At the beginning of the 300th century of its existence, the oldest Champagne House inaugurated a new project for its historic site in Reims. This unique place tells a story of nearly XNUMX years, embodying different aspects of the Ruinart universe: tradition, modernity, history, know-how, nature, art and lifestyle. Driven by the same vision as the Ruinart family based at 4, rue des Crayères, it is initiating a transformation of the experience, at the heart of which is a pavilion named after its founder, Nicolas Ruinart, which will open in September 2024.
With the creation of a new contemporary pavilion facing the historic buildings, the development of cultural spaces, notably the artists' garden, a sanctuary for local biodiversity and artistic expression, and the creation of multiple experiences around the life of Champagne, Maison Ruinart is opening a new chapter in a long history and extending the vision of its founder.
Combining tradition and modernity, the historic site at 4 rue des Crayères will immerse the public in the world of the House, in a creative environment and a responsible approach. It will continue the enlightened vision of Nicolas Ruinart when he decided to create his Champagne house in Reims nearly 300 years ago.
This new destination, less than an hour by train from Paris, will be completely transformed. It will combine nature, culture, and history. lifestyle and know-how to offer a unique experience around a new, deeply contemporary building that enters into dialogue with the historic buildings, symbols of the history and tradition of the House. It must blend into the surrounding nature.
This ambitious project reminds us that Maison Ruinart remains contemporary. The architectural gesture of the Japanese Sou Fujimoto will celebrate and bear the name of the founder of the oldest Champagne House.
Ruinart in Champagne, a committed vision
Since its creation, Maison Ruinart has strived to anticipate changes in society. The House was the first to produce a rosé wine in 1764, to use wooden crates for transporting bottles, and Edgar Ruinart was the first to understand in the 19th centurye century that the deep chalk quarries of the 13th century were suitable for aging wine. The quarries were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
Ruinart was one of the first wineries to establish itself on the hill of Saint-Nicaise, and its history is inextricably linked to this region of Champagne; it is inseparable from the city of Reims, the city where the kings of France were crowned, and whose cathedral attracts millions of tourists each year. Since 1729, the House has been part of the ecosystem that has shaped Champagne, the city and its region and contributes to its economic development.
4 rue des Crayères in Reims
It is within its rich, three-century history of excellence that the brand continues to innovate. This is what the iconic shape of its bottle, inspired by 18th-century bottles, and its second-skin paper case, a 21st-century eco-design innovation, all tell in unison.
This is what the new transformation of its historic site seeks to express, a very contemporary building that embodies the values of the House and whose design is in harmony with nature and the surroundings.
Arriving from Reims, Paris, or the other side of the world. For a drink, brunch, a visit to the park, a wine tasting, or simply to experience life to the fullest... Maison Ruinart offers a wide range of unique experiences. It aims to welcome as many visitors as possible while maintaining the exclusivity and quality that make its experiential circuit so distinctive.
Located at 4 rue des Crayères, the project will be a new experiential program for the Maison and for wine tourism in Reims and Champagne. This new itinerary will be the first phase of a program to accompany the 300e anniversary of the House in 2029.
The Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion
At the heart of the project... a pavilion will showcase the new art of hospitality from Maison Ruinart. Bright, simple, modern... these are the thrusts of this new building designed by Sou Fujimoto. Responding to the historic buildings it faces with a modern gesture is a respectful dialogue between the past and the future. The architect and his Parisian team designed a shape inspired by the Ruinart bottle, a roundness that also evokes the bubbles of champagne.
Constructed from natural regional limestone, the pavilion pays homage to the chalk pits of the former Reims quarries. Its entrance hall reproduces the contrast between the dark, narrow area (corridors connecting the chalk pits) and the wide opening into a vast, sun-drenched space. Visitors enter a large, open space with panoramic views of the park, the main courtyard, and the historic building. It is bright and open, allowing for a smooth flow of traffic, leading to a variety of experiences: lounge, champagne bar and boutique, terrace, and more.
As part of a sober construction and a responsible approach, the natural materials – stone for the walls, wood for the framework – were carefully selected locally. Insulation from bio-sourced materials, a green roof to cool the building, screen-printed glass to reduce the sun's rays, geothermal energy for temperature regulation, rainwater harvesting… everything is designed to address the environmental concerns of Maison Ruinart.
Situated in the heart of a wooded park, the building appears less imposing, its whiteness complementing the light, subtly colored by the changing circumstances of the day, the seasons and the weather.
The experiential signature
The Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion will be there to ensure everyone enjoys a personalized welcome and experience. Visitors are free to choose their itinerary and enjoy a multitude of options: visit the chalk quarries, taste a glass of champagne, purchase a limited-edition vintage, sample a food and wine pairing, and more. A tour that can be combined with a visit to the Maison's historic sites.
For an hour or half a day, the Pavillon Nicolas Ruinart will become a meeting place open to all during the day. Regardless of the chosen location, visitors will be able to taste the Ruinart champagne of their choice and discover rare vintages or exclusive cuvées. In the boutique, they will be able to purchase a bottle of their favorite cuvée. An intimate space will also be reserved for collectors to discover the House's rare vintages, including a selection of older vintages only available in Reims.
Continuing from the building and without cluttering it, the interior design will highlight the various spaces through a play of transparency. Although dictated by their functions, they will be suggested rather than ordered and will offer breathtaking views of the park and the historic building.
Three-star chef Arnaud Donckele of La Vague d'Or – Cheval Blanc St-Tropez and Plénitude – Cheval Blanc Paris, will actively participate in the Maison's reflection on its culinary expressions and will develop the gastronomic offer deployed under the direction of the Maison's Chef in Residence, Valérie Radou. reason. The collaboration between the chef and the Maison is based on shared values… the pursuit of excellence, the importance of terroir, respect for nature, vision, awareness of heritage and constant innovation.
In a few numbers
24 months of works / opening planned in September 2024 / 14 m² for the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion including 700m² accessible to the public / reception objective 50 visitors in 2029 – 26 today.
André Tirlet
