Pommery and a New Art Experience
Arriving at the 19th-century Pommery Estate in Reims, France, nestled in the Champagne region, is a grand and breath-taking experience. It marks the beginning of a remarkable champagne journey. Beyond the outstanding champagne selections, delightful tours, and enriching master classes, visitors can also immerse themselves in a unique art showcase. For two decades, under the leadership of Paul-François and Nathalie Vranken, the Vranken-Pommery Metropole group has passionately championed and showcased art.
Since 2003, the house has been hosting the Pommery Experience contemporary art exhibition in its underground Gallo-Roman cellars, which are located 98 feet (30 meters) below ground level. The journey then transitions above ground to a gallery space in the Cellier Pompadour, the historical storeroom of the house, where carefully curated temporary exhibitions blend contemporary art from Pommery Estate-affiliated artists with older pieces from the impressive collections of the currently closed Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims (The Fine Arts Museum of Reims).
For a truly unique art and champagne experience, venture into the remarkable 11 miles (18 kilometers) of chalk cellars at the Pommery House. These cathedral-like cellars are currently home to "Rêveries, Experience Pommery #16," where you can immerse yourself in a dreamlike art exhibition dedicated to contemporary art. Explore the alcoves and tunnels of the deep and operational cellars, embarking on a journey through a mysterious labyrinth that showcases an array of artwork in different mediums by 57 artists from around the globe.
The exhibition becomes visible only after descending the monumental staircase of 116 steps, which is an artistic experience in itself. The staircase features a majestic ceiling adorned with colourful and dreamy installation artworks by London-based artists Hsiao-Chi Tsai and Kimiya Yoshikawa, inspired by nature. Each gallery turn reveals surprises, such as the vibrant fruit tree by Seoul-based artist Jeong Hwa Choi and the whimsical photographs by French artists Philippe Ramette and Marc Domage. These unexpected elements further immerse visitors in a journey through a dreamlike wonderland.
The journey extends to an exhibition space in the Cellier Pompadour, the historic storeroom of the house. It showcases thoughtfully curated temporary exhibitions that blend contemporary art by artists associated with the Pommery Estate with older pieces from the remarkable collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims, currently under renovation. The magnificent Dahlia Bed by the renowned French artisan Emile Gallé, a prominent figure in the Art Nouveau movement, is positioned across from a modern dream bed crafted by French artists Florence Doléac and Maximum. The captivating Sphinx by contemporary Chicago-based artist Autumn Ramsey is displayed alongside a masterpiece by Henri Fantin-Latour.
The exhibition is the brainchild of Nathalie Vranken, while the latest display, Pommery Experience #16, was curated by Fabrice Bousteau, Catherine Delot, and Judicaël Lavrador. Specially trained Pommery guides are available to lead you through the exhibition and cellar activities. Upon exiting the cellars and experiencing Pommery, you can savor a glass of delightful champagne as part of the tour.
"And beyond the initial art encounters at Pommery, the estate itself presents a realm brimming with hidden spaces, exquisite champagnes, and exquisite gourmet cuisine. In 1858, upon her husband's passing, Madame Pommery, also known as Louise, took charge of the estate with a vision to craft a distinctive destination deeply rooted in the Champagne region. She meticulously planted vast vineyards, establishing the estate as a key vineyard owner in the area. Acquiring the enclosed 25-hectare Clos Pompadour in Reims further showcased her foresight. By 1878, the estate was already welcoming visitors to explore the extensive 18-kilometer underground tunnels, a pioneering move during that era."
In 1874, she led another innovation in Champagne country by instructing her cellar master to create a low-sugar champagne, known as the first brut champagne, giving rise to Pommery Nature. This marked a significant step towards the popular champagnes of today in the region. After an art-filled morning and tasting, visit the estate’s Le Réfectoire restaurant, offering classic French gastronomic dishes (reservations strongly recommended). Noteworthy champagnes from the house include the Cuvée Louise 2005 Vintage, a remarkable champagne made exclusively from 2005 wines sourced from Grand Crus regions like Aÿ, Avize, and Cramant, aged for six to eight years. Another vintage champagne by the house is the Grand Cru Royal Millésimé 2008 Vintage, alongside the non-vintage and invigorating Brut Royale.
The Villa Demoiselle, located across from the sister domain of the estate, Vranken, is a tribute to Art Nouveau and is open for visitors to explore.
Exhibition until January 15th.
https://www.champagnepommery.com