News
Épernay Honoured with National Award for Wine Heritage Preservation
The City of Épernay has received a national award recognising its commitment to preserving the viticultural heritage of the Champagne region.
What happened
On 3 October 2026, the City of Épernay was awarded a national prize for the preservation of wine heritage. The recognition was conferred upon the municipality in acknowledgement of its sustained efforts to maintain and protect the viticultural traditions that define this corner of north-eastern France.
Why it matters
Épernay occupies a singular position within the world of Champagne. As one of the foremost centres of production in the region, the city carries a responsibility that extends well beyond commerce — it serves as a living custodian of centuries of winemaking culture. This national award affirms that such stewardship is not merely assumed but actively pursued.
The distinction draws attention to the broader cultural and historical significance of the Champagne region, reminding both the industry and the public that the value of these landscapes and traditions cannot be measured in bottles alone. Heritage preservation, in this context, is an act of collective memory — one that safeguards the identity of a region recognised the world over.
Context
Épernay has long been regarded as the spiritual and practical heart of Champagne production in France. The city's association with the region's winemaking history is deep-rooted, and its streets and surroundings bear witness to generations of viticultural endeavour.
The award for wine heritage preservation reflects a growing national awareness of the importance of protecting such sites and traditions. For a city whose identity is so thoroughly entwined with the vine, this recognition carries particular weight — not as a conclusion, but as an encouragement to continue the work of conservation that connects the present to the past.