In the UNESCO-listed chalk cellars of the oldest champagne house, Ruinart opens rare formats: dinner nearly 40 metres underground, the intimate Petit R table, Le Bar by Ruinart at the Pavillon Nicolas. A guide to choosing and organising your visit.
Wine · Reims · Maison Ruinart
In Reims, at 4 rue des Crayères, Maison Ruinart — the oldest champagne house, founded nearly three centuries ago — welcomes guests into its UNESCO World Heritage chalk cellars, dug almost 40 metres deep. Here are its rarest formats, and how we organise them.
A table served blind
The House's approach is surprising: the menu is usually served blind, following the seasons and local producers, and each pairing is introduced by a House ambassador. Dishes and cuvées are discovered together. All details are on our Ruinart Experiences in Reims page.
The formats to know
- Dîner en Crayères. About four hours, five courses, 2 to 100 guests, beneath the chalk vaults.
- Petit R. An intimate table for 2 to 12 guests, with projections: five courses in four hours or seven courses in four and a half hours.
- Instant d'Exception. From the cellars to the dining room, 2 to 80 guests.
- Le Bar by Ruinart. At the Pavillon Nicolas, between garden, artworks and terrace: 25 to 36 seated, 37 to 150 for cocktails with around twenty bites and two cuvées, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
- Work sessions. A 288 m² room for up to 24 participants.
- Private cellar visit. About one hour, 15 people maximum, in French or English; the site is accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
Have a project in mind?
Our experts are ready to create a bespoke experience for you.
Request a confidential consultationPlanning the day
Reims is about 45 minutes by TGV from Paris-Est, or 1h45 by car. We arrange a private chauffeur from Paris or a station pick-up. The cellars stay cool all year round: bring a warm layer, even in summer. To stay overnight, Domaine Les Crayères or Hôtel du Marc are the natural choices.
When to book
Allow four to eight weeks ahead, more during the harvest and in December. All formats remain subject to the House's availability.
Going further
Our article Ruinart: private and confidential champagne experiences looks back at the House's history. For a full stay in Champagne, our Paris concierge coordinates transport, hotel and tables. To submit a request, visit the Ruinart Experiences page: access details are shared after a confidential form.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a chalk cellar dinner last?
About four hours, for five courses.
Is the menu known in advance?
Usually not: it is served blind and introduced by a House ambassador.
How do I get there from Paris?
About 45 minutes by TGV from Paris-Est, or 1h45 by car with a chauffeur.
Ruinart is a trademark of its owner. AC PRIVATE is not an official partner of the House; services subject to its availability. Please drink responsibly. Photographs © Maison Ruinart.
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Alexandre Emmelin
Founder, AC PRIVATE - A List concierge
Alsatian entrepreneur, Alexandre founded AC PRIVATE - A List concierge with one conviction: true luxury is reclaimed time. He personally leads the most sensitive missions and writes a monthly editorial sharing his vision of exceptional concierge service.
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