For three days in May, champagne sparkles and bubbles within the walls of the historic building of the former University of Helsinki, Vanha Ylioppiöastalo, where GRAND CHAMPAGNE HELSINKI opens its doors every year, gathering connoisseurs, lovers and the best representatives of the industry to taste both the famous classic varieties of this magical drink and rarer vintages.
Vanha Ylioppilastalo, opened more than 140 years ago in the heart of Helsinki, is part of Finnish culture and is considered one of the most prestigious venues for significant events. Its magnificent halls create the perfect atmosphere for a spring champagne celebration.
The event features champagne from over 60 different houses. Here you will find famous global brands such as Lanson, Taittinger, Ruinart, Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Pol Roger, Veuve Clicquot, Krug and others, as well as young brands that win the hearts of champagne lovers.
Champagne tasting is carried out with electronic tickets (25€), which can be purchased in advance on the website or on the spot. The price of the entrance ticket includes a champagne glass of the famous French brand Lehmann Glass Opale 21, which is issued at the entrance.
Also here, in a relaxed setting, champagne houses “open the doors of their cellars” to join them on unique taste trips into the secrets of champagne.
World-renowned experts and specialists lead master-classes, specially designed for GRAND CHAMPAGNE HELSINKI, where you can deepen your knowledge and taste the varieties presented. For all lectures of the master-class, a handmade Grand Champagne champagne glass by Lehmann Glass, designed by sommelier Philip James, is used as a tasting glass.
The organizers of the event also took care of the appetizers that harmonize well with champagne. The best restaurants in Helsinki are involved to develop special tasting portions, which can also be purchased with the entrance ticket.
This year among the food corners presented, was Boulevard Bar & Seafood, which specializes in fresh, responsibly grown and caught seafood.
Each serving is a tribute to the ingredients themselves, crafted with the sensitivity and bold professionalism they require.
Trout tartare, Grilled lobster salad or freshest Oysters on ice, served with lemon, rhubarb mignonette or homemade hot sauce —
Gillardeau oyster from La Rochelle and
Chironfils oyster from L’Équille.
Another French-oriented restaurant Muru Ravintola, which offers dshes of traditional French cuisine based on craftsmanship and refined taste. Raw ingredients are carefully selected both locally and abroad.
Champagne risotto and marinated asparagus, Pastrami and truffle cream or French Cheeses with jam.
Grand Champagne Challenge
During the event, a competition, where the skills of the participants are judged through both quick questions and presentation skills, takes place, while the most famous names in the field of champagne world act as authoritative judges.
The winner is rewarded with a special GRAND CHAMPAGNE HELSINKI trophy and a set of hand-blown Lehmann Glass Grand Champagne glasses.
The competition is organized by Grand Champagne in cooperation with Suomen Sommelierit Oy, Lehmann Glass, Cesta Oy and AvelVino Oy, which aims to strengthen knowledge and experience in the field of champagne in Finland.
Grand Champagne Helsinki
Address: Vanha Ylioppilastalo Mannerheimintie 3, 00100 Helsinki
Instagram: @grandchampagnehelsinki
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
