Rare Champagne

What Rare Champagne does

Rare Champagne is a luxury champagne house headquartered in Reims, France, operating under the legal entity Compagnie Champenoise PH-CH (Piper Heidsieck – Ancienne Maison Heidsieck fondée en 1785) and owned by EPI Group alongside sister maisons Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck. The brand traces its origins to the first bubbles created for Queen Marie-Antoinette on May 6, 1785, and was revived in its modern form in 1976 with the inaugural Rare Millésime 1976. Its core product is a portfolio of vintage-dated cuvées (millésimes), with only 11 declared in over 45 years based on three stated criteria: an atypical vintage year, the Chef de caves' expertise, and optimal maturation conditions. The current portfolio spans 18 distinct vintages from 1976 to 2014 (including both white and rosé), packaged in a proprietary Pinte Majeure bottle silhouette with a hand-applied golden tiara.

The company's commercial offering extends beyond core vintages to exceptional editions such as Rare Le Secret (jewelry-encrusted magnums with historic jeweler Mellerio, including a Haute Joaillerie line and an Orfèvre edition limited to 1,000 magnums), Rare Le Rituel (a cigar-champagne pairing cabinet co-developed with cabinetmaker Elie Bleu), and digital collectibles including the Rare Rosé 2014 x William Amor NFT edition and the multi-year La Métamorphose program concluding in 2032. Revenue is generated through four streams: direct e-boutique sales (one-time purchases of standard, magnum, and 6L mathusalem formats), high-value charity auction lots (e.g., the Naples Winter Wine Festival and Miami Gérard Basset Foundation events), private-inquiry sales of exceptional editions, and a network of international distributors. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer and event-driven, targeting ultra-high-net-worth collectors, luxury hospitality partners (Pavillon de la Reine, La Laiterie), and curated luxury-experience attendees, with mass retail explicitly avoided to preserve scarcity.

Operational certifications include B Corp status (achieved September 2022 after 28+ months of cross-team work led by Chef de caves Émilien Boutillat) and dual vineyard certifications Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale, both held since 2015 with documented biodiversity improvement work exceeding certification requirements. Leadership comprises Damien Lafaurie as President of PH-CH, Maud Rabin as Directrice of Rare Champagne, and Émilien Boutillat as Chef de caves. The company maintains an owned e-boutique at eboutique.rare-champagne.com, a newsletter community (The Rare Champagne Society), and active social channels on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, with US market entry pursued through 2025 Miami and Naples, Florida auction channels.

Name

Rare Champagne

Legal name

COMPAGNIE CHAMPENOISE PH-CH PIPER HEIDSIECK-ANCIENNE MAISON HEIDSIECK FONDEE EN 1785

Website

https://rare-champagne.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1785

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Rare Champagne is a Reims-based luxury champagne house under EPI Group producing ultra-limited vintage cuvées (11 declared millésimes in over 45 years) for ultra-high-net-worth collectors, luxury hospitality partners, and charity auction buyers via its owned e-boutique and curated high-end channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Vintage Champagne

NAICS

Wineries (31213), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (424820), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (4453)

SIC

Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fine Wine & Luxury Spirits Retail (CRANABAE), Premium, Rare & Collectible Alcohol Retail (Fine Wine/Spirits) (CRANAAAJ)

Keywords

• Vintage champagne production
• Luxury cuvée wines
• Prestige champagne house
• Limited millésime releases
• Champagne collector editions

Headquarters

HQ city

Reims

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Champagne Sales (E-boutique): Direct-to-consumer sales of vintage cuvées (standard 0.75L, magnum 1.5L, and mathusalem 6L formats) through the owned e-boutique platform. Customers can browse and purchase limited millésimes online.
2. Charity Auction Sales: High-value auction lots featuring rare vintages and luxury French experiences. Rare Champagne has participated in the Naples Winter Wine Festival and Miami charity auctions, generating significant contribution to children's charities and the Gérard Basset Foundation.
3. Exceptional Editions: Ultra-premium limited collections such as Rare Le Secret (jewelry-encrusted magnums with Mellerio, limited to 1000 units) and Rare Le Rituel (cigar-champagne pairing cabinet with Elie Bleu) are sold at exceptionally high price points to collectors and connoisseurs.
4. NFT and Collectible Editions: Digital and physical collectible editions such as the Rare Rosé 2014 x William Amor NFT edition, leveraging blockchain and artistic collaborations to reach new segments of luxury collectors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rare Champagne produces and sells ultra-premium vintage-dated Champagne cuvées (millésimes) made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Montagne de Reims, released only in truly exceptional years under strict excellence criteria. The portfolio spans standard 0.75L, magnum 1.5L, and mathusalem 6L formats across 11 declared vintages from 1976 through 2014, complemented by ultra-limited exceptional editions (Rare Le Secret with Mellerio, Rare Le Rituel with Elie Bleu) and the La Métamorphose NFT/certificate program. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the owned e-boutique, supplemented by charity auction channels, luxury hospitality partnerships, and authorized international distributors.

