For over 250 years, the iconic champagne house Veuve Clicquot has led with a message of optimism and audacity. It was all in the image of its iconic leader, Madame Clicquot, who found herself at the helm of her husband’s business as a widow at only 27, following his sudden death in 1805. From that moment on, she worked tirelessly for the maison to expand and thrive worldwide, spreading the joy and sunshine of Veuve Clicquot champagne around the globe.
Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot.
This year, with the same pioneering spirit, the brand has created enthralling railway adventures across three continents. Taking inspiration from Veuve Clicquot’s famous sunshine yellow hue, the brand hosted an array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to quite literally follow the sun in Asia, Europe, and South America. Hosted aboard four legendary Belmond trains—the Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia), Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe), Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer (Latin America)—the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys celebrate Maison Veuve Clicquot’s unparalleled art de vivre.
From bespoke sunrise experiences in stunning landscapes, to personal gifts, exquisite gastronomy by world-renowned chefs, accompanied by the finest champagnes and exclusive access to Didier Mariotti, the House’s Cellar Master, each trip had its own, unique signature.
Whitewall spent time with the Chef des Caves at Veuve Clicquot to hear how the champagne brand is doing things different, and how this experience heightens its dedication to adventure, quality, and craft.
Inside Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys
Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot.
WHITEWALL: What makes Veuve Clicquot so different to other champagnes?
DIDIER MARIOTTI: Veuve Clicquot stands apart through The House’s bold innovation, including its unique aging process and the largest library of reserve wines in the region—all guided by our founder, Madame Clicquot. Veuve Clicquot represents more than champagne; it’s a symbol of celebration, optimism, and a vibrant lifestyle. This audacious spirit is rooted in the legacy of Madame Clicquot, who revolutionized industry with groundbreaking innovations that are still used within the industry today.
WW: Take me through the process to make champagne and how do you approach it yourself?
DM: My product approach to crafting champagne is a blend of tradition and innovation, inspired by the legacy of Madame Clicquot and her motto: “Only one quality, the finest.” Her passion for Pinot Noir shapes the way we work – from sourcing to blending – bringing both vertical depth and horizontal complexity to our wines. At the heart of our style, Pinot Noir provides the structure and intensity that define Veuve Clicquot, while Chardonnay adds finesse and Meunier contributes roundness, creating a perfectly balanced expression. We draw on centuries of expertise, from Madame Clicquot’s invention of riddling to modern sustainable practices and the use of reserve wines, some aged for decades, to ensure depth and consistency. Every step reflects our dedication to quality, balance, and embodying the House’s heritage in each bottle.
WW: Regarding this fabulous train trip, where you took fans all over the world, how was that special for you personally?
DM: Sharing the Veuve Clicquot story with passionate fans in such a unique and memorable way was truly extraordinary. Champagne is about connection and celebration and traveling through iconic landscapes while sharing the craftsmanship and tasting experience made it deeply personal. It was a beautiful reminder of how far the brand has come and the universal joy and appeal it continues to inspire. This partnership with Belmond was such a wonderful one for the Maison—both Veuve Clicquot and Belmond are dedicated to creating unforgettable moments rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury. The idea of pairing the art of champagne with the romance of train travel allowed us to take people on a journey of discovery, both through the world and through the story of our Maison.
Didier Mariotti’s Work at Veuve Clicquot
Didier Mariotti, courtesy of Veuve Clicquot.
Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot.
WW: How do you address sustainability in your way of making champagne as a brand and also for you as a professional?
DM: Sustainability is at the heart of Veuve Clicquot’s winemaking, ensuring the highest quality champagne while preserving our land for future generations. Our commitment includes 100% sustainable viticulture, a 0% herbicide policy from 2018, eco-pasturing across 10% of our vineyards, and electric tractors to reduce CO2 emissions. We also prioritize soil resilience and have eliminated virgin plastic. Every decision, from vineyard management to innovation, is guided by its environmental impact and our dedication to excellence.
WW: What do people not know about the brand that you think is fabulous?
DM: One of the most surprising facts about Veuve Clicquot is how many industry-changing innovations came directly from Madame Clicquot herself. For example, she invented the riddling table to perfect the clarity of champagne – a breakthrough that is still central and widely used within the champagne-making process today. She also crafted the first-ever vintage champagne and revolutionized rosé with her bold blending techniques. Her drive to push boundaries set the foundation for Veuve Clicquot’s iconic legacy.
WW: The history is just fabulous, what about it is interesting to you?
DM: For me, the most fascinating part of our history is Madame Clicquot as a trailblazer in her era. She took the reins of the business in a male-dominated industry, she not only preserved the house during tumultuous times but redefined what champagne could be. Her courage, creativity, and vision continue to be a source of inspiration for me within the winemaking process and for the brand’s ethos today.
