How To Choose Champagnes For Your Next Oyster Night
In the world of wine and food pairings, few combinations capture the allure of Champagne and oysters. This isn't only a matter of tradition or luxury; it's a story written in limestone and brine, where geology enhances gastronomy.
Millions of years ago, mineral-rich limestone that builds three-fourths of Champagne's prestigious vineyards was also forming the seabeds where some of the world's finest oysters have flourished. According to sommelier Dan Velisek, wine director and sommelier at The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles, Illinois, this shared geological heritage creates "a similar mineral backbone," forming the foundation for one of gastronomy's most celebrated duos.
George Staikos, head of education at Bureau du Champagne USA, says Champagne and oysters illuminate the art of harmony and flavor. "When pairing wine and food, you are generally experiencing one of two sensory experiences: complementing the attributes of each or contrasting them," he notes.
He points to Champagne and oysters as a perfect example of complementary partners, thanks to the 'beautiful bright acidity and vibrancy' of Champagne and the 'equally intense, clean, flavorful taste of oysters, along with the salinity that adds a special nuance."
On the palate, the oyster's briny, creamy, mineral essence meets Champagne's crisp effervescence, its high acidity cutting through richness in the mouth. This creates what Staikos calls "umami synergy,' where each element enhances the other for an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
"The fine bubbles act like a palate cleanser," Velisek explains. He says the wine 'scrubs the tongue clean between oysters, allowing each one to shine."
Rafael Royal, beverage director at The Greggory in South Barrington, Illinois, adds that 'the earthy, briny, rich flavor of an oyster is the perfect pairing for the clean, stark flavor of Champagne,' with yeasty, bread-like notes tying them together. How Do You Choose The Best Champagne And Oyster Pairing?
The versatility of Champagne allows for many oyster matches, and Staikos advises beginners to start simple: raw oysters with just a touch of lemon and a spritz of Brut Nature Champagne. He says this profile offers "the cleanest, most linear tasting experience, meaning the greater acidity in the Champagne complements the intensity of flavor of the oyster."
He says another classic oyster accoutrement is a