Champagne Academy

Day 4 of the Champagne Academy focused on one of the most fascinating aspects of Champagne production: the art of blending. Through lectures, tastings, and visits to three renowned houses, students gained a deeper understanding of the decisions that shape the wines long before they reach the bottle.

The day began at Piper-Heidsieck with an examination covering the previous day's lecture, followed by today's lecture. A guided tasting of the Piper-Heidsieck range showcased the house's vibrant and contemporary style.

The journey then continued to Krug, where students experienced one of the most distinctive philosophies in Champagne. A tasting in the legendary Room of 400 Wines offered a unique insight into Krug's meticulous approach to blending, demonstrating how individual wines contribute to the creation of the house's iconic cuvées. Lunch at the Krug family house provided an opportunity to continue discussions in an intimate and historic setting.

The evening was spent at V***e Clicquot's Hôtel du Marc, one of Champagne's most prestigious hospitality venues. Students explored the role of red wines in Champagne production through a dedicated red base wine tasting, gaining a greater appreciation of how colour, texture and complexity are built into rosé Champagnes.

The day concluded with dinner at Hôtel du Marc, bringing together the themes of blending, craftsmanship and house style in a setting that perfectly reflected the heritage and prestige of Champagne.

***eClicquot ChampagneEducation

Day 4 of the Champagne Academy focused on one of the most fascinating aspects of Champagne production: the art of blending. Through lectures, tastings, and visits to three renowned houses, students gained a deeper understanding of the decisions that shape the wines long before they reach the bottle.

The day began at Piper-Heidsieck with an examination covering the previous day's lecture, followed by today's lecture. A guided tasting of the Piper-Heidsieck range showcased the house's vibrant and contemporary style.

The journey then continued to Krug, where students experienced one of the most distinctive philosophies in Champagne. A tasting in the legendary Room of 400 Wines offered a unique insight into Krug's meticulous approach to blending, demonstrating how individual wines contribute to the creation of the house's iconic cuvées. Lunch at the Krug family house provided an opportunity to continue discussions in an intimate and historic setting.

The evening was spent at V***e Clicquot's Hôtel du Marc, one of Champagne's most prestigious hospitality venues. Students explored the role of red wines in Champagne production through a dedicated red base wine tasting, gaining a greater appreciation of how colour, texture and complexity are built into rosé Champagnes.

The day concluded with dinner at Hôtel du Marc, bringing together the themes of blending, craftsmanship and house style in a setting that perfectly reflected the heritage and prestige of Champagne.

***eClicquot

Check out our day three recap as told by student Imogen Glithro. On day three, the students ventured to Ruinart, Charles Heidsieck, and Pommery.

Read here https://www.champagneacademy.co.uk/post/memories-from-the-2026-students

Day 2 of The Champagne Academy course as told by Elizabeth Mellis. Today, the group journeyed to Moët & Chandon, Pol Roger & Laurent-Perrier.

Read now https://www.champagneacademy.co.uk/post/memories-from-the-2026-students

Day 3 took students deeper into the worlds of sustainability, blending and house identity, with visits to three iconic Champagne producers: Ruinart, Charles Heidsieck and Pommery.

The day began in the vineyards of Ruinart, where students explored the house's innovative Vitiforestry Project and learned how biodiversity and sustainable viticulture are shaping the future of Champagne. A focused tasting of Chardonnay followed, highlighting the versatility of one of the region's signature grapes and offering an introduction to Ruinart's Blanc Singulier project.

The group then travelled to Charles Heidsieck for today's lecture.. Students deepened their understanding through a guided tasting, exploring the distinctive style, precision and complexity that define the house.

After lunch at Charles Heidsieck, there was time to settle into Reims before an evening at Pommery. Students toured the estate, discovering its remarkable heritage, cellars and contemporary art installations before attending a tasting in the prestigious Club Salon. The experience offered a fascinating look at the diversity of Champagne styles and the role of blending in expressing a house's identity.

The day concluded with dinner on Le Réfectoire terrace, where students reflected on another packed day of learning, tasting and discovery in the heart of Champagne

Day 2 of The Champagne Academy focused on vineyards, harvests and house styles, giving students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Champagne.

The morning began at Moët & Chandon with an examination on the previous day’s learnings, followed by a lecture led by three of the Masions. Students explored the challenges and opportunities facing Champagne’s vineyards and gained insight into the decisions that shape each vintage.

From there, the group travelled to Laurent-Perrier for a guided tasting, examining the distinctive philosophy and winemaking approach that define its wines. Lunch followed at the stunning Château de Louvois, where students continued discussions with educators and industry leaders.

In the afternoon, students visited Pol Roger for a house tour and tasting, learning about the producer’s rich history and signature style.

The day concluded back at Moët & Chandon’s Trianon with a tasting hosted by winemaker Marie-Christine Osselin, followed by an dinner. It was a fitting end to a day dedicated to understanding the diversity, heritage and excellence of the Champagne region.

Day 1 recap of The Champagne Academy 2026 as told by student Michael Morgan.

A busy day awaited our students as they set off for their first day on the course. Today they had their first lecture, followed by a tasting at Heidsieck Monopole, lunch at Perrier-Jouët, and dinner at Champagne Bollinger.

Read all about it: https://www.champagneacademy.co.uk/post/memories-from-the-2026-students

Yesterday, our students touched down in Champagne to begin The Champagne Academy 2026 course. Read student Carl Evans' reflections on the beginning of an incredible week.

https://lnkd.in/dyzavsPg

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Day 1 of the Champagne Academy course immersed students in the foundations of Champagne, combining classroom learning with unforgettable visits to some of the region’s most iconic houses.

The day began with a lecture on “Champagne: The Framework”, exploring the history, geography, regulations and key factors that shape the region. Students then tasted clear wines with Heidsieck & Co Monopole, gaining valuable insight into the building blocks of Champagne before the bubbles take shape.

Afterwards, the group visited the spectacular Maison Belle Epoque, home of Perrier-Jouët, where they enjoyed a gastronomic lunch paired with the house's Champagnes and learned more about its distinctive style and heritage.

The afternoon took us to Aÿ for an in-depth visit to Bollinger. Students explored the historic cellars, visited the famed Clos des Chaudes-Terres vineyard and discovered the craftsmanship behind one of Champagne’s most celebrated producers.
The day concluded with a gastronomic dinner at Bollinger, offering the opportunity to experience the house’s wines alongside cuisine while continuing discussions.

It’s Day 1 for the 2026 Students…. Here's what they are up to today… anyone else slightly jealous….


🗓️ Lecture on Champagne: The Framework

🍾 Clear wine tasting with

🍾 Visit cellar tour & lunch

🍾 Visit Cellars and Clos des Chaudes-Terres