The global expansion of sparkling wine has not been a spontaneous development but rather the result of strategic investment and expertise from some of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses. These maisons, with their centuries of winemaking heritage and technical mastery, have been instrumental in shaping the sparkling wine industries in regions far beyond Champagne’s borders. Whether in the cool climates of England or the sun-drenched vineyards of California, major players like Taittinger, Moët & Chandon, and Louis Roederer have brought their knowledge, tradition, and influence to the forefront of this global revolution.
Why Champagne Houses Are Investing in New Sparkling Wine Regions
Why are Champagne houses investing abroad now more than ever? While climate change is certainly a major driver, influencing growing conditions in Champagne and other cooler regions like England, it is not the only factor. The global demand demand for high-quality sparkling wine has skyrocketed, driven by younger, affluent consumers. These new markets are not just exploring Champagne, but seeking out innovative alternatives inspired by its prestige.This demand has pushed Champagne houses to diversify their portfolios and expand production into new regions. Additionally, evolving business models and changes in global trade, such as Brexit, have prompted Champagne maisons to secure production bases in England, where tariffs and logistical challenges could otherwise hinder access to the growing UK market.
Taittinger in England: A Landmark Sparkling Wine Investment
One of the most striking examples of a Champagne house investing abroad is Taittinger’s decision to plant vineyards in Kent, England. In 2015, Taittinger became the first Champagne house to establish an English vineyard when it invested in Domaine Evremond. This 69-hectare estate in the rolling hills of Kent is named after Charles de Saint-Évremond, a 17th-century French writer credited with popularizing Champagne in England. The significance of this investment cannot be understated: for one of Champagne’s most illustrious houses to venture into English sparkling wine was a clear signal that England had the potential to produce world-class bubbles.
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who led the investment, expressed his belief that England’s climate and terroir—particularly the chalky soils in Kent, similar to those found in Champagne—are ideal for growing high-quality grapes. “The Taittinger family has always been fascinated by the historical ties between England and Champagne,” Taittinger noted, “and we are proud to be part of this exciting new chapter in English sparkling wine.” The move marked a watershed moment for England’s sparkling wine industry, adding credibility and gravitas to the region.
While Taittinger’s English sparkling wine from Domaine Evremond is still maturing in the cellars, the project has already had a ripple effect, encouraging other Champagne houses and international investors to take a closer look at England’s burgeoning wine scene. Learn more about The English Contribution in our article.
Moët & Chandon: Pioneering Sparkling Wine in California and Beyond
On the other side of the Atlantic, Moët & Chandon was among the first Champagne houses to recognize the potential of California’s terroir for sparkling wine production. In 1973, Moët & Chandon established Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley, making it one of the earliest French Champagne maisons to invest in the United States. This bold move set the stage for California’s rise as a serious player in the sparkling wine world. Domaine Chandon not only raised the bar for American sparkling wine but established California as a serious player in the global sparkling market.
Challenges of Champagne Expansion: Maintaining Prestige Abroad
However, these investments do not come without risks. Maintaining the prestige and exclusivity of the Champagne brand is critical, and expanding into foreign markets can present challenges. Champagne houses must ensure that the quality and consistency of their wines remain uncompromised, especially when produced in regions with different climates and regulations. There is also the question of consumer perception—will the wines produced outside of France carry the same cachet as those from Champagne? Navigating these risks requires a careful balance of innovation, tradition, and meticulous quality control. We invite you to read our article Why Can Champagne Only Be Made in France: The Legacy of Its Origins.
Napa’s warmer climate produces a distinctly different expression of sparkling wine—often richer, with riper fruit notes—while still adhering to the traditional Champagne method. At Domaine Chandon, the expertise of Moët’s winemakers, combined with Napa’s abundant sunshine and diverse microclimates, resulted in sparkling wines that captured the essence of California’s terroir while maintaining the elegance and finesse of Champagne.
Domaine Chandon has since become one of California’s most respected sparkling wine producers, known for its Brut Classic and Étoile ranges. This pioneering project not only helped elevate the perception of American sparkling wine but also set the standard for quality, proving that exceptional méthode traditionnelle wines could thrive outside Champagne. The influence of Moët & Chandon continues to shape California’s sparkling wine industry today, with several houses following in its footsteps, including Roederer Estate and Mumm Napa.
Moët’s vision didn’t stop there. Recognizing the potential of other cool-climate regions, Domaine Chandon expanded its presence to Australia in 1986, establishing Domaine Chandon Australia in the Yarra Valley. This strategic move into another burgeoning wine region demonstrated Moët & Chandon’s commitment to applying Champagne’s expertise to terroirs around the globe. The Yarra Valley’s cool climate and diverse microclimates provide the perfect environment for producing sparkling wines of finesse and complexity, much like those of Champagne itself.
Louis Roederer: A Transatlantic Sparkling Wine Success
Following Moët’s lead, Louis Roederer, the Champagne house behind the iconic Cristal, made its own transatlantic move by establishing Roederer Estate in California’s Anderson Valley in 1982. The cool climate of Anderson Valley, with its coastal influence and well-draining soils, was chosen specifically for its similarities to the Champagne region. Here, Roederer Estate has been producing sparkling wines using the traditional Champagne method, with a focus on estate-grown grapes—an approach that mirrors the house’s practices in France.
The result has been nothing short of a success. Roederer Estate’s Brut NV and L’Ermitage Brut, its prestige cuvée, have consistently received high praise from critics, often being compared favorably to fine Champagnes. Richard Juhlin, a world-renowned Champagne expert, has lauded Roederer Estate as “one of the most successful transplants of Champagne know-how to a New World region.” The wines’ balance, elegance, and ability to age have cemented Roederer Estate’s reputation as a benchmark for American sparkling wine.