Product overview

Rare Champagne is a luxury Champagne house established in 1976, producing exclusively vintage-dated Champagnes through a portfolio of numbered millésime expressions. The collection includes 18 distinct vintage wines (1976 through 2014, with both white and rosé variants), released only in years meeting strict excellence criteria. The portfolio extends beyond wines to include exceptional editions (Rare Le Secret with Mellerio, Rare Le Rituel cigar pairing with Elie Bleu), digital collectibles (La Métamorphose NFT program, William Amor NFT editions), and sensory art experiences (REFLECT installation). All products exemplify extreme luxury positioning through limited availability, artisan collaborations, and collector-grade presentation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rare Le Secret: Exceptional edition inspired by the 1997 vintage, created secretly by Chef de caves Régis Camus, featuring collaborations with Mellerio for high jewelry editions
• Rare Le Rituel
• Rare Rosé
• Rare Millésime

Products and services

• Rare Millésime 1976 The inaugural vintage of Rare Champagne, born from unprecedented drought conditions, revealing bold flavors and legendary freshness; for luxury collectors and connoisseurs.
• Rare Millésime 1979 Racéd vintage with incomparable clarity, expressing freshness in serene power from late harvests; for luxury collectors.
• Rare Millésime 1985 Majestueux vintage despite modest harvest and adversity; a sunny wine with impressive structure that improves with time.
• Rare Millésime 1988 Capiteux champagne with enveloping warmth and impressive aging potential; for atmosphere and ambiance experiences.
• Rare Millésime 1990 Harmonieux vintage expressing powerful balance after spring frosts and a beautiful summer.
• Rare Millésime 1998 Radieux vintage, first edition in magnum format, revealing richness and complexity fusing into delicate elegance.
• Rare Millésime 1999 Extravagant vintage expressing character from a year of climate extremes, with notable freshness.
• Rare Millésime 2002 Iconic vintage, bloomed and deep with irreproachable silhouette, conjugating spiciness, freshness, minerality, and oriental notes.
• Rare Millésime 2006 Solaire vintage, both oriental and fresh, mature and warm with considerable expression potential.
• Rare Millésime 2007 Rosé First rosé vintage of Rare Champagne, an ample, fleshy, and refined wine from a perilous and difficult year.
• Rare Millésime 2008 Exceptional vintage, masterful until 2050, expressing infinite floral and mineral qualities with spring-like precision.
• Rare Millésime 2008 Rosé Gracieusement Ciselé vintage with chiseled minerality in contrasts, combining tender rose with expressive rigor of assemblages.
• Rare Millésime 2012 Lumineux vintage, energetic and gourmand with spicy and tropical notes and exceptional length; available in Standard, Magnum, and Mathusalem formats.
• Rare Millésime 2012 Rosé Virtuoso rosé vintage balancing floral, fruity, and spicy sensations, adding a facet to the Rare Champagne style.
• Rare Millésime 2013 Rayonnant vintage expressing the house signature with tropical touch and minerality in two phases.
• Rare Millésime 2014 Rosé Extra-ordinaire fourth rosé vintage, swirling with aromas whose exuberance is comparable to Rare Rosé 2007.
• Rare Le Secret An exceptional edition from a secret 1997 vintage, undiscovered for over 20 years in private cellar and created by Chef de caves Régis Camus; available in two exclusive sub-editions - Haute Joaillerie (magnums adorned with Mellerio jewels featuring diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds of at least 1 carat, set in gold with 510 diamonds totaling 4.17 carats, and a first-ever 24-karat gold muselet) and Orfèvre (1,000 numbered engraved magnums) - sold by private inquiry for UHNW collectors.
• Rare Le Rituel Cigar-champagne pairing set crafted with Elie Bleu; an octagonal white rippled sycamore monolith combining Rare Millésime 1988 and 2008 with day/night humidors storing 48 cigars, crystal glasses, and bespoke accessories. Two-year development effort; sold by private inquiry for UHNW collectors and cigar connoisseurs.
• La Métamorphose An NFT and certificate-based program offering certificate holders exclusive events and experiences from year 1 to year 8, culminating in 2032 with the acquisition of a Mathusalem of Rare Rosé collectible at the Eisenhower Residence in Reims. The certificate transforms each year, culminating in this final reward for collectors; tied to the Rare Rosé 2014 × William Amor NFT edition.
• Rare Rosé 2014 × William Amor NFT NFT edition collaboration with engaged plastic artist William Amor, transforming champagne waste materials into floral art for luxury collectors and NFT collectors.
