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

The Bloomsbury’s Coral Room

IN AN OLD city, a visitor finds himself torn between the present — what’s the hottest show, the trendiest chef — and the history of the place. In two Central London hotels, you get both: The Beaumont and The Bloomsbury are 1920s buildings with updates that make them au courant.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

"Le poireau brûlé" at Monsieur George

PARIS IN SPRINGTIME is already a thing, of course, but the city is getting more attention than usual these days, as its turn hosting the Olympics approaches. One hotelier is quite ready: The Addresses Hotels group is touting the opening of a new design hotel in the 2nd arrondissement a couple months ago, as a restaurant in its sister hotel celebrates its young chef having just earned a Michelin star.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places