Grand Champagne Helsinki 2019 – Bigger and bubblier than ever
Bubbles fill the Old Student House of Helsinki 9th – 11th of May bringing together champagne lovers, gourmands and top names in the industry. The three-day event features experts sharing their know-how, passion and champagnes.
”We are thrilled to welcome star guests of the greatest calibre joining us in our celebration of champagne. Our mission is to make Helsinki the centre of the Champagne world on this May weekend”, comments Master of Wine and Champagne specialist Essi Avellan, co-organizer of the event.
This year our star guests include a trio of highly esteemed cellar masters: Cyril Brun of Charles Heidsieck, Dominique Demarville of Veuve Clicquot and Laurent Fresnet of Henriot. Clovis Taittinger is the dynamic ambassador of the sympathetic family domaine Taittinger. Hubert de Billy represents the 5th generation of the prestigious family house of Pol Roger.
In addition you can join master classes held by reputable grower-producers: Julie De Sousa of De Sousa, Quentin Paillard of Pierre Paillard, Alexandre Salmon of Salmon, Kevin Sibille of Laurent Lequart and Jean-François Clouet of André Clouet.
Furthermore our Master Class experts include: Florent Roques-Boizel (CEO of Boizel), Gilles de la Bassètiere (CEO of De Venoge), Godefroy Baijot (Export Director of Besserat de Bellefon) and Edouard Cossy (Area Export Director of Laurent-Perrier).
The Old Student House provides a classy yet relaxed atmosphere for tasting the over 250 champagnes on offer from some 70 brands. Delicacies and snacks from oysters and caviar to foie gras are available for enhancing the experience.
MASTER CLASSES
There are some 40 Master Classes available by our experts especially tailored for Grand Champagne Helsinki. Lehmann’s beautiful mouth-blown Grand Champagne glasses are used for all the Master Classes. It’s designer, sommelier Philippe Jamesse is also present at the event.
LEHMANN GRAND CHAMPAGNE CHALLENGE
The finals for the Lehmann Grand Champagne Challenge, competition for the trophy of Finland’s best Champagne sommelier, are held at the event. The competition is organized together with the Finnish Sommeliers’ association (Suomen Sommelierit ry) under the sponsorship of Lehmann Glass.
”As importers of Lehmann Glass, we at Ceesta Oy do our best to advance champagne culture and craftsmanship, which is in common for both champagne and glass manufacture. Lehmann Glass’ Jamesse Prestige Grand Champagne glass has lent its name to our event, which targets 4,000 champagne loving visitors over the three days”, say Christian and Taru From, co-organizers of Grand Champagne Helsinki.
WELCOME
On Thursday, May 9th from 4 to 9 pm
On Friday, May 10th from 3 to 9 pm
On Saturday, May 11st from 12 to 8 pm
WHERE
Old Student House – ”Vanha Ylioppilastalo”
Mannerheimintie 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
ENTRY FEE AND DIGITAL TASTING TICKETS
A one-day’s festival entry ticket costs 20 €. Purchasing tickets in advance from Ceesta Shop’s online store at a reduced price is recommended. We use digital tasting tickets as the method of payment for the Champagne samples. The Master Classes have a separate fee. Age restriction: 18 years+. The entire program is available and tickets can be purchased at www.grandchampagnehelsinki.fi.
Information and interviews:
Essi Avellan MW, AvelVino Oy +358 40 719 7197 (essi@essiavellan.com)
Christian From, CEO Ceesta Oy, +358 40 557 3084 (christian.from@ceesta.com)
Taru From, Chairman, Ceesta Oy, +358 40 511 6132 (taru.from@ceesta.com)
www.ceestashop.fi