• Rare Le Contraste A limited-edition set combining two vintages (1985 and 2015) launched at Miami auction to benefit the Gérard Basset Foundation; only 250 sets available worldwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1.58 million raised for the Naples Winter Wine Festival alone (January 2026), contributing to a total of over $30 million raised for children's charities.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Arnaud LapierreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2025Arnaud Lapierre, a French engaged designer, created the 'REFLECT' installation — a 6–7 meter horizontal mirror installation in the courtyard of Hôtel de la Marine, Paris — inspired by the nature and vineyards of Rare Champagne. The installation was on display from December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026. A second collaboration, 'RISE', was created for Rare Millésime 2013.
• Gérard Basset FoundationminorOthers · 12 November 2025The Gérard Basset Foundation, which supports diversity and inclusivity in the wine and spirits industries, was the beneficiary of the Miami auction introducing Rare Le Contraste (November 2025). Proceeds from the 250-set limited edition (vintages 1985 and 2015) supported the foundation's mission.
• Mellerio (Mellerio dits Meller)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMellerio, the oldest dynasty of jewellers in the world (founded 1613), designed the exclusive parure for Rare Le Secret, inspired by Marie-Antoinette. The collaboration produced two exceptional editions: the Haute Joaillerie collection (magnums adorned with diamond/ruby/sapphire/emerald jewelry pieces with 510 diamonds totaling 4.17 carats) and the Édition Orfèvre (1,000 numbered engraved magnums). The jewelry includes transformable pieces that can become brooches, bracelets, or pendants. The muselet cap was crafted in solid 24-karat gold for the first time in Champagne history.
• Elie BleucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElie Bleu, the world's leading fine cabinet maker awarded the 'Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant' seal by the French Ministry of the Economy, collaborated with Rare Champagne to create Rare Le Rituel — an octagonal white rippled sycamore monolith serving as a cigar-champagne pairing cabinet. The two-year development combines Rare Millésimes 1988 and 2008 with 48 cigars, crystal glasses, and bespoke accessories. Both houses share 1976 as a founding year milestone.
• William AmorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWilliam Amor, a French engaged plastic artist, collaborates with Rare Champagne on artistic projects using upcycled materials. Collaborations include: the 'Mathusalem de Rare Rosé Millésime 2012' with hand-crafted aluminum flower decorations; the Rare Rosé 2014 NFT edition ('La Métamorphose'); and the 'Créations Messagères' program where international personalities create unique floral designs to be auctioned for charity foundations.
• Atelier MarsaultminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtelier Marsault, based in Hautvillers (the birthplace of Champagne), upcycles Rare Champagne tasting bottles into vases and scented candles, supporting the Maison's environmental commitment to giving materials a second life.
• Centre des Monuments NationauxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRare Champagne collaborates with the Centre des Monuments Nationaux on artistic and cultural projects, including hosting events at historic French monuments such as the Hôtel de la Marine (Place de la Concorde, Paris).
• Château de VersaillesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Château de Versailles to preserve and promote French savoir-faire and cultural heritage, aligning with Rare Champagne's commitment to French luxury craftsmanship.
• La Manufacture de SèvresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with La Manufacture de Sèvres, France's renowned porcelain manufacturer, to celebrate and extend French artisanal excellence in luxury ceramics.
• Naples Winter Wine FestivalminorOthersAnnual charity auction event in Naples, Florida (January 31, 2026), where Rare Champagne contributed auction lots and helped raise over $30 million for children's charities, with Rare Champagne's contribution totaling $1.58 million.
• Philippe André (FOLIO Fine Wine Partners)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPhilippe André, Private Client Director at FOLIO Fine Wine Partners (Chicago), is cited as a champion of Rare Champagne among ultra-high-net-worth collectors, curating rare wine auctions and developing luxury wine and spirits brand relationships.
