Boizel marks Champagne region milestones

This year, Champagne Boizel celebrates multiple milestone anniversaries this year, including the centenary of the iconic Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, France.

Lined with grand Renaissance and classical style townhouses and mansions, Avenue de Champagne in the heart of Épernay is not only the city’s most famous street, but also known as the capital of Champagne. The 1.5-kilometre avenue features the headquarters of some of the most renowned Champagne houses, while beneath its cobblestones lie more than 110 kilometres of chalk cellars that house nearly 200 million bottles.

The history of the street spans several centuries. Originally known as ‘Chemin de l’Hôpital’ and later named ‘Rue de la Folie’ in the 16th century, the street has long been a hub of bustling activity and commerce. By the 18th century, its strategic importance became evident as it formed part of the royal route connecting Paris to Germany. During the Revolution, it was renamed ‘Rue du Commerce’ and quickly became the nerve centre of Champagne’s trade.

On February 27, 1925, the avenue received its current name, solidifying its role in the growth and worldwide fame of Champagne. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the street, which last year welcomed 2.8 million visitors to Épernay.

For more than four decades, 46 Avenue de Champagne has been the home of family-owned Champagne Boizel. Established in 1834, the estate is now overseen by sixth-generation family members Florent and Lionel Roques-Boizel. The building features two symmetrical pavilions and a large semi-underground brick cellar that blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. The cellars, enhanced by architect Giovanni Pace, preserve the heritage of the estate, housing hundreds of thousands of bottles that age patiently. Notably, the Caveau du Trésor is home to some remaining bottles of the maison’s inaugural 1834 vintage.

Maison Boizel’s Atelier 1834 invites guests to embark on a journey through time, highlighting the Champagne savoir-faire. The house tour leads visitors through the barrel cellars, the winery, and its historic cellars 11 meters underground, culminating in a guided tasting. The journey of flavour continues on the house’s sunny terrace, which was fully renovated in 2018.

Celebrating heritage

Boizel and the Avenue de Champagne sit in the beating heart of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site: Côteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne (Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars). Recognised in 2015, this year also marks the 10th anniversary of the World Heritage.

Long before the recognition, the Champagne Boizel seven-hectare vineyard was dedicated to enhancing the beauty of the area and, most importantly, preserving and carrying forward its exceptional heritage for future generations. At Champagne Boizel, as is true throughout the appellation, environmental responsibility is not just a slogan; it is a commitment. The estate cultivates its vines without herbicides and with minimal treatments, continuously adapting to the conditions of each plot, season, and harvest.

Over the generations, the Boizel family has gained a profound understanding of the Champagne terroirs. With vineyards in some of the finest crus of Champagne, including Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Maison Boizel stands as a testament to the family’s traditional origins. In addition to grapes from its own vineyards, the House also collaborates with partner winegrowers, sourcing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Grand and Premier Crus of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, as well as Meunier grapes from vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne.

Florent Roques-Boizel, CEO of Champagne Boizel, commented on this year’s celebratory milestones: “These anniversaries are more than just milestones; they are a living testament to the rich history of our region and our ongoing commitment to sharing it with the world. Since 1834, Champagne Boizel has thrived at the heart of Epernay on Avenue de Champagne. To be both custodians of this heritage and active contributors to its future is a responsibility we embrace with pride and passion.”

This December, Champagne Boizel invites its guests to join the continuous celebration at 46 Avenue de Champagne for the 25th edition of Habits de Lumière, an annual festive event that lights up the city of Épernay.

Related news

Immersion Collection celebrates 40 years of Champagne Thiénot

Champagne from Prince Charles and Lady Di's wedding up for auction

Champagne prices plunge as UK grocers intensify pre-Christmas discount battle