A History of Champagne Ep 1 Versailles How Royal Power Sparked a Wine Revolution

Discover how French royalty helped turn Champagne into a global symbol of luxury and prestige.

Episode 1 of Champagne Journal’s “A History of Champagne”, an 8-part documentary series filmed on location in France, explores how kings transformed a regional curiosity into Europe’s most celebrated sparkling wine. From lavish Versailles ceremonies to the legal shaping of Champagne production, you'll uncover how royal power, pageantry, and politics pushed this wine into the global spotlight.

With exclusive footage from Versailles with Le Vicomte de Rohan – this episode also previews future stories featuring Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Moët & Chandon, and more.

My childhood memories of family holiday parties where Champagne was the star sparked a lifelong curiosity... This series is my tribute to its enduring legacy.

Filmed in 2008, this program offers timeless insights and behind-the-scenes access to some of France’s most iconic Champagne houses. With expert interviews and stunning locations, you'll never look at a glass of bubbly the same way again. No sponsorships were involved in making this series.

00:00 Introduction
03:35 Series Preview Clips
12:45 Host Greeting at Pops For Champagne
14:14 Versailles Palace
19:21 How the Kings made Champagne popular
21:22 Kings' Laws for Champagne
22:05 Jean-Baptiste Colbert
22:53 Statue of Bacchus
23:47 Extra Footage: Versailles and America
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