Champagne Tasting in Reims: Where and How to Taste
The city of coronations and the historic capital of Champagne, Reims is the ideal place for a tasting. Between grand houses, listed chalk cellars and Champagne bars, here is how to make the most of the experience.
Tasting at a Champagne house
The most complete option remains the tour and tasting at a house: you descend into the cellars, learn about the method, then taste one or more cuvées. Reims is home to several grand houses whose crayères — former Gallo-Roman chalk quarries — are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Discover the Reims houses and their styles in our directory, then book ahead.
Tasting at a Champagne bar
If you prefer a freer pace, Reims has plenty of Champagne bars where you can taste by the glass, often with fine selections from independent growers. It is ideal for comparing several styles in one spot, and for discovering more confidential cuvées.
Tasting well: the right habits
- Temperature: serve Champagne at 8–10 °C, never ice-cold (that masks the aromas).
- The glass: choose a tulip glass over a coupe, as it concentrates the aromas better.
- Observe: the fineness of the bubbles and their persistence (the cordon) are good indicators.
- Take your time: let the aromas evolve, from fruit to the more toasty notes that come from ageing on the lees.
Our glossary explains the terms you will hear (dosage, brut nature, autolysis and more).
Don’t drive after a tasting
A tasting is still alcohol consumption. Plan for a designated driver, accommodation within walking distance, or a guided excursion with transport — see our tours and excursions.
Extend the experience
Fancy a full weekend? Discover our wine-tasting stays and the guide to planning your visit to Reims and the wider Champagne region.
