Claude Moët was a wine merchant's son who understood that Champagne's future lay beyond the region's borders. In 1743, he began shipping wines to Paris, then to European courts. His grandson Jean-Rémy added Chandon to the name through marriage in 1832, but more importantly, he secured Napoleon Bonaparte as a client. The Emperor supposedly declared that victory was impossible without Champagne, defeat bearable with it. Jean-Rémy planted this imperial connection like a flag — suddenly every European aristocrat wanted the same bottles that fueled Napoleon's campaigns. The house never looked back.
Share the magic of champagne across the world.
Moët operates like a luxury goods company that happens to make Champagne — which, since 1987, is exactly what it is. LVMH's ownership brings resources that smaller houses can only dream of: 1,190 hectares of vineyards, including 17 grands crus, and purchasing agreements with 2,000 growers. The house style prioritizes consistency and immediate appeal over terroir expression. Chef de cave Benoît Gouez oversees a complex blending operation that maintains the Impérial profile across millions of bottles, using reserve wines dating back decades. Dom Pérignon operates as a separate entity within the house, pursuing a more artisanal approach while benefiting from Moët's distribution network. The philosophy is ultimately commercial — make excellent Champagne that appeals to the broadest possible audience, then get it into every important market worldwide.
Green apple skin tartness hits first, followed by a soft breadcrumb texture that coats the middle palate. The mousse feels substantial, almost chewy. Finishes with white pepper and a touch of honey sweetness that lingers just long enough.
Concentrated lemon oil and wet limestone on the nose. The palate builds slowly — first mineral tension, then hazelnut richness, finally a long finish that tastes like sea spray and toasted brioche crust. Needs an hour in the glass to fully open.
Pale copper color with persistent bubbles. Red berry fruit — not jammy, more like fresh strawberry stems and rose petals. The wine feels round and approachable, with gentle acidity and a clean, dry finish touched by pink grapefruit zest.
Traditional and premium tours through 28 kilometers of crayères, including tastings of Impérial Brut and Rosé. Premium experiences include Dom Pérignon vault visits and food pairings. Tours last 60-90 minutes and require advance booking.
20 Avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France
Villa Eugène — Historic mansion converted to luxury hotel, 5-minute walk from Moët's Avenue de Champagne headquarters. Original period details, modern amenities, champagne-focused breakfast service.