Every year on the fourth Friday in October, champagne enthusiasts from across the globe get together for a special celebration known as Global Champagne Day. This occasion allows us to appreciate the exceptional quality, delightful flavor, and indulgence that is offered by this celebrated bubbly beverage.
The day is more than just tasting champagne; it is about immersing oneself in the rich narrative, elegance, and subtleties that each bottle encapsulates. People participate from all corners of the world, either virtually or in person to pay homage to the intricate artistry behind this sparkling wine from France’s esteemed Champagne region.
History of Global Champagne Day
Champagne, a sparkling wine named after the Champagne region in northeast France, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The early vineyards were planted by the Romans, who first introduced viticulture to the area in the 5th century AD.
The “methode champenoise” or “traditional method” of making champagne, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create the bubbles, was developed and refined in the 19th century. This involved a process of riddling and disgorging, originally done by hand, which solidified Champagne’s position as a producer of quality sparkling wines.
The name “Champagne” became protected by law in the early 20th century, meaning that only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region and adhering to specific vineyard practices and fermentation processes could bear the name.
Global Champagne Day, a day to celebrate one of the greatest beverages globally, was informally established in 2009 by Chris Oggenfuss. His aim was to create a day where everyone could share their love for Champagne via social media, using the hashtag #ChampagneDay.
The first Global Champagne Day was on October 28, 2009, aiming to highlight the elegance, versatility, and cultural significance of Champagne. The concept resonated with champagne lovers globally who took to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to express their affection for this effervescent drink, subsequently creating a new tradition.
Global Champagne Day Timeline
Roman Influence
The Romans introduced vineyard cultivation and wine production in the Champagne region.
Invention of Corks
Before this period, wine was stored in barrels. The invention of corks and bottles made champagne storage possible.
Invention of Methode Champenoise
Dom Perignon, a Benedictine monk, is often credited with inventing the Methode Champenoise, the technique that gives Champagne its bubbles.
First Champagne House
The first Champagne House, Ruinart, was established in this year. The production and sale of Champagne as a commercial venture begins.
Appellation d'origine controlee
The Champagne region was defined legally, and only sparkling wine from this region could be called 'champagne'.
Global Champagne Day
Global Champagne Day was started by Chris Oggenfuss as a social media movement to appreciate and celebrate Champagne.
Modern Champagne
Champagne is now a widely consumed luxury beverage, associated with celebrations worldwide.
Ideas to Celebrate Global Champagne Day
Host a Champagne Tasting Party
Invite your friends over for a champagne tasting. You can have a selection of champagnes from around the world and everyone can discuss their favorite flavors.
Gourmet Dinner Pairing
Plan a gourmet dinner and pair each course with a different type of champagne. Turn it up a notch by having a sommelier guide you through each pairing.
Bubbles and Desserts Night
Indulge your sweet tooth. Arrange for an evening of champagnes and decadent desserts. Create a menu with pairings such as chocolates, fruit tarts, and cheesecakes with corresponding champagnes.
Champagne Cocktails Masterclass
Try your hand at mixology. Host a champagne cocktails making class. Brush up on recipes such as Mimosa, Kir Royale, and Bellini, and have fun creating and sipping your own cocktails.
Champagne Picnic
Take a trip outdoors and enjoy a picnic with a bottle of champagne. Do not forget to pack some strawberries and cheese to enhance the experience.
Toast to Gratitude
Use this day to express gratitude. Toast with champagne and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. It's a unique and heartfelt way of celebrating global champagne day.
7 Interesting Facts About Champagne
Named After a Region
Champagne is not just the name of the drink, but also the region in France where it is produced. Only sparkling wine produced in this region can legally be called Champagne. The name is protected by an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, which is a certification given to certain French geographical indications for wines, cheeses, and other agricultural products.
Popping the Champagne
The pressure inside a champagne bottle is around 90 pounds per square inch. That's more than three times the pressure in car tires, making it potentially dangerous if uncorked improperly.
A Bottle of Bubbles
There are approximately 49 million bubbles in a standard sized bottle of Champagne.
Longest Serving Wine
Champagne has been served at royal coronations and weddings since the 17th century. It's often associated with luxury and nobility.
Why the Wide Glasses?
The wide, shallow 'coupe' glasses, often attributed to being modeled on the breast of Marie Antoinette, were originally designed to prevent the bubbles from escaping too quickly and keep the Champagne fizzy.
Marine Tradition
It's a time-honored tradition to break a bottle of Champagne against the hull of a new ship at its launch. It's meant to bring good luck.
Sabrage Technique
Sabering Champagne is a dramatic technique for opening a Champagne bottle by sliding a saber along the body of the bottle to break the top of the neck away.
Global Champagne Day FAQs
Next Global Champagne Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 27th | Friday |
| 2024 | October 25th | Friday |
| 2025 | October 24th | Friday |
| 2026 | October 23rd | Friday |
| 2027 | October 22nd | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Fourth Friday of October | |
Global Champagne Day Word Search
- Champagne
- Bubbles
- Cork
- Luxury
- Vineyard
- Sparkling