In Reims, France, a new kind of champagne experience is unfolding—not in a glass, but in a garden. Visitors arriving at Maison Ruinart are now greeted not only by centuries of history, but by seven acres of living art. After a three-year transformation, France’s oldest champagne house has emerged with a garden and pavilion that are capturing worldwide attention. Named one of the World’s Greatest Places 2025 by TIME Magazine, the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion has introduced an innovative new addition to this storied estate.

At the heart of this transformation are the gardens, spanning nearly two acres of gentle slopes with mature maple trees and experimental cork oaks. Designed by landscape architect Christophe Gautrand, in collaboration with Sou Fujimoto and interior architect Gwenaël Nicolas, the gardens form a calm, open-air sculpture park. Visitors move along paths, encountering over 20 pieces of contemporary artwork created by acclaimed local artists. Among the art installations, several have already become visitor favorites: The Arch represents old vine stocks rising among ancient beeches, “as if the forest itself braided them into form.” La Pierre is a marble egg cradled in a limestone grotto, “a quiet nod to life, rebirth and the bottles sleeping in the chalk caves below.” The Chandelier of Interconnectedness is a suspended design of steel, glass and neon, urging reflection with the words “To change the world so that there can still be a world.”

Ruinart will continue to add to the garden art through its Carte Blanche program. Each year they invite a single contemporary artist to immerse themselves in the Maison, explore the vineyards and chalk cellars, and respond creatively. The artist is given complete freedom to interpret the estate, producing works that may be sculptures, installations, or experimental environmental pieces.

At the center of the estate, the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion which reopened to the public in October 2024 rises with a curved, luminous presence. Made from local limestone and a gradient glass façade inspired by champagne bubbles, it frames the gardens with light-filled views, drawing the eye from the historical Maison to the landscape beyond. Inside, visitors experience a journey from the narrow, shadowed entrance—evocative of the deep chalk cellars—to wide, airy spaces that feel connected to the surrounding gardens. Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto envisioned the pavilion as a “dreamlike connection between past and present,” a sentiment that visitors echo: “The pavilion feels alive with_ light sliding across stone, the gardens drifting in like a breeze.” TIME Magazine highlighted the estate’s transformation as “more than architectural: it is a shift in the rhythm of visiting Champagne. The gardens, pavilion, and contemporary artcreate a pace that is unhurried, reflective, and deeply engaging.” It is described as a haven of peace and a welcome contrast to more conventional champagne tours. Many enjoy taking their time wandering the gardens, pausing at the sculptures, or sipping a Blanc de Blancs in the courtyard, savoring the light and calm as much as the wine itself. The new center serves as a central hub, inviting guests to meander through the modern spaces, including a chic champagne bar, lounges, gift shop and an exclusive collector's cellar.

A tasting experience at Maison Ruinart is an elegant and educational journey, centered around its signature Chardonnay-focused cuvées.  The tastings, which are offered in various formats, are preceded by a guided tour of the chalk cellars and the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion. Reservations are highly recommended. A typical guided tour lasts about two hours and concludes with a tasting in a modern salon or lounge area. The standard tasting includes a selection of Ruinart's non-vintage and vintage champagnes. A knowledgeable guide explains the unique characteristics of each champagne, helping guests understand the importance of Chardonnay to the house's style. Ruinart offers several specialized tasting experiences, often involving gourmet food pairings or access to exclusive cuvées. The weekend interlude tasting includes a four-hour, five-course lunch paired with multiple Ruinart champagnes. The oysters and champagne tasting is seasonal and pairs two Chardonnay cuvées, including the limited-edition Ruinart Blanc Singulier, with fresh and warm oysters. The Chardonnay signature tour is a 2-hour experience which includes a tasting of three 100% Chardonnay cuvées, including the Ruinart Blanc Singulier and a vintage Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. For those without reservations or with less time, the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion features a modern bar and lounge. The bar’s terrace provides a bright and spacious setting to enjoy champagnes with a view of the estate.

The estate remains tied to its historic roots. Maison Ruinart, founded in 1729, continues to age its signature Chardonnay-driven Champagnes in the UNESCO-protected historic underground chalk caves (crayères) beneath the gardens. The vast caves were originally dug by the Romans as chalk quarries. In the 18th century, Ruinart repurposed them into cellars for storage and aging of champagne. They are 131 feet deep with soaring ceilings and endless rows of champagne bottles cradled in the chalk stone walls that have been there for millions of years. A tour through the incredible caves is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Reims.

Whether visiting Ruinart for the history, the champagne or the art, the gardens at Maison Ruinart offer a rare gift: a moment to slow, look, and wander. The Maison reminds us that champagne is not only a product but an invitation to experience mindfulness on our journeys.