Game. Set. Pop.

Champagne and strawberries? Only at Wimbledon could that be considered a sporting tradition. Because no one’s raising a glass of squash on Centre Court. That is a fact.

Wimbledon isn’t just the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It’s one of the most elegant. Alongside the strawberries and cream (and those crisp tennis whites), Champagne has quietly played first fiddle in the refreshment department for as long as we can remember.

Get ready to celebrate in style with our curated guide of four sparkling icons, each with its own unique character, story and swagger (because no, they’re not all the same). Whether you’re toasting a tiebreak or watching a rain delay, these are the bottles that serve.

But why do Champagne and Wimbledon make a perfect pairing? Let’s take a quick look first.

The love affair between Champagne and Wimbledon

Since the late 1800s, it’s been more than a luxury at SW19. It’s a ritual. Served from the Royal Box to Henman Hill, Champagne is as much a part of the experience as the grass underfoot and the collective gasp during a match-point rally. Not only that, it’s enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Champagne Lanson since 1977.

And here’s a fun fact: according to them, more than 25,000 bottles of Champagne are popped during the tournament each year (yes, really). That just proves that when it comes to summer celebration, Wimbledon doesn’t hold back.

So for those who ask, “why Champagne?” It’s simple. Because nothing says “ace of the moment” like a cork taking flight. And if we’re being honest, the sound alone is worth the pour.

Now that we’ve covered the fizz-filled backstory behind Wimbledon, let’s meet the icons themselves.

The wildcard winner: Champagne Drappier, Millésime Exception Brut, 2018

We like to think of this bottle as Champagne’s version of a well-bred underdog: subtle and born from heritage. Based in Urville and fiercely independent, this family-owned house has been in business since 1808 (yep, the pre-Victorian era). Better yet, it’s still run by the Drappier family to this day.

Specialising in Pinot Noir, they give their wines a full-bodied, fruity style that’s far richer than other traditional Champagnes we can think of. The 2018 is a golden vintage: warm and dry, ripe and vibrant. This is a bottle that reflects its vintage like Centre Court’s roof reflects sunlight.

The best part? They’re one of the special few that actually walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. It’s completely organic, thanks to their low-intervention winemaking. What does that mean? Little sulphur (because, let’s be real, you want to taste more grapes, fewer chemicals) and no additives whatsoever. So the vintage can do the talking.

Traditional? Yes. Boring? No. Aged in locally sourced oak barrels from the nearby Orient Forest for subtle complexity, their heritage grape varieties are rarely found in modern blends. We’re talking Petit Meslier and Arbane in tiny percentages, like rare spices in Michelin-starred dishes. Tradition made exciting. This is far from your average mega-brand churning out fizz by the acre.

They’re not one for sugar-coating

They skip the industrial sugar syrup in favour of house-made liqueur, aged in Limousin oak. It’s a rare and artisanal technique that makes this bottle a cut above the rest.

On the nose, in the glass: fruit-driven excellence

Citrus zest, toasted hazelnuts, almond brittle and a hint of vanilla. Think Chardonnay elegance at the top and the powerful base of a Pinot Noir. It’s a fruit tart in a tux.

Winning serves

For moments that call for something effortlessly impressive, pair it with smoked salmon blinis or mature cheeses like Comté or Lincolnshire Poacher. Even a solo afternoon in the sun with a good book and even better glassware will do. Drappier is the Champagne equivalent of a perfectly placed drop shot.

Centre court royalty: Cristal, Champagne Louis Roederer, Brut 2015

It wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t include Cristal in the mix. It’s the ultimate showstopper. Opulent, radiant and with a royal backhand.

Fit for a Tsar (quite literally)

Who doesn’t love a fun fact and a bit of a history lesson tied together with Oscar-worthy drama? Created for Tsar Alexander II in 1876, Cristal’s clear bottle was designed so you could see there were no explosives or poison inside. Now you’ll rarely see Champagne in clear bottles because sunlight can damage the liquid, this is why you’ll find this Cristal wrapped in orange cellophane which filters UV rays. Clever eh?

