Ruinart celebrates centenary of 1926 vintage, a legacy showcasing 100 years of unique expertise

Ruinart has revealed an exceptional heritage treasure to mark the centenary of the Maison’s 1926 vintage, 18 bottles of which were discovered in 2023 in the cellars of the renowned Paul Bocuse restaurant.

Now kept at 4, Rue des Crayères in Reims, they are the oldest bottles preserved by Ruinart.    

This discovery offers a rare opportunity to dive deep into the winemaking heritage of the world’s oldest champagne house. Ruinart is proposing a journey back in time with a tasting of the vintage, accompanied by contemporary blends to examine the evolution of its style and expertise over nearly a century. The 1926 vintage is the fruit of a year marked by contrasting weather conditions, revealing remarkable elegance and manifestly excellent conservation. After nearly 100 years, the wine retains aromas of ripe and candied fruit, perfectly illustrating the mastery of ageing that has long defined Champagne. 

Ruinart continues to pass on this invaluable expertise in 2026 with the appointment of Caroline Fiot as Cellar Master. She pursues the work of her predecessors while offering a select few connoisseurs an opportunity to discover this historic cuvée. 

To honor this anniversary, Ruinart will host an exclusive experience at its historic Reims site. Designed for just a small group of wine enthusiasts and collectors, the event centers on an exceptional wine-tasting and gastronomic journey spanning wines from Ruinart cellars dating from 1926 to the present, culminating with the 100-year-old 1926 vintage.  

This initiative once again illustrates Ruinart’s ability to craft wines whose elegance travels through decades, and to preserve a unique heritage that blends history, excellence and transmission.