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.
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Isabel Leonard (photo by Michael Thomas)
Leonard in rehearsal (photo by Michael Bishop)
Organist Brett Miller