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Southeast Asia’s first Champagne festival debuts in Singapore
With Champagne riding a wave of popularity in Singapore, Nimmi Malhotra finds out why now is the “right time, right place” for Southeast Asia’s first festival dedicated to the French sparkling wine.
Singapore offers a bright spot in the face of falling Champagne exports. The city-state is experiencing rising interest, especially for grower Champagnes, and is set to host the first and largest Southeast Asia-based Champagne festival from 7-9 March 2025.
Conceived by Matt Lamb, group beverage manager at Lo and Behold Group, Uncorked Champagne will feature 30 Champagne producers, an all-day walkabout tasting, producer-led masterclasses and a series of recovery brunches at various venues over three days.
Producers range from Dom Pérignon, Champagne Drappier and Charles Heidsieck to grower Champagnes like JL Vergnon, Adrien Renoir and Champagne Clandestine. Winemakers from more than 80% of the estates will be present to engage with attendees with more than 100 cuvées of wine on pour.
“We are trying to showcase the full spectrum of what Champagne can be,” said Lamb, a self-confessed Champagne lover who has travelled to the region extensively. As the general manager of Lo and Behold group’s online wine retail arm, Clink Clink, he imports a number of niche Champagne producers.
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Lamb noted the huge demand for Champagne within Singapore and a growing interest beyond the big names. “Gone are the days of people having cellars filled with the grand marques and nothing else. People are drinking more interesting and diverse Champagnes,” he said.
Lamb attributes interest in grower Champagnes to increased knowledge in the local market. Consumers are looking for more premium wine options after being priced out from their favourite white burgundies and prestige Champagnes. Grower champagnes, with their focus on terroir, fills the gap.
Private clients are asking for new names. The interest flows through to online sales platform and F&B venues. Across the country, wine menus at the city’s restaurants and wine bars increasingly list artisanal Champagne options besides more prominent names. The offerings range from cult wine producers such as Frederic Savart and Egly-Ouriet to first-generation Champagne producers such as Emmanuel Brochet.
When it comes to Uncorked Champagne, Lamb admits such an event wouldn’t have been possible five years ago when he moved to Singapore from Australia, but the market is mature now. “It’s the right time, right place,” he said.
The festival will take place at New Bahru, a new entertainment district in Singapore owned by Lo and Behold Group. Ticket prices range from SG$88 to SG$390. Lamb said the organisers are “expecting to pop around 1,000 bottles across three days”.
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