Fast forward to today, it’s now a symbol of refined excess, loved by royals, rappers and collectors alike.

Only in exceptional years

Cristal is nothing short of perfect, so it’s no surprise that it’s only made when the conditions are just right. Luckily, 2015 delivered. A hot summer balanced by August rain gave the grapes both ripeness and lift.

On the nose, in the glass: a sensory masterclass

It opens with white peach, mirabelle plum and toasted hazelnuts, backed by creamy brioche.

The mousse is as smooth and fine as cashmere.

The palate unfolds with subtle oak spice, candied citrus, honeyed almond, wheat and a whisper of sea-spray minerality carrying you through each perfectly poised bubble.

Winning serves

If you’re looking to pull out all the stops, pair it with lobster and herb butter or chicken ballotine with truffle. Or simply fill your flute and feel like you’ve made it. Or were born into royalty.

Blush with attitude: Dom Pérignon Rosé, Brut 2008

Elegant, a bit dramatic and not afraid of the spotlight. This is not your average rosé.

Dom Pérignon’s rosé is a bold, textural Champagne made with the house’s finest Pinot Noir, and only released in standout vintages. And 2008? It earned icon status as one of the best of the century.

The beauty after the chaos

The 2008 season started cool and grey. Not ideal. But things turned around, and by late summer, the grapes had blossomed with intensity, elegance and tension. A recipe for brilliance.

We’re talking about Champagne with grit and grace, much like winning a five-setter in dramatic fashion.

Floral, fruity and then surprisingly spicy. It’s the structure of Pinot Noir wrapped in the finesse of Chardonnay.

On the nose, in the glass: rosé with backbone

It starts with raspberries and wild strawberries, followed by iris, violet and peony.

After opening, hints of angelica, camphor and white pepper add mystery and spice.

The palate is silky and tactile, but thanks to the vintage’s acidity, it never drifts into softness.

Winning serves

Serve with duck breast and cherry glaze or a summer berry tart. When the moment calls for dazzle and depth, this is your cue.

The unicorn: Champagne Salon Cuvée ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs, Brut 2012

Looking for something rare, razor-sharp and aristocratically cool? Salon may be for you.

It’s rarer than a grand slam

The house has only released 37 vintages throughout the whole of the 20th century. That’s not many. So naturally, it’s only made in the very best of years.

One village, one grape, one vintage. No blending. No compromise.

Think precision, purity and pedigree

Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the Côte des Blancs’ answer to Monaco, Salon 2012 is all about elegance, edge and quiet confidence.

On the nose, in the glass: if Champagne were poetry

Aged on the lees for over a decade, it’s pale gold with a shimmer of green and a whisper of chalk, stone and saline minerality.

One sip, and you’re off on a ten-layer journey of pineapple, lychee, dried rose and the stony clarity of old-school winemaking.

It’s like a sabre through silk. Clean, sharp and unforgettable.

Winning serves

The honour of being in its presence may be enough for some. But if you’re after a standing ovation, serve with oysters and lemon, or aged parmesan.

This is Champagne for the true connoisseur. Not for the faint-hearted. And definitely not to be rushed.

More top tips on serving Champagne like a pro

• Chill, don’t freeze. Keep your bottle in the fridge for at least three hours. In a hurry? Ice bucket, half ice, half water, 20 to 30 minutes.
  
• Temperature matters. Aim for 8 to 10°C. Any warmer and it risks going flat.
  
• Twist the bottle, not the cork. It’s safer, smoother and far more stylish.
  
• Pour at an angle. Keeps bubbles lively and the pour elegant.
  
• Serve in stages. Don’t overfill. Top up to keep it fresh.
  
• Always have a second bottle. Just trust us on this one.

Wrapping up: the final serve

Whether you’re toasting a five-set epic on Centre Court or savouring a perfect serve in your garden, our four icons: Drappier, Cristal, Dom Pérignon Rosé and Salon, bring the sparkle to every moment.

Find them online, or get up close and personal at our Knightsbridge store.

Because Wimbledon’s finest fortnight deserves a standing ovation and the finest Champagne.

Cheers!