Here is an extensive article on why Champagne is best enjoyed outdoors during spring according to Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin. [read the full champagne story]
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The concept of Champagne Hiking, as introduced by Richard Juhlin, centers on the profound impact of the environment on the wine-drinking experience.
Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin
It posits that factors like location, company, and mood significantly affect our overall pleasure. While Champagne can undoubtedly be enjoyed in various settings, the arrival of spring offers a unique confluence of sensory elements that elevate the experience of sipping this celebrated sparkling wine outdoors to its zenith.
Spring: A Symphony for the Senses, Amplifying Champagne’s Nuances
Richard Juhlin emphasizes that all our senses contribute when we experience pleasure. Spring, with its characteristic awakening of nature, provides an unparalleled sensory backdrop that harmonizes beautifully with the qualities of Champagne.
- Visual Rejuvenation: After the often-monochromatic palette of winter, spring bursts forth with vibrant colors. Budding leaves in various shades of green, the kaleidoscope of blooming flowers, and the soft, diffused sunlight create a visually stimulating environment. This visual rejuvenation mirrors the lively effervescence and golden hues often found in Champagne, enhancing the aesthetic pleasure of the moment. Imagine the delicate dance of bubbles in your glass against the backdrop of a blossoming cherry tree – a truly captivating visual symphony.
- The Auditory Landscape of Renewal: Spring is filled with the sounds of nature reawakening. Birds chirp their melodious songs, gentle breezes rustle through new foliage, and the subtle hum of insect life fills the air. These natural sounds provide a refreshing and harmonious counterpoint to the delicate pop of a Champagne cork and the gentle fizz of the wine in the glass. Unlike the often-strained acoustics of indoor settings, the open air allows these sounds to mingle naturally, creating a serene and enlivening atmosphere.
- The Aromatic Embrace of Spring: The air in spring is imbued with fresh, clean scents – the fragrance of blooming flowers, the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil, and the crispness of a revitalized atmosphere. These delicate and invigorating scents interact with the complex aromas of Champagne, potentially highlighting fruity, floral, or mineral notes within the wine. As Juhlin notes, our nostrils act like “satellite dishes; capturing every detail expressed and communicated” by the wine. The fresh spring air provides a clean canvas for these aromas to be fully appreciated.
- The Tactile Comfort of Mildness: Spring offers a gentle transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer. The mild temperatures and soft breezes create a comfortable and inviting outdoor setting. This pleasant tactile experience allows for a more relaxed and immersive enjoyment of Champagne, without the distractions of extreme temperatures. Holding a cool glass of Champagne in the gentle warmth of a spring afternoon is an inherently pleasurable sensation.
Champagne Hiking and the Spirit of Spring
The core tenets of Champagne Hiking – discovering new spaces, fostering a relationship with nature, and amplifying sensations – find a natural ally in the season of spring.
- Exploration and Renewal: Spring itself embodies the spirit of discovery and new beginnings. As nature unveils its fresh growth, it invites us to explore our surroundings, whether it’s a short walk in the garden or a more ambitious hike. This aligns perfectly with Juhlin’s concept of “an invitation to enjoy discovering new spaces, a journey that will take you to new places”.
- Harmony with Nature: The essence of Champagne Hiking is to “become a humble element of nature, be in harmony with nature”. Spring is the quintessential season of natural harmony, where life returns and flourishes. Enjoying Champagne outdoors during this time allows for a deeper connection with this natural cycle, amplifying the feeling of well-being and contentment.
- Liberated and Amplified Sensations: Juhlin states that the sensations created through tasting are “liberated and amplified, through a new relationship with nature”. The vibrant and revitalizing atmosphere of spring naturally enhances our sensory perception, allowing us to appreciate the nuances of the Champagne with greater clarity and intensity.
Echoes from the Champagne Hiking Journey
While the sources don’t explicitly detail why spring is the best time for every listed location, many of the suggested timeframes for Juhlin’s 100 Champagne Hikings include the spring months. This implicitly acknowledges the appeal of enjoying Champagne in these beautiful natural settings as they come alive in spring. For example, locations in Sweden, Denmark, and the UK all suggest spring as an ideal time for a Champagne Hiking experience.
Democratization of Joy in the Spring Air
As Juhlin points out, Champagne has become increasingly democratized. The beauty of enjoying Champagne outdoors in spring is that it doesn’t require elaborate plans or exotic locations. A simple gathering in a local park, a picnic in a blossoming meadow, or even enjoying a glass on one’s own balcony as nature awakens can become a personal “Champagne Hiking” moment.
A Partial Toast to Spring from Lily Bollinger
Our conversation history reminds us of Lily Bollinger’s sentiment: “I drink Champagne when…” [our conversation history, 50]. While the full quote remains elusive in these sources, the very idea suggests that Champagne is a beverage suited to various moments and moods. It is not difficult to imagine that the optimistic and vibrant atmosphere of spring would certainly qualify as a time when one might be inclined to enjoy a glass of Champagne.
Conclusion: Embracing the Vernal Vivacity with Champagne
In conclusion, the philosophy of Champagne Hiking underscores the profound connection between our surroundings and our appreciation of wine.
Spring, with its sensory awakening, its embodiment of renewal and harmony, and its invitation to explore the outdoors, provides an unparalleled natural amphitheater for the enjoyment of Champagne.
Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin
The sights, sounds, smells, and the gentle touch of the season work in concert to amplify the delicate nuances of the wine, creating moments of pure, unadulterated pleasure and truly making Champagne best enjoyed outdoors during this vibrant time of year.
