Ruinart, Reims

Ruinart is generally described as the oldest established champagne house, founded in 1729, and it keeps an air of quiet distinction that sets it apart from the larger, louder brands. Its cellars are cut into the chalk beneath Reims, in galleries whose shape and depth are part of the UNESCO-inscribed heritage, and the house is known for a style led by Chardonnay, with particular strength in blanc de blancs. The linked product is a private tour with tasting in Champagne, which suits visitors who prefer a small, personal visit to a larger group experience and who are interested in the history and craft behind a house with three centuries of continuity.

The appeal of Ruinart is in its restraint. Visits are by reservation, group sizes are usually small, and the guiding tends to be thoughtful rather than showy. The chalk galleries, known as crayères, are the main sight: tall, bell-shaped quarries dug in Roman times and later turned into cellars, with walls of pale stone and the cool, silent air of an old church.

The house is closely associated with art and design, commissioning contemporary artists, and the visit often feels like a gallery walk as much as a winery tour, with the wine as a calm, precise conclusion.

As a tasting, Ruinart usually presents wines with a fresh, floral, citrus-driven profile that works well as an aperitif and with seafood and light dishes. If you enjoy Chardonnay-led champagne, this is a house to prioritise. Because the linked tour is private, it is a good choice for couples, small groups of friends or anyone who wants to ask questions and move at their own pace. Confirm with the operator what is included on the day, including transport, the length of the visit and any additional tastings.

One more reason to choose a small-group visit is the pace. At a smaller or private session you can ask about the seasons in the vineyard, how a vintage is declared, and why blanc de blancs ages differently from blends with Pinot Noir. The answers are usually specific and unrushed, and they stay with you when you open a bottle at home.

If you are travelling with someone who is new to champagne, this is a gentle introduction because the explanation is clear and the style is easy to enjoy. Do check opening days before you travel, since small houses often close on Sundays or for events.

If you enjoy art as well as wine, ask about current exhibitions or installations at the house, since Ruinart has a long history of working with artists and collectors. The combination of chalk, quiet and a few carefully chosen works makes the visit memorable even for people who do not usually visit wineries. Combine it with a walk to the cathedral, which is close enough to reach on foot or by a short taxi ride, and plan dinner somewhere you can open a bottle of the house style, if you buy one.