• ManuH Cigars (Manu Harrit)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManu Harrit, founder of ManuH Cigars boutique in Porto Cervo, Italy, is the first to showcase Rare Le Rituel to the world. His expertise in pairing cigars with Rare Champagne vintages (2008 with Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial; 1988 with Hoyo Double Corona) is featured in brand communications.
• Camille Ortolani (Paper Artist)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaper artist Camille Ortoleani worked on the Rare Champagne lace for the garden installation at Pavillon de la Reine in Paris, contributing to the artistic experience dimension of the brand.
• Édouard Chouteau (Chef, La Laiterie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelin-starred chef Édouard Chouteau of La Laiterie (Lambersart, near Reims Cathedral) creates seasonal food pairings for Rare Champagne millésimes as part of the 'Les Accords Rares' program, developing spring-summer and autumn-winter menus for vintages including 2006, 2008, and 2008 Rosé.
• Mélanie Serre (Chef)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChef Mélanie Serre (La Louis Vins, Paris; recognized by Gault & Millau as a Young Talent, listed among 1,000 Women Chefs worldwide) was given 'carte blanche' by Rare Champagne to create the 'Rare Pairing' culinary experience for 2022, developing recipes paired with vintages including 2008 and Rosé 2012.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Salon: Salon is an ultra-rare single-vintage Champagne house that produces Cuvée S Le Salon only in exceptional years from a single village (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger). Its extreme scarcity model and collector focus are the closest analogue to Rare Champagne's millésime-only philosophy.
• Pol Roger: Pol Roger is a family-owned Champagne house with strong prestige positioning through vintage-dated Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill and traditional craftsmanship. Comparable to Rare Champagne in vintage focus and British/UHNW market presence.
• Bollinger: Bollinger is a renowned Champagne house known for vintage-dated cuvées (Grande Année, R.D.) and strong UK luxury prestige. It competes in the same premium vintage segment with similar focus on long lees aging and Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blends.
• Krug: Krug, owned by LVMH, is one of the most prestigious ultra-premium Champagne houses, emphasizing single-vintage and prestige cuvée expressions with limited production. It shares Rare Champagne's positioning around vintage quality, slow maturation, and UHNW customer targeting.
• Dom Pérignon: Dom Pérignon (LVMH) produces exclusively vintage-dated prestige cuvée Champagne with strong scarcity narrative and global luxury brand presence. It is the most direct competitor to Rare Champagne's ultra-premium vintage-only positioning and artistic collaboration model.
• Cristal (Louis Roederer): Cristal is the ultra-premium prestige cuvée of Maison Louis Roederer, produced only in exceptional vintage years and historically associated with luxury and prestige consumption. Its vintage-declaration approach and luxury market positioning directly overlap with Rare Champagne.

Emerging players

• Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades): Armand de Brignac is a luxury prestige Champagne brand with distinctive metallic bottle design and limited production, targeting UHNW collectors and hip-hop luxury culture. Its bold branding and scarcity model position it as a contemporary parallel to Rare Champagne's luxury positioning.
• Jacques Selosse: Jacques Selosse is a grower Champagne producer with cult status among collectors, producing limited quantities of terroir-driven wines. Its ultra-rare allocation model and collector market overlap mirror Rare Champagne's scarcity-driven positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Charles Heidsieck: Charles Heidsieck is another EPI Group Champagne house focused on vintage-dated prestige cuvées (Blanc des Millénaires). It shares Reims infrastructure with Rare Champagne and competes in the prestige vintage segment with similar Chardonnay focus.
• Piper-Heidsieck: Piper-Heidsieck is a sister Champagne house under EPI Group and shares the original 1785 heritage with Rare Champagne. While broader in distribution and price tiers, it operates from the same Reims base and shares cellar and group resources, making it a relevant sibling comparable.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXP8v42rADjMQFZot6l51Og
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rare-champagne
• Instagraminstagram.com/rarechampagne_official
• Facebookfacebook.com/rarechampagne

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rare Champagne