Visiting Veuve Clicquot in Reims: what you need to know
An iconic house in Reims, Veuve Clicquot ranks among the most sought-after tours in Champagne. Here’s how to plan it and what makes the experience so special.
A house that shaped the history of champagne
Founded in 1772, the house owes its fame to Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Widow Clicquot”, who took over the business in the early 19th century. She is credited with perfecting the riddling table (around 1816), an innovation that made it possible to produce clearer champagnes and permanently transformed the way it was made. You’ll find the house in our directory.
What you see during the tour
Like many of the great houses of Reims, Veuve Clicquot ages its wines in crayères — ancient Gallo-Roman chalk quarries listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour generally combines:
- exploring the underground cellars;
- the story of the house and its predominantly pinot noir style;
- a tasting of one or several cuvées.
To get a sense of what a visit is like in general, read our cellar tour guide.
Booking: our tips
- Tours of the major houses need to be booked in advance, online, and often sell out in high season.
- Check the opening hours and availability directly with the house before making the trip.
- Since any tasting involves alcohol, do not drive afterwards: opt for accommodation within walking distance or an excursion with transport included.
Combining with other tours in Reims
Reims is full of prestigious houses within walking distance. Plan a second tour or a champagne bar to compare styles — find our ideas in champagne tasting in Reims. And for a full itinerary, see our wine-tasting weekends.
