Tim Hughes raises a flute of Perrier-Jouët to National Champagne Week with organiser Rhian Phillips

Few people enjoyed a glass of bubbly as much as our great wartime leader.

So when the time came to choose a location to celebrate National Champagne Week, Winston Churchill's birthplace was the obvious choice.

Blenheim Palace is the centre of attention for this year's celebration, with a pair of tasty events for fans of fizz.

The event has been created by luxury hospitality brand Searcys, and runs from October 1-7.

While champagne-related tastings, it is the events at Blenheim which are set to get enthusiasts' corks popping.

For the duration of the week, the palace will host an exclusive Perrier-Jouët pop up, serving an Enchanted Tree afternoon tea in the Orangery.

The event will feature bespoke pastries from Searcy's head pastry chef, Romi Verstappen, along with a choice or Grand Brut, Blason Rose or Belle Epoque, served at the table with the champagne flutes plucked from the arms of an ‘Enchanted Tree’ designed by the artist Tord Boontje.

If you fancy extending your knowledge of this most aristocratic of tipples, on Sunday one can join a Perrier-Jouët tutored tasting with champagne expert Jonathan Simms, with a three cuvee tasting flight.

Searcy's runs the restaurants and tea rooms at the palace, along with prestigious restaurants and champagne bars at London's Gherkin, St. Pancras Grand, Urban Coterie in Old Street, and Osteria at the Barbican.

The company's Rhian Phillips helped organise the events.

"As we all know, Winston Churchill famously enjoyed Pol Roger at Blenheim Palace, so much so, the house ended up naming their prestige cuvee after the man himself," she says.

"As well appearing frequently as the history of Blenheim Palace, champagne holds a special place in the heart of the British public, represented through hundreds of years as a prestigious drink enjoyed by royalty through to modern day celebrities.

"And to demonstrate this affinity with the bubbles, the British consume more champagne per head than any other country outside France."

She said the event would celebrate the rich diversity of champagne, through accessible, educational and fun events.

"Blenheim Palace’s champagne partner for the week will be the house of Perrier-Jouët, famed for its art nouveau heritage and craftsmanship since 1811.

"The Orangery will use the iconic Belle Epoque Cuvee, famous for its Emile Galle-designed hand painted bottle, and the drink's floral, stylish and diamond-cut signature style.

"The afternoon tea will arrive with the traditional serving or sandwiches, scones and delicate pastries, and for the pop-up Romi will deliver creations inspired by Belle Epoque art."

Romi has a distinguished career, going from chef de partie pastry chef at the Royal Opera House to pastry chef for chocolatier Damien Allsop, followed by sous chef pastry at Nobu New York and head pastry chef at Sixtyone. Her chocolate bombs and macarons are, says Romi, to die for.

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"Romi has a passion for the precision and delicacy required for a top pastry chef, and boasts stellar training," she says.

"And Blenheim is the perfect place to do this – particularly given its history. After all, Winston Churchill had a pint of champagne a day, sitting down to enjoy two and a half glasses – which is a very pleasant thing to do!"

  • The Perrier-Jouët Enchanted Tree afternoon tea is available from Saturday to October 7. Prices start at £25 for the tea and £15 for a glass of Perrier-Jouët. Book at nationalchampagneweek.com
  • ​The Perrier-Jouët Tutored Tasting takes place on Sunday, from 4.30-6pm and is limited to 40 people. Tickets £35 per person. Booking necessary at blenheimpalace.com

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