La Fete du Champagne Returns to Houston to Uncork French Magic

La Fete du Champagne Returns to Houston to Uncork French Magic

TIME TO POP the bubbles! Following its successful inaugural year in Houston, La Fête du Champagne returns this Oct. 18-19 with an immersive series of events showcasing the world’s finest Champagnes.


Powered by Pressoir, the organization behind the top French wine festivals in the country, La Fête du Champagne, which marks its 10th anniversary in New York this year, brings together the Champagne region’s top producers. From prestigious Champagne houses to boutique cult growers and everything in between, anticipate a program of tastings, seminars, and intimate dinners at top restaurants.

“Houston has such an exciting food and wine scene, and we were thrilled to bring La Fête here in 2023,” says world–renowned sommelier Daniei Johnnes. “My team at Pressoir can’t wait to return again in furtherance of our mission to share the unique world of French wine and culture with American wine lovers. Our collaboration with chef Aaron Bludorn and our exquisite participating producers is sure to result in unforgettable experiences.”

The schedule of events is below.


Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle – The Art of Assemblage

Lunch at Navy Blue, Friday, Oct. 18, 12pm. Tickets ($425) here.

Taste through 10 of Laurent-Perrier’s wines and vintages with 6 examples of Grand Siècle, including a comparison of Iteration No. 23 in bottle and in magnum. Also, late-disgorged “Les Réserves” magnums of No. 20 with Edouard Cossy will be poured. Wines will be paired with chef-owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Jerrod Zifchak’s seafood-forward cuisine.

A Journey Back in Time Dinner with Lanson Chef de Cave Hervé Dantan

Oct. 18, 6:30pm at Bar Bludorn. Tickets ($950) here.

Experience the glories of mature Champagne with one of Champagne’s oldest Grand Marque houses. Founded in 1760, Lanson is well known for the remarkable aging of its wines. Chef de Caves Hervé Dantan (chief winemaker) will take guests on a journey through 10 Lanson Champagnes, from younger wines to some of the best vintages of the 20th century, each poured from magnum. Owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Alejandra Pena will create an expertly paired tasting menu for the evening.

La Fête Champagne Tasting

Oct. 19, 12-2pm, at Bludorn. Tickets ($175) here.

For something a bit more casual, discover the magic of the terroir of Champagne — from the Côte des Blances, through the Vallée de la Marne, and the Montagne de Reims as you explore wines from the eight participating producers. Enjoy a selection of bites from chef-owner Aaron Bludorn in his eponymous restaurant.

La Fête Gala Dinner

Oct. 19, 6:30pm at Bludorn. Tickets ($725) here.

The grand culmination of La Fête du Champagne, the festival’s gala dinner celebrates the region like no other. Chefs Aaron Bludorn, Chase Voelz and team will create a luxurious multi-course menu that exquisitely celebrates the wines of Champagne. In addition to the special bottles provided by each producer, guests are invited to bring bottles from their own cellars to share throughout the room. Wine service will be conducted by an all-star team of sommeliers led by the La Fête team and Bludorn’s wine director, Molly Austad.

La Fête du Champagne Houston’s participating winemakers are Delamotte, Dom Pérignon, René Geoffroy, Lanson, Laurent-Perrier, A. Margaine, Famille Moussé, and Vilmart & Cie. Tickets for all events are available through the official La Fête du Champagne website. Further details can be found here.

Food
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style