33 Avenue de Champagne

Clouds have gathered over Champagne when we enter the region across the last hill, separating wheat fields from vineyards. It is a warm, yet gray June afternoon when we arrive at the heart of the Champagne region – Epernay. A captivating, yet classical French gate awaits us at the residence of Champagne De Venoge, located on the most expensive avenue in the world - Avenue de Champagne (Nr 33 is their address). They have not been here for long, only since 2015. We glance through the car window at the breathtaking estate ahead of us as we turn left to park the car, just next to their well-known guest house - Le Suites du 33. It is not a hotel. On the contrary – it is a small, intimate, discreet, charming, and luxurious guest house just next to the main building and opposite a champagne bar where champagne is to be enjoyed.

Since the day I had my first sip of De Venoge, I knew we would have a close relationship. It was eight or nine years ago when, not knowing anything about this extraordinary champagne house, the bottle next to me popped open and silently rushed into my glass. I remember how the label caught my eye. The beautiful blue that played gracefully with gold. Those bubbles danced like world-class ballerinas in a glass – fragile, yet with personality. And then my lips touched the nectar. It was fragile, elegant, fascinating, powerful, and memorable, as you can see. I’ve tried many De Venoge champagnes over the years – the highlight was at my 35th birthday when we emptied De Venoge 1983. Stunning. That's all I can say.

De Venoge's story dates back to 1837 when Henri-Marc de Venoge founded Champagne de Venoge & Cie, a long 12 years after he departed Switzerland to settle in the region of Champagne. Only a year later, in 1838, Mr. Venoge did something no one had done before - a truly remarkable marketing ploy - he created the first illustrated label in the history of Champagne.

It took 14 years and a shift of one generation – when Henri's son Joseph de Venoge stepped in - to eventually select the emblem of the house - the Cordon Bleu (Blue Ribbon), symbolizing both the Venoge River and the Order of the Holy Spirit. In 1858, in honor of the Princes of Orange, the beloved Cuvée des Princes was created. Later, Gaëtan de Venoge, Joseph’s son, joined the company, following his father. Fifty-seven years later, after winning prizes and joining the Syndicat des Grandes Marques de Champagne, finally a woman, Yvonne de Venoge, Gaëtan’s daughter, and her husband took over the house to expand the brand that became well known in European aristocracy.

One after the another, heirs took over the company to led it to nothing less than excellence, which was the house's primary goal. Years went by, de Venoge was adored by all, but in 2005 a new bottle and type of champagne was born - Louis XV. A champagne that is now bottled in shapes as never before and a challenge to produce, all in honor of king Louis XV who changed the course of Champagne’s history. On 25 May 1728, he issued a ruling allowing wines from Champagne to be shipped and sold only in bottles. That was the day Champagne, as we know it today, was born. 

Although located on the main street – L’Avenue de Champagne - the terrace and guest house feels far from the city. Settled in a room larger than our first family apartment, we join the other guests on the terrace - the sun has come out and I'm thirsty for a glass of Champagne. It is quiet, as it is still the time when travel is minimal, yet everyone here seems to have forgotten the troubles of the world, and, believe me, you do forget when there is a glass of de Venoge champagne in your hand. With a drink in hand and the sun kissing our shoulders, we slowly wander through the park on the far side of the house. Alleys of old trees, rare bushes, and unique examples of fauna tell us they have lived here for a long time. The quivering leaves try to tell a story, branches conceal secrets, and trails lead to places unnoticed. We find out that down the hill, right in front of us, there will be an exceptional restaurant one day, and if they say it will be, it will be, but for the evening ahead, we head back to our room to enjoy more Champagne and dinner a la Maison.

We sleep like babies in the beds of LeSuite 33 that, interestingly enough, was designed by a Latvian designer. The spacious apartments (or rooms) are perfect for couples and families like us. They are private, intimate, and wonderful. I wake up the following day, and while everyone is still asleep, I head to our little kitchenette, brew my coffee and head back to bed. The open window is enough to deliver a fresh warm summer morning breeze and local chatter from people passing by our window. Breakfast, served in the champagne bar/shop, is generous enough to keep us full for a day that will be reserved for exploring vineyards, towns, villages, and Reims, the city where kings were crowned.

It is the evening, our last one in France, when we head to Chez Max (suggested by locals) where we are lucky to have gotten a table. Coming back to our room, I'm happy that a glass of de Venoge awaits me. Its buttery brioche and rye bread notes, delightfully playing on my tongue while looking out on the wind, make me wonder – should we leave? Yet, one should go to come back and enjoy it again, letting others have the pleasure in between. 

Enjoy
Champagne de Venoge
33 Avenue de Champagne
51 200 Epernay

Stay
Les Suites du 33
33 Avenue de Champagne
Epernay