course, ending the whole thing with a glass of Champagne certainly doesn't hurt.
Cheers!
If you have any more questions, you can always reach out to me, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
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