My birthday celebrations continued in the most sparkling way imaginable, as my family surprised me with the ultimate gift—a Champagne-tasting at Veuve Clicquot. And where better to experience this bubbly delight than in the heart of it all: Reims, France!

It’s a quick 45-minute TGV train ride from Paris to Reims city center and a taxi to Veuve Clicquot. You could totally make this a day trip; however, we opted to stay overnight, elevating the overall experience. You’ll see why below!

The Tour

We arrived at the legendary cellars of Veuve Clicquot, where our guide greeted us, along with the rest of our group, for a one-and-a-half-hour tour and tasting. To kick things off, we descended a seemingly endless staircase into the cool, dimly lit depths of the chalk cellars.

Our guide began with a brief but fascinating introduction to the incredible Madame Clicquot. Widowed at just 27, she didn’t retreat quietly into the background as society might have expected. Instead, she boldly took the reins of the family business, founded by her father-in-law in 1772, transforming it with her vision and determination. I love a fabulous girl boss story!

And, of course, we know how her story ends: with her name etched in Champagne history, her legacy immortalized in every golden bottle. As it should…I might add, a very tasty bottle of Champagne indeed!

As we wandered through the tunnels of the cellar, we arrived at a unique scent room where our guide introduced us to the aromatic world of Champagne. This was very cool…the air was infused with the distinct fragrances of the terroir and the three grape varieties—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier—used in the winemaking process. Each scent revealed its own character, allowing us to identify and appreciate their subtle differences.

Now for the tasting bit, cuz that’s why we’re here. Which included four exceptional bottles: the Limited Edition Yellow Label, Extra Brut Extra Old, Black Label, a 2015 Vintage, and a 2015 Vintage Rosé—lucky us! And yes, I finished all four glasses, just in case you wondered. How could I let any of that deliciousness go to waste, right?

Where we stayed – Les Crayers

If you’re going to indulge in a Champagne tasting, why not go all in and complete the experience by staying at the iconic Hôtel Les Crayères? Nestled in a lush, manicured park just minutes from Reims (and a 10-minute walk to Veuve), this historic château-turned-luxury-hotel offers the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

Champagne on arrival

Our weekend getaway was perfect! It gave us plenty of time to savour the Champagne and soak in the sights of Reims. Honestly, unless you have a car and plan to venture out to explore the vineyards or nearby Épernay, you can cover the highlights in just a couple of days. The stunning Basilica of Saint-Remi and the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral are must-visits. And, If you’re still thirsty for more, there are plenty of other Champagne houses to explore—just remember to book ahead to avoid any disappointment. Cheers!