Destination guide
South of Reims, the city quickly gives way to forest, Pinot Noir slopes and Grand Cru villages. Book the grands marques and full tours in advance, but do try the door at smaller growers when a tasting sign is out; spontaneous tastings are still very much part of travelling here.
View the day plan ↓
A realistic day
Choose one village in the morning, take a long lunch and make one fixed visit or stop at the Verzenay viewpoint. A spontaneous tasting at a smaller grower can be a lovely extra.
A Grand Cru village with many small growers as well as famous names.
A distinctive viewpoint and a useful gateway to the northern slopes.
A welcome walk between tastings, known for its twisted dwarf beeches.
Champagne houses
Bouzy · Montagne de Reims
Champagne Brice is a family house in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. You visit old cellars cut into the chalk and taste cuvées from villages including Aÿ, Bouzy, Cramant and Verzenay.
Bouzy · Montagne de Reims
Gaston Collard is an organic and biodynamic family estate in Bouzy. The visit focuses on the vineyard and Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru slopes around the village.
Ludes · Montagne de Reims
Canard-Duchêne is set in a park in the village of Ludes. The tour passes through nineteenth-century cellars and also covers art and the vineyard.
Bouzy · Montagne de Reims
A small family grower in Bouzy working entirely with Grand Cru fruit. This is an address for Pinot Noir lovers rather than a polished visitor attraction.
Bouzy · Montagne de Reims
A true Bouzy specialist and personal favourite, producing both Champagne and Bouzy Rouge. The shop and tasting room feel classic and unpretentious.
