Joseph Perrier

Joseph Perrier marked its bicentenary in 2025 celebrating 200 years of history since its foundation in 1825 which represents six generations of independent, family ownership. Benjamin Fourmon is at the helm while his father Jean-Claude is still very much ‘around’. They are still based at the same address in Châlons-en-Champagne where Joseph founded the business.

Joséphine, his daughter, lends her name to their luxury cuvée champagne. Their Gallo-Roman cellars – 5kms of them – are dramatic, tunnelled deep in the chalk, but the production facilities are all modern. In 2023 the premises were completely renovated, creating a super tasting room and visitor experience, including guided tours of the wonderful cellars during the summer season. The history of Joseph Perrier is well displayed, including correspondence about their supply to Queen Victoria and Edward VII. They source their grapes from their own 24 ha of vineyards, situated in the Marne Valley villages of Cumières, Damery, Hautvillers, Verneuil along with Bassuet in the Vitryat area, to the south-east of Châlons, where Joseph Perrier has a particular focus. The rest of the grapes come from contracted, long-standing suppliers and its then up to their talented chef de cave, Nathalie Leplaige, to fashion these into the classic and elegant champagnes for which Joseph Perrier is so well known. In their vineyard in Cumières is a vine with a Tanners tag on it, planted by James Tanner as part of the 200 years anniversary celebrations!