Jean-Claude Rouzaud, the president of Louis Roederer at the time, emphasized that the decision to invest in California was not just about expanding the company’s global presence but about finding the perfect place to create a new expression of sparkling wine that could stand on its own. “We didn’t want to replicate Champagne,” Rouzaud explained. “We wanted to make a wine that reflected the unique qualities of Anderson Valley while maintaining the precision and craftsmanship that define Louis Roederer.”
Champagne Expertise: Elevating Sparkling Wine Quality Worldwide
The investments made by Champagne houses in regions like England and California have had a profound impact on the perception and quality of sparkling wine produced in these areas. By bringing centuries of expertise in viticulture and winemaking, these maisons have helped elevate the global standard for sparkling wine, pushing the boundaries of what is possible outside of Champagne.
One of the key contributions from these Champagne houses has been their emphasis on terroir. Rather than attempting to replicate Champagne exactly, producers like Taittinger, Moët & Chandon, and Roederer Estate have focused on expressing the unique qualities of the regions they’ve invested in. In England, the cooler climate and chalky soils produce sparkling wines with pronounced acidity and minerality, while in California, the warmer temperatures yield fuller-bodied wines with more pronounced fruit flavors. Australia’s Yarra Valley, too, produces sparkling wines with vibrant acidity, making them an exciting addition to the global sparkling wine scene. Despite these differences, the common thread remains: a commitment to quality through meticulous vineyard management, hand-harvesting, and long aging on the lees—hallmarks of Champagne production.
Moreover, these maisons have brought their deep understanding of sustainability to their new ventures. With the global wine industry facing increasing challenges from climate change, sustainability has become a central focus for many Champagne houses. In California, Domaine Chandon and Roederer Estate have adopted sustainable farming practices, while in England, Domaine Evremond is incorporating biodiversity and organic practices to ensure that the land is preserved for future generations.
The role of Champagne houses in the global expansion of sparkling wine goes far beyond investment— it is about transferring knowledge, preserving tradition, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. The presence of houses like Taittinger, Moët & Chandon, and Louis Roederer in regions like England, California, and Australia has catalyzed a global sparkling wine renaissance, helping these regions develop their own distinct identities while benefiting from Champagne’s expertise.
The investments made by these iconic houses are not just financial—they are investments in knowledge transfer, sustainability, and global expansion. In doing so, they are helping to create a sparkling wine renaissance, where new world regions can flourish under the guidance and expertise of Champagne’s finest. While Champagne will always hold a special place at the pinnacle of sparkling wine, the legacy it is helping to build abroad ensures that the future of bubbles is brighter—and more diverse—than ever before.
As Sophie Claeys, a Champagne expert and former editor of L’Union Champagne, succinctly puts it: “The global success of sparkling wine is a testament to the influence of Champagne’s traditions, but also its ability to inspire new expressions of quality and craftsmanship around the world. We’re only just beginning to see the full impact of this sparkling wine revolution.” Read more about The Societes of Celebration Across the Globe.
Conclusion: The Future of Global Sparkling Wine
As the world of wine continues to evolve, sparkling wines are enjoying a global renaissance, driven by innovation, climate changes, and a growing thirst for diversity. While Champagne remains the undisputed benchmark for elegance, tradition, and luxury, sparkling wine regions around the world are stepping out of its shadow to carve out their own identities. From the chalky soils of southern England to the sun-drenched vineyards of California, Tasmania, and beyond, sparkling wine has become more than just an homage to Champagne—it is now a celebration of local terroir, craftsmanship, and creativity.
This new era has given rise to a more competitive and dynamic landscape. In regions where sparkling wine production was once unthinkable, climate change has created opportunities, and investment from key players—often guided by Champagne houses themselves—has accelerated the quality and global recognition of these wines. Nyetimber in England and Roederer Estate in California are just two examples of how international regions are thriving, using the traditional methods of Champagne but adding their own distinct flair. Sparkling wines from Tasmania, New Zealand, and South Africa are also garnering attention for their precision, freshness, and ability to stand alongside their French counterparts.
None of this would have been possible without Champagne’s influence. The techniques perfected over centuries in the hills of Champagne, from the méthode champenoise to the meticulous vineyard practices, have spread across the globe, raising the bar for sparkling wine. Champagne houses such as Taittinger, Moët & Chandon, and Louis Roederer have not only shared their knowledge but have also invested directly in regions like England, California, and Australia. Their involvement has been instrumental in shaping a new global standard for sparkling wine.
As Richard Juhlin, one of the foremost experts on Champagne, remarked, “The expansion of sparkling wine is not about competition—it’s about complementing Champagne’s greatness with new interpretations of sparkling winemaking. The world of bubbles has never been so exciting.“
For Champagne and sparkling wine lovers, this renaissance represents an invitation to discover a broader world of bubbles. Each region brings its own story, terroir, and tradition to the table, creating an ever-growing portfolio of wines to enjoy. While no sparkling wine may fully rival Champagne’s deep history and cultural significance, these new regions are earning their place on the world stage, adding layers of complexity and excitement to the sparkling wine market.
In the end, the rise of sparkling wines from across the globe only enhances the appreciation for Champagne, while opening the door to new and exciting experiences. The future of sparkling wine is a global one, full of adventure, diversity, and, of course, joy—because at the heart of it all, sparkling wine is about celebration. And that’s something wine lovers, no matter where they are, will always toast to.
As Sophie Claeys once put it: “There’s never been a better time to be a sparkling wine lover—Champagne remains the crown jewel, but the world is full of new bubbles waiting to be discovered.” Discover more The Future of Champagne