The Oldest Champagne House
Ruinart was founded in 1729, making it the oldest established Champagne house in the world — predating Moët & Chandon (1743), Veuve Clicquot (1772), and every other major maison. The house was founded by Nicolas Ruinart, nephew of the Benedictine monk Dom Thierry Ruinart, who had recognised the commercial potential of the sparkling wines being produced in the region.
Ruinart’s cellars — the crayères — are among the most visually dramatic in Champagne. These are deep chalk quarries (some reaching 38 metres below ground), with cathedral-scale chambers and soaring chalk walls that dwarf the visitors walking through them. The crayères were the first Champagne cellars to be classified as a Historic Monument in France (1931) and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The Tour
Ruinart offers a more intimate and artistically curated cellar experience than the larger houses. The tour takes you through the crayères with a guide who explains the house’s history (nearly 300 years of continuous production), the chalk geology, and the production philosophy — Ruinart is known for its Chardonnay-dominant style and its Blanc de Blancs is considered one of the benchmarks of the category.
The tasting is typically more focused than at the larger houses — fewer wines but more considered commentary. The Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and the Rosé are the standard pours; premium experiences add the Dom Ruinart (the prestige cuvée).
Practical Tips
Ruinart limits visitor numbers more strictly than other houses. The intimate scale of the experience means capacity is lower and tours sell out earlier. Book as far in advance as possible.
The crayères are deep and cool. Temperatures reach as low as 10°C at the deepest levels. Warm clothing is essential.
Ruinart is located at 4 Rue des Crayères, Reims, near Pommery and within walking distance of the Taittinger cellars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruinart really the oldest Champagne house?
Yes. Ruinart was founded in 1729 and has been in continuous operation since then. It is the oldest established Champagne house in the world.
How deep are the Ruinart crayères?
The deepest crayères reach approximately 38 metres below ground — among the deepest underground spaces in the Champagne region.
What style of Champagne does Ruinart produce?
Ruinart is known for a Chardonnay-dominant style — elegant, refined, and mineral. The Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) is the house’s signature and one of the most respected Blanc de Blancs Champagnes in the market.