On a foggy morning in Champagne, we found ourselves at Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house, for what turned out to be a magical visit. The day began in their stunning new building housing a boutique and wine bar, which opened this year. Modern yet elegant, the space offered a warm welcome and after a quick orientation to the property and its wines, we descended into the crayeres—their UNESCO World Heritage-listed chalk caves.
The caves are a world unto themselves, cool and silent, with soaring white walls that tell stories of centuries of winemaking. Our son was especially captivated by Retour aux Sources (Back to Roots) by Mouawad Laurier, which he still refers to as the ‘light show.’ This art installation, hidden deep within the caves, is a mesmerizing blend of history and modern creativity. Such a fusion of heritage and artistry is emblematic of Ruinart, a brand with profound ties to the art world.
The visit concluded with an educational wine tasting, a highlight of which was the Dom Ruinart Rosé. Only available through select allocations, it’s a rare treat—and one we’ll be hunting down at wine shops in France. It’s richer and more complex than the normal Ruinart Rosé, which has been our house Champagne for years.
One of the things we appreciate most about Ruinart is its strong presence and reputation in France, where it enjoys a loyal following and is a staple from restaurants to beach clubs. While other brands may dominate exports, Ruinart remains a cherished name among those who know Champagne best.
We finished our visit with a cocktail and light lunch at the new wine bar, which you can visit without an appointment. At the moment, the menu offers a selection of light snacks like bread and butter, tinned fish, and caviar. A more robust menu is in the works, which we are sure will be fabulous.
Whether you’re a seasoned Champagne enthusiast or simply curious about its origins, a visit to Ruinart offers more than just an education in winemaking; it’s an experience steeped in art and history, and, of course, exceptional wines. For us, it was a perfect way to deepen our connection to a brand that will always hold a special place on our table and we will surely be back — especially for the light show.
Note: Ruinart provided support for the reporting of this story.