It comes as no surprise that Ruinart is leading the way in innovation – after all, they’ve been doing so for over 300 years. Despite being the first established Champagne house, Ruinart has maintained a remarkably understated reputation. But in a recent announcement that’s bound to turn heads, the maison is opening its doors to the public in a new and unprecedented way.
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For the first time in the history of the Champagne region, Ruinart will welcome visitors without the need for payment or prior reservations. Guests will have access to its storied address at 4 Rue des Crayères, where they can explore the maison’s different spaces at their leisure – enjoying tasting experiences, chef-led pairings and wandering through the ancient chalk crayères wine cellars.
Like any good host ahead of an open house, in preparation for this grand unveiling, Ruinart has been meticulously rejuvenating the property over the past two years. The maison partnered with Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, interior designer Gwenaël Nicolas and landscape artist Christophe Gautrand to reimagine the 2.9-hectare estate. The result is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance, featuring a new pavilion, champagne bar and sculpture gardens.
Guests enter through the discreet Chemin des Crayères, a limestone passageway that mimics the famous chalk caves below, before emerging into 75,000 square feet of manicured woodlands and gardens – each space lovingly crafted by Gautrand.
At the heart of the estate is the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, designed by Sou Fujimoto. Inspired by the ethereal nature of champagne bubbles, the pavilion features glass and mirrored surfaces that play with light, reflecting the sparkle of Ruinart’s finest pours. Nestled between the historic site’s centuries-old structures and the Unesco-recognized chalk caves, the pavilion is a fitting centerpiece.
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Inside, visitors can indulge at the Bar by Ruinart, where Maison Ruinart’s legendary craftsmanship is showcased through a series of gastronomic experiences. The drinks menu highlights everything from still wines to original champagne cocktails, including the Royal Shiso – a delicate blend of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and green shiso leaves – and the classic French 75 with Agastache gin, absinthe, and R de Ruinart. Chef-in-residence Valérie Radou has curated a rotating menu of sweet and savory creations that reflect the season’s finest ingredients.
Hidden within the pavilion, a secret cellar houses some of Ruinart’s most iconic cuvées, alongside rare, historic bottles. Among the collection are exceptional vintages and limited-edition releases, including Dom Ruinart La Réserve, all gathered together in a single tasting room for the first time.
Notably, the oldest bottle in Ruinart’s archives, a 1926 vintage, was rediscovered in the cellars of Paul Bocuse’s restaurant in Lyon and returned to the maison in 2022. Adding to the exclusivity, a select few ‘dégorgement tardif’ (late disgorged) bottles and magnums will be made available for purchase—these remarkable vintages are only available at 4 Rue des Crayères.
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Le 4 Rue des Crayères will mark its inaugural weekend from October 5th. The sculpture garden and Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion – including Bar by Ruinart and boutique – are freely accessible from 11am to 10pm on Thursday to Monday and from 11am to 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Tours of the wine cellars, including a tasting of two cuvées, start from €85 (approx. $95).
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