The Champagne industry in the United States is thriving, thanks to a network of dedicated professionals, restaurants, and distributors who bring the finest bubbly to consumers. This article highlights key figures such as Paul Baldi, Regional and Category Ambassador of the Sommeliers Choice Awards, and explores the top Champagne restaurants across the country, including renowned establishments like Gramercy Tavern in New York and Effervescence in New Orleans. It also covers boutique and high-end wine merchants such as Millesima USA and Flatiron Wines & Spirits, and leading state distributors like Southern Glazer’s and Breakthru Beverage Group. Whether you're a Champagne enthusiast or an industry professional, this guide offers insights into the influential players shaping the Champagne market in the U.S.

Paul Baldi: Regional and Category Ambassador of Sommeliers Choice Awards

Image: Paul Baldi, Sommelier at Quince, San Francisco

Paul Baldi, a distinguished sommelier born and raised in the Champagne region of France, brings his deep-rooted passion and expertise to the U.S. market. As the Regional and Category Ambassador for Champagne at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, Baldi plays a vital role in promoting top-tier Champagne selections and educating industry professionals on the nuances of this celebrated sparkling wine. He currently serves at a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco, where his refined palate and extensive experience help elevate Champagne appreciation.

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Top Champagne Restaurants in the USA

Several restaurants across the United States have established themselves as leaders in Champagne service, offering extensive selections and exceptional experiences:

Apéro, Washington, DC

Apéro boasts a carefully curated wine list with a special emphasis on Champagne, featuring over 700 wines from prestigious producers. Known for its chic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Apéro is a haven for Champagne lovers looking for unique vintages.

Effervescence, New Orleans, LA

This stylish Champagne bar offers an impressive array of more than 200 by-the-bottle sparkling wines and 30-plus by-the-glass sparkling wine options, along with expertly crafted pairings, making it a favorite spot for connoisseurs. Effervescence regularly hosts tasting events and educational sessions to engage and inform their guests.

Gramercy Tavern, New York, NY

With one of the most respected wine programs in the city, Gramercy Tavern provides an extensive Champagne selection that enhances its fine dining experience. Under the leadership of its Beverage Director, Randall Restiano, each bottle is curated to complement the seasonal menus.

Boiler Room, Omaha, NE

Boiler Room’s Champagne list, curated by Master Sommelier Jesse Becker, emphasizes lively aromatics, expressive minerality, and perfect pairings. With over 500 terroir-focused bottles, the list celebrates the dedication of each winemaker, offering something for every occasion.

Charleston, Baltimore, MD

Charleston’s Champagne list is meticulously curated to complement the chef’s evolving cuisine. Led by Wine Director Lindsay Willey, the selection focuses on thoughtful pairings, considering factors like growing seasons, winemaker traditions, and guest preferences for a truly artistic experience.

Also read: Top 8 On-Premise Sparkling Wines

Image: Henriot Champagne Dinner at Apéro

Top Boutique and High-End Champagne Wine Merchants in the USA

For those looking to purchase Champagne from reputable sources, these high-end merchants offer an exquisite selection:

Millesima USA, New York, NY

Millesima USA is an esteemed fine wine retailer with an impressive portfolio of Champagnes sourced from world-renowned producers. Their Upper East Side store and online platform cater to collectors and enthusiasts seeking rare and premium bottles.

Flatiron Wines & Spirits, New York, NY

Renowned for its thoughtfully curated inventory, Flatiron Wines & Spirits specializes in boutique and hard-to-find Champagne labels. Their commitment to quality and service has made them a go-to destination for discerning buyers.

K&L Wine Merchants, California

With locations in San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood and Culver City, K&L Wine Merchants offer an extensive Champagne collection that is updated regularly. It is best known for its old and rare wine selections. 

Beverage Warehouse, Beverly Hills, California

Beverage Warehouse, established in 1985, offers a diverse selection of fine wines, spirits, and craft beers, including rare finds and local products. Known for exceptional customer service, it provides an outstanding shopping experience both in-store and online.

Premier Champagne, California

This family-owned retailer in the Bay Area offers an exclusive selection of high-quality champagnes, sparkling wines, and still wines. Their strong supplier relationships give them access to unique products, and they prioritize exceptional customer service, including personalized champagne selections and delivery arrangements.

Image: A selection of  Flavien Nowack and Stéphane Regnault Champagnes available at Flatiron Wines & Spirits, New York, NY

Champagne State Distributors in the USA

Distributors play a crucial role in making Champagne accessible across different states. Some of the leading distributors include:

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

As the largest distributor in the U.S., Southern Glazer's represents numerous Champagne brands, ensuring they reach consumers nationwide. Their extensive network and logistics capabilities make them a key player in the industry.

Breakthru Beverage Group

Operating in 16 US states and Canada, Breakthru Beverage Group is a prominent distributor of premium Champagnes. Their focus on customer service and innovative marketing strategies helps Champagne brands thrive in the U.S. market.

Empire Merchants

Serving the New York metro area, Empire Merchants is a significant player in Champagne distribution that has earned the trust of more than 10,000 on-trade and off-trade establishments in the area. With the help of its 150 global supplier partners, they offer a broad selection of premium brands.

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA

Maisons Marques & Domaines is the U.S. sales and marketing arm for Champagne Louis Roederer and its associated wineries. MMD represents prestigious family-owned brands and builds strong distributor relationships, ensuring high-quality delivery and brand development.

Grapevine Wine Distributors, Concord, NC

It is the largest full-service wine distributor in the Carolinas. Known for hand-selecting family-owned wines with compelling stories, they service accounts across North and South Carolina that are setting industry standards.

Also read: Sparkling and Shine: The Boom of English Sparkling Wine

Image: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Who's Who of Champagne in the USA

Several organizations and individuals contribute to the promotion and growth of Champagne in the U.S.:

Bureau du Champagne, USA

This organization educates professionals and consumers about Champagne through initiatives, events, and partnerships. They recognize top establishments that excel in Champagne service.

Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot

Under Gallot’s leadership, Veuve Clicquot has expanded its presence in the U.S., introducing innovative products and initiatives that make Champagne more accessible and appealing.

San Francisco Champagne Society

This is an exclusive, reservation-only champagne lounge offering an immersive experience for enthusiasts. Focused on small grower producers, it features a rotating selection of rare Champagnes, with custom tasting options available.

Zak Miller, Sparkling Winemaker

As the sparkling winemaker at Domaine Carneros, Zak Miller plays a key role in promoting Champagne in the U.S., creating exceptional sparkling wines that showcase innovative techniques and elevate the winery’s prestigious portfolio.

Peter Liem, Author of ChampagneGuide.net

Peter Liem is an acclaimed wine writer and author of ChampagneGuide.net. He has significantly promoted Champagne in the U.S. through his book, events like La Fête du Champagne, and his expertise as a Champagne consultant.

Image: Peter Liem

These individuals and organizations are instrumental in shaping the U.S. Champagne landscape, ensuring its continued popularity and growth.

Header image sourced from Millesima USA

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