A Bicentenary Bash To Remember

 

Champagne Bollinger, that iconic titan of bubbly magnificence, is on the cusp of a milestone that demands quite a celebration and they are going all out to prepare. The year 2029 marks the bicentenary of this legendary champagne house, and trust us, they’re pulling out all the stops to ensure it’s a celebration for the ages. And for good reason.

Among the constellation of renowned champagne houses, one name shines with particular brilliance. Established in 1829, Champagne Bollinger. has etched quite the legacy since Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Jacques Bollinger came together to form the venerable maison. In the heart of the Champagne vineyards, Bollinger found its muse – the terroir. The unique characteristics of the Aÿ region and its neighboring villages became the foundation upon which Bollinger would build its empire.

But Bollinger’s secret weapon lay not just in the vines, but beneath the earth – in the labyrinthine cellars. Bollinger’s commitment to age its wines for longer than the norm lent them a character that was bold, nuanced, and unforgettable. As Bollinger’s reputation blossomed, it became a symbol of excellence coveted by nobility and esteemed palates alike. The British Royal Family’s endorsement in the late 19th century propelled Bollinger into the echelons of aristocratic taste, a position it has maintained ever since. In the 20th century Bollinger cemented its status as James Bond’s champagne of choice.

 

 

The prestige of Bollinger is enshrined in its exquisite cuvées – each a masterpiece that tells a unique story. The Special Cuvée, a blend of elegance and finesse, serves as the embodiment of Bollinger’s style, while the Grand Année showcases the maison’s finest harvests in a symphony of complexity. Then, there’s the enigmatic R.D. – Récemment Dégorgé – a cuvée that challenges conventions by embracing the art of extended lees aging.

As the curtain rises on the bicentenary celebrations in 2029 the legendary champagne house is embarking on a new venture in oenotourism, including the construction of a hospitality centre and its first hotel.

 

 

The central element of this endeavor is the former residence of Madame Elisabeth Bollinger, who led Champagne Bollinger from 1941 to 1971. The location is in Aÿ, France, around 45 minutes by car from Reims, the largest city in the region. The garden, previously used for events, will now serve as a dedicated space for welcoming champagne enthusiasts, with an estimated 20,000 visitors per year after the grand opening.

The inspiration for the hotel came from Bollinger’s wine club members, many of whom expressed interest in not only visiting but also staying at the winery. The renovated building will feature floor-to-ceiling windows to provide visibility into the cellar. This expansion will allow for exclusive tasting and dining experiences, including food and wine pairings, vineyard lunches, master classes, and curated dinners.

 

 

A highlight of the project is the creation of a cathedral-like cellar connected to the vineyards, capable of holding over 5,000 228-litre barrels. This will make it one of the largest cellars in the Champagne region.

Additionally, a 20-bedroom luxury boutique hotel will be established at Maison Dueil, part of the Bollinger estate. This hotel will offer a wellness area, a pool, meeting rooms, and a large reception room. The transformation of Maison Dueil is a nod to the Maison’s heritage, a fusion of the past and the present. A place where guests can step into bespoke grandeur while being surrounded by the echoes of history, where the clinking of glasses has resonated for generations. As the sun sets on the vineyards, Maison Dueil rolls out the conviviality with a grand reception room, which has the capacity to host up to 200 guests.

While the festivities may be steeped in historical extravagance Champagne Bollinger is also conscious of the future and are focusing on a path of sustainability and responsibility. By 2029, Bollinger aims to have all employees participate in annual training for professional and personal development, as well as sustainability. The company is committed to sustainability, including transitioning to 100 percent bio-sourced products, lighter bottles, a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and 100 percent recycled and recyclable packaging. The commitment to sustainability, as seen in Bollinger’s comprehensive initiatives to reduce environmental impact, demonstrates a forward-looking approach that is focused on the continuation of its journey for the future. Cheers to the past, present, and the sparkling promise of what is yet to come.