Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne finalises acquisition of Champagne Henriot

Champagne’s largest cooperative group, Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC) – which owns Nicolas Feuillatte – has finalised its acquisition of Champagne Henriot from Artémis Domaines, it was confirmed today. 

At a press conference today, TEVC today announced it had finalised the agreement to acquire the historic Champagne house from Artemis Domaines, which was first mooted in March. The move will make TECV the biggest champagne group after LVMH, with higher value sales than Laurent Perrier.

TEVC president Véronique Blin said she was happy that Champagne Henriot was joining the company, saying the move  would “galvanise the strategic vision we have upheld for a number of years”, as well as illustrating the group’s commitment to setting its sights for Champagne “even higher” in terms of quality and “to supporting vineyard holdings with increased market share.”

TEVC Managing director, Christophe Juarez added that bringing Champagne Henriot into the company complemented its existing brand portfolio.

“The Champagne House was established in Reims in 1808 by Apolline Henriot, and its remarkable achievements are an inspiration for lovers of fine champagne,” he said. “With the backing of the existing team, we will endeavour to continue to enhance the brand DNA and its unique values in order to further realise its growth potential in both luxury markets and traditional channels.”

Artémis Domaines only acquired Champagne Henriot in October 2022 when it merged with Maisons & Domaines Henriot, acquiring Bouchard Père et Fils in Beaune, William Fèvre in Chablis and Beaux Frères in Oregon alongside the Champagne house and existing properties, Château Latour, Clos de Tart and Château-Grillet. Henriot was the second Champagne house Artémis had bought in the space of less than a year, following its acquisition of Champagne Jacquesson in December 2021 and since then the business has embarked on a process of consolidating its activity and estates. In July, it was reported that Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite (DBR Lafite) was in exclusive talks with Domaine Artémis to buy one of Chablis’ greatest wine domaines, William Fèvre.

Following the acquisition by Artemis, it was confirmed that Henriot’s managing director Richard Moreau is stepping down, with Artemis’s managing director Frédéric Engerer thanking warmly and commending the “tremendous job” he had one over the years with  the support of his team, “enabling Champagne Henriot to shine among the exclusive circle of major Champagne Houses.”

The acquisition includes Champagne Henriot’s entire portfolio, from vineyards to commercial operations, including additional residence Les Aulnois and reception facilities in Pierry, as well as associated brands and distribution networks, however Artémis said it was “committed to preserving the savoir-faire and experience at the heart of the company, and retaining the entire workforce at Champagne Henriot, including sales and administration teams in France and abroad”.

It brings around 144 hectares of vines into the portfolio, half of which are located in prestigious Grands Crus and Premiers Crus vineyards, including almost 38 hectares retained either under property or long-term lease. It also provide access to a significant inventory of premium wine stocks comprising several million bottles in the cellars.