Champagne Day with Henri's Reserve at Southport Galleries

Well here's a new holiday that's fun to enjoy! Global Champagne Day!

That's right folks, it's not just a national movement, this one is global! Follow the hash tag #ChampagneDay to see all the posts and tweets in a multitude of languages and from all the participating countries! Merci à toutes et à tous pour le partage de ce C’Day 2013!

Ruth Franz, founder of the magnificent wine eboutique, Henri's Reserve, held an Artisanal Champagne Tasting in Southport, at the beautiful Southport Galleries, to lead the Connecticut coalition in celebrating the day!

What a wonderful afternoon we had sipping some bubbly champagnes, and nibbling some equally magnificent offerings from Sweet and Simple Bakery,  LeRouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti,  the Fairfield Cheese Company,  and Wave Hill Breads.  And best of all, the backdrop was the beautiful Southport Galleries, home to fine American masters and exciting contemporary artists, many of whom are Connecticut locals!

I love the story behind Henri's Reserve! Ruthie explained that while she loved her former occupation of working with some of the best Champagne houses, those that make millions of cases of the best known Champagnes; so many of her clients were looking for the small Champagne houses, that manufacture in small batches. And just like that Henri's Reserve was born! This is NOT your ORDINARY champagne house! These are the true artisan champagne makers who do what they love and love what they do!

From the Henri's Reserve website:

What it’s NOT is ordinary. Here, you can only procure exceptional grower champagnes offering true depth and subtlety—original tastes you won’t find anywhere else. Handcrafted, estate-bottled champagnes produced by houses that ship often less than 5,000 cases a year and produce vastly fewer of their cuvée spéciales.

In honor of Champagne Day we sampled four of Ruthe's Artisal Treasures, and I loved that they included suggested food pairings with each sample! And Henri's Reserve items are lovingly packaged, with a variety of wine clubs (monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly) for every connoisseur!

Also celebrating Champagne Day at Southport Galleries were:

LeRouge Chocolates by the delightful Aarti Khosla, whose eclectic mixes of peppers, fruits,and assorted nuts are fused with exotic dark chocolates for an amazing taste sensation.

My favorite? The apple pie a la mode, made with an apple and cinnamon ganache, a gluten free alternative to the traditiaonal apple pie! You can purchase Aarti's creations online at http://www.lerougebyaarti.com/.

Sweet and Simple Bakery in Fairfield CT. We were so sad that we missed owner Michelle Jaffe by just a few minutes, but we were delighted to meet her friend and new assistant Carrie.

We loved Carrie! She shares our admiration for Michelle's mad baking skills, and we were in compete and total agreement that the extra pinch of love that Michelle puts in all her creations is why Sweet and Simple's baked goods are so amazing! You can visit Michelle at her bakery at 75 Hillside Road, Fairfield CT - or purchase online at http://www.sweetandsimple.com.


Wave Hill Breads of Norwalk, whose olive and roasted red pepper ciabatta completely wowed everyone! So good, so light and delectably delicious!

Wave Hill Breads is located at 30 High Street in Norwalk Connecticut and was recently named Connecticut Magazine's best bread in CT for 2013!

And Fairfield Cheese Company, whose cheese was so creamy sweet, that if I didn't know better I'd swear it was butter. Delicious!

Fairfield Cheese Company is located at 2090 Post Road in Fairfield CT and many items are also available for purchase online at https://fairfieldcheese.com/lets-shop/. Want to learn more about Fairfield Cheese Company's cheese?  Attend one of their Cheese Schools at: https://fairfieldcheese.com/cheese-school/

I had such a wonderful time celebrating Champagne Day with Henri's Reserve and friends, and learning about the wonderful artisan wine selections. I especially love the different sampler packages that are offered at different price points. There's truly something for everyone! Learn more about Henri's Reserve and their exclusive eboutique here: http://www.henrisreserve.com/The-Champagnes/Henris-Sampler

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beautiful backdrop for this lovely evening, the Southport Galleries itself. The historic building is a former hardware store, with the bins still visible in the upper level. Southport Galleries is located at 330 Pequot Avenue in Southport, CT.

For more pictures of this lovely event, visit the Home Place Facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "Like" us!

Thanks to Ruthie and friends, and all in attendance for making this such a wonderful evening!
Bon vivants unite! 

*****

Comments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below!