Champagne Is Always a Good Idea
After discovering Veuve Clicquot and Krug on my previous trip to Champagne, I was so happy to return. This time, I had the opportunity to explore two more iconic champagne houses - Ruinart and Dom Pérignon.
I’ve always loved champagne, but there’s something special about visiting the places where it’s actually made. From walking through the vineyards and exploring historic cellars to tasting exceptional vintages and enjoying beautiful French hospitality, this trip was filled with experiences I couldn’t wait to share.
Ruinart: A Little History, a Lot of Champagne
Our visit to Ruinart was a wonderful opportunity to discover the oldest established champagne house in the world.
Founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart, the house actually has quite an interesting beginning. The family originally worked in the textile business, and champagne was initially offered to their customers before eventually becoming the family’s main business.
I love stories like this. Who would have imagined that something which started alongside a textile business would become one of the most recognised names in champagne?
We visited the vineyards and learned more about what makes Ruinart so distinctive, especially its close connection to Chardonnay, the grape that plays such an important role in the house’s signature style.
One of the most fascinating parts of our visit was exploring the famous crayères - ancient chalk quarries beneath Reims where Ruinart has been ageing its champagne for centuries.
Walking through these underground cellars was quite an experience. The chalk walls, the atmosphere and the history behind them make you realise just how much time and tradition go into creating champagne.
The natural conditions of the crayères, with their stable temperature and humidity, provide an ideal environment for champagne to mature.
What I also loved about Ruinart was the contrast between its historic cellars and the beautiful contemporary architecture above ground.
The Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, inaugurated in 2024 and designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, brings a completely different, modern atmosphere to the house. I found that combination of history, architecture and art particularly beautiful.
And then came one of my favourite parts of the visit - dinner!
We had an absolutely delicious dinner at Maison Ruinart, accompanied, of course, by a selection of exceptional Ruinart champagnes.
Everything was beautifully presented, and it was such a pleasure to discover the different cuvées while enjoying the food and the atmosphere of the house.
My personal favourite was Dom Ruinart 1993. Of all the champagnes we tasted there, this was the one that impressed me the most.
And there was one more lovely surprise before we left.
We were each gifted a bottle of Ruinart Brut in a special edition available exclusively at Maison Ruinart. Such a thoughtful souvenir to take home and remember the experience!
Dom Pérignon: From the Vineyards to the Glass
Our Dom Pérignon experience began in the beautiful vineyards of Champagne, where we walked among the vines and even had the chance to taste grapes straight from the vineyard.
It was such a simple but special moment. We are so used to seeing champagne beautifully served in a glass that we rarely think about where it all begins.
On our way back, we stopped at the historic Abbey of Hautvillers, where Dom Pierre Pérignon spent 47 years of his life as a Benedictine monk, from 1668 until his death in 1715.
We visited the little church where he is buried, and I found it quite special to stand in the place where the man whose name became synonymous with exceptional champagne once lived and worked.
Seven Champagnes, One Favourite
Next came one of the highlights of the trip - our Dom Pérignon tasting.
We had the opportunity to taste seven different Dom Pérignon champagnes, including several vintages of the exceptional P2 collection.
One of the things I found most fascinating was discovering how different each vintage could taste.
Dom Pérignon produces only vintage champagne, meaning each release comes from the harvest of a single year, reflecting the unique character of that particular season.
And then there is P2, short for Plénitude 2, which represents a second stage of maturation, when the champagne develops even greater complexity after extended time in the cellars.
Of course, after tasting seven different champagnes, I had to choose my favourite!
And for me, the absolute winner was Dom Pérignon P2 2000. Something about its taste stood out from the others, and it was definitely the one I enjoyed the most.
Château de Saran: A Little Hollywood Moment
After our tasting, we headed to the beautiful Château de Saran, where we would be spending the night as guests of Dom Pérignon.
Located in the heart of Champagne, the château belongs to Moët & Chandon and has a history dating back to the early 19th century. Today, it is an exclusive private residence for the house’s guests, and staying there is an experience in itself.
But I have to tell you about my room!
I was given the Hollywood Room, and honestly, I couldn’t have been happier.
The moment I walked in, I felt like it had been made for me. The cinematic interiors, the atmosphere, the whole mood of the room - everything felt so me!
I love anything with a little old Hollywood glamour, so discovering that this would be my room for the night made me especially happy.
Sometimes it’s those little personal details that make an experience even more memorable.
An Evening with Dom Pérignon P2
Later that evening, we gathered for an aperitif in the château’s lobby and on its beautiful terrace.
We enjoyed champagne, admired the surroundings and spent some lovely time together before heading to dinner.
And dinner was something very special.
We made our way through the château’s connecting passage to a beautifully prepared dining setting, where Chef Marco had created an exclusive tasting menu specifically designed to complement our Dom Pérignon P2 experience.
Each course was carefully paired with the champagne, allowing us to discover how different flavours could complement and enhance one another.
I’ve always loved beautiful dining experiences, but there is something particularly special about a menu created around the champagnes themselves.
The food, the presentation, the atmosphere and, of course, the company made it an evening to remember.
A Breakfast Fit for a Princess
And just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any better, there was breakfast the next morning.
I have to say, it was genuinely one of the most beautiful breakfasts I’ve ever experienced.
The entire table was filled with the prettiest French-style tableware - delicate little bowls, beautiful plates and an incredible selection of dishes, all arranged so elegantly.
There was so much to choose from, and the waiters kept bringing more delicious things to the table. Everything was presented with such attention to detail that I almost didn’t want to touch anything!
It was one of those moments when you simply look around and appreciate how beautiful everything is.
I genuinely felt like a princess that morning.
And I think that breakfast was the perfect ending to our stay at Château de Saran.
Until Next Time, Champagne!
Looking back, what made this trip so special was discovering how much there is behind the champagne we enjoy.
From Ruinart’s historic chalk cellars and beautiful architecture to Dom Pérignon’s vineyards, exceptional vintages and the unforgettable hospitality of Château de Saran, every experience had something different to offer.
I also came home with two new personal favourites: Dom Ruinart 1993 and Dom Pérignon P2 2000.
But beyond the champagne, it was the beautiful places, incredible food, thoughtful details and time spent with some of my favourite people that made this trip so memorable.
Champagne, you were wonderful. Until next time!
With love,
Sasha 💋
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