National Champagne Day

A group of people smiling, holding champagne glasses, wearing elegant attire, in a festive and glamorous party setting.. — National champagne day illustration

Pop the champagne and get ready to celebrate because it's National Champagne Day!

When is Champagne Day?

It's national champagne day on the 31st December.

The History of National Champagne Day

Champagne, the bubbly elixir of joy, has been gracing special occasions and toasting triumphs for centuries. But how did we come to dedicate a whole day to this effervescent beverage?

It all began back in the 17th century when the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon accidentally discovered the method to create sparkling wine. Legend has it that he exclaimed, 'Come quickly, I am drinking the stars!' after taking a sip of his creation. Ever since that fateful moment, champagne has been associated with celebration, luxury, and pure bliss.

Fast forward to modern times, and National Champagne Day evolved as a way to honor this delightful drink and raise a glass to all the joyous moments in life. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, a promotion, or simply making it to Friday, National Champagne Day provides the perfect excuse to indulge in a glass of bubbly goodness.

How to Celebrate National Champagne Day

1. Gather your loved ones: Champagne is best enjoyed in the company of close friends and family. Organize a gathering and raise a toast to the good times.

2. Food pairings: Enhance your champagne experience by pairing it with delicious bites. From delicate canapés to decadent desserts, there's a world of flavors waiting to be explored.

3. Create your own signature cocktail: Get creative and mix up your own champagne concoction. Whether it's a classic champagne cocktail or a refreshing mimosa, the possibilities are endless.

4. Relive sports victories: If you're a sports fan, use National Champagne Day as an excuse to revisit those glorious moments when your favorite team clinched victory. Toast to their success and let the champagne flow.

5. Celebrate new beginnings: Champagne is the quintessential drink for toasting to new beginnings. Whether it's a new job, a new home, or a new relationship, let champagne be your sparkling companion in welcoming fresh starts.

Fun Fact

Did you know that shaking a bottle of champagne and then popping the cork can send the cork flying at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour? That's faster than some sports cars!

History behind the term 'Champagne'

1668

The Birth of Sparkling Wine

The history of champagne begins in 1668 when a Benedictine monk named Dom Perignon became the cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in France. During his tenure, Perignon made significant advancements in winemaking techniques, one of which was the development of a sparkling wine. He discovered that by carefully blending different grape varieties and masterfully controlling the fermentation process, he could create a pleasantly effervescent wine that would later be named Champagne.

1728

The Widow Clicquot Takes Over

In 1728, tragedy struck the Champagne region when Françoise Clicquot's husband, Philippe Clicquot, unexpectedly passed away, leaving her as the young widow in charge of their Champagne house. Despite the challenging circumstances, Françoise Clicquot, known as the Widow Clicquot, took over the business and revolutionized the Champagne industry. She introduced various innovations, including the process of riddling, which made it possible to produce clear, sediment-free Champagne.

1850

The Birth of the Méthode Champenoise

In the mid-19th century, a significant breakthrough occurred in Champagne with the development of the Méthode Champenoise, also known as the traditional method. This method involved a two-step fermentation process where the second fermentation took place in the bottle, creating natural carbonation. The Méthode Champenoise contributed to the consistent quality and unique taste of Champagne, setting it apart from other sparkling wines.

1884

The Establishment of AOC

In 1884, the concept of Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) was established in France, specifically for the Champagne region. AOC is a designation that protects the geographical origin and ensures the quality of products. This recognition solidified Champagne as a distinct and prestigious sparkling wine that could only be produced in the Champagne region of France, protecting it from imitation and maintaining its exclusivity.

20th Century

Symbol of Luxury and Celebration

Throughout the 20th century, Champagne solidified its status as a symbol of luxury, elegance, and celebration. It became a popular choice for toasting and special occasions, gracing the tables of royalty, celebrities, and influential figures worldwide. The association of Champagne with joyous celebrations further elevated its cultural significance and cemented its position as the most renowned sparkling wine in the world.

Did you know?

Did you know that shaking a bottle of champagne and then popping the cork can send the cork flying at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour? That's faster than some sports cars!