HERITAGE
« Rooted in Chouilly »
Deep Roots
1942. Roland Champion, a young man of 16, takes over from his father André on the family vineyard. His mother, Simone, is widowed and must oversee the education of her three children. For the first time in the history of this very ancient family from Chouilly, they make the choice together to vinify their own grapes. They vinify their Champagne under the name Veuve André Champion.
This is the preamble to our story. Because Roland still has to learn the trade. For this, he has the chance to be trained by the best in the region. Out of friendship for his father, the cellar master of a very prestigious Champagne House, Mr. Bony, takes him under his wing. He instills in him great rigor and the most advanced methods to craft excellent Champagne.
Young Shoot
The development of the family estate continues at high speed, Roland being a pioneer in Chouilly as his investments are so progressive. The production tool is constantly modernized and the vineyard gradually extends over new territories.
Very quickly, Roland puts his skills at the service of the community by opening the doors of his press to his colleagues. He quickly becomes one of the only and most important presses in Chouilly.
When Simone dies in 1972, the Veuve André Champion brand must stop. Roland then gives birth to his own House based on his mother's foundations. Thus Champagne Roland Champion is born.
Accompanied by his wife, Jacqueline, and his children, Roland runs the estate as he sees fit, according to his own vision. He instills his values of excellence in his children and trains his eldest son François according to the precepts he himself received from Mr. Bony. The "Fools of Chouilly", as they call themselves in Verneuil where they acquired vines, continue their expansion at a sustained pace.
Vine Oath
François, like his father Roland, has always ensured to pass on family values to his children. To his daughters, Carole and Clémence, he has entrusted the passion for what is for him "the most beautiful profession in the world".
Roland dies in 2005 and François is now alone to take care of the vineyard and manage the house. He is however supported by his wife and his mother for the administrative part.
After their studies which took them from Champagne to North America, Carole and Clémence return to their land of origin. Predestined to return there, the village is like an eternal rallying point for the family. They join the family adventure, with the will to bring a new breath and to root this family transmission for many years.
