Anne C.
Yelp
We made reservations for the Champagne Tour, a bit of a splurge ($600) for the two of us (which is the reason I am posting a relatively lengthy review) but the included components (sommolier guide, all day transport between vineyards, tastings, and lunch) added up to a decent value. Departure from O Chateau was supposed to be 7:45am so we arrived at 7:30, though though the driver was late and we didn't actually leave until 8:20. There were 7 in our group; we were each offered a very good coffee, the breakfast pastries (fresh croissants) were in a bakery bag, and we ate them in the van as we traveled out of Paris. Our tour guide was super friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and somewhat irreverent. We visited a couple of small family producers and one large producer (Taittinger). We also spent an hour parked so we would have the opportunity to walk a bit around Reims cathedral - all of us on the tour felt this stop used up valuable time, considering the focus and cost of our tour. We enjoyed the 60 minute cave tour at Taittinger, *quite* fascinating and informative and generous with the Taittinger guide's time answering questions. Be sure to bring a layer because it's coooold down there. The two smaller family champagne producers were naturally more intimate and both were personable and generous with their pours. Lunch was spectacular in taste and setting, including a wine pairing (taste) with each item. Everyone in our group was friendly and we freely conversed throughout the day. The driver stopped at the Mumm gate, but we did not visit the tasting room, our guide suggested we take pictures from this spot, not sure what that was about. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm but not too hot. The transportation was very comfortable, a large air-conditioned van. Our group shared two bottles of champagne (which we purchased along the way - i.e., was not provided to us by O Chateau) on the 2 hour drive back. Not sure if that was technically okay to do but it was fun and the driver encouraged us :) Our itinerary called for a final glass of wine to complete the day upon return to O Chateau though the guide never mentioned it when we got there, and after we all tipped him, he left immediately.
Overall, we had a very good experience. It was noteworthy that the day was just beautiful and that the wine and food were delicious. The guide was friendly and informative. For the price also please note we started nearly an hour late, the conclusion was rather abrupt, and of course the tip for the guide was an additional expense. If your time in Paris is limited, please also note you will spend nearly four hours in the van getting to and from the Champagne region.