Welcome to The Brand Edit, our monthly series celebrating the exceptional brands behind our luxury gifting collections. Each month, we'll take a closer look at a partner whose craftsmanship, heritage, and commitment to quality help us create memorable gifting experiences. From iconic names to emerging artisans, discover the stories, values, and inspiration that make these brands truly extraordinary. This month, we're proud to shine the spotlight on Ruinart, the first established House of Champagne, founded in 1729 and inspired by the remarkable intuition of a visionary monk well ahead of his time. Renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay-led champagnes, centuries of craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Ruinart has become a symbol of elegance, refinement, and celebration around the world. History of Ruinart The story of Ruinart begins with Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk born in 1657. A brilliant theologian and historian, he left his home in the Champagne region at the age of 23 to study at the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés near Paris, one of France's leading centres of learning. During his time there, he discovered a new sparkling "wine with bubbles" that was becoming increasingly popular among the French aristocracy. Recognising its potential long before others, Dom Thierry shared his vision with his nephew, Nicolas Ruinart, planting the seed for what would become an extraordinary family legacy. On 1 September 1729, Nicolas Ruinart established Maison Ruinart in Reims, creating the world's very first champagne-producing house. Inspired by his uncle's foresight, he transformed an emerging trend into a pioneering business that would shape the future of Champagne for generations to come. As the House grew, so did its reputation. During the mid-18th century, Ruinart acquired the historic chalk cellars, or crayères, beneath the city of Reims to store and age its wines in ideal natural conditions. In 1764, the House shipped its first Rosé Champagne across Europe, further cementing its place as an innovator within the region. The Ruinart family continued to guide the House throughout the centuries, with each generation building upon its rich heritage while preserving the exceptional standards of quality and craftsmanship established from the very beginning. Today, nearly three centuries after its founding, Ruinart remains one of the world's most prestigious Champagne houses, admired for its elegance, pioneering spirit, and dedication to excellence. The Vineyards & A Commitment to Sustainability At the heart of every bottle of Ruinart is a deep respect for nature. Chardonnay, the signature grape of the House, thrives in the unique chalk-rich soils of the Champagne region, producing the fresh, elegant and luminous style that has become synonymous with Ruinart. Recognising the growing impact of climate change on viticulture, Ruinart has spent more than two decades transforming its vineyard practices to protect both its terroir and the future of Champagne. The House has significantly reduced its use of fertilisers, fungicides and other vineyard treatments while introducing alternative methods that encourage healthier soils and stronger biodiversity. Its environmental commitments extend far beyond the vineyard. Ruinart has pioneered more sustainable packaging through its innovative recyclable Second Skin case, increased its use of renewable energy, reduced transport emissions, and continues to support biodiversity projects across the Champagne region, including large-scale tree planting and habitat restoration initiatives. By combining centuries of expertise with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, Ruinart continues to honour its remarkable heritage while helping to preserve the land that makes its exceptional champagnes possible for generations to come. With its signature Chardonnay character, Ruinart offers a distinctive Champagne style that is fresh, refined and effortlessly elegant. Notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and stone fruits are balanced by remarkable freshness and finesse, creating champagnes that are both approachable and complex. Elegant, expressive and steeped in history, Ruinart continues to bring a sense of occasion to celebrations around the world, making it a fitting addition to our carefully curated luxury gifting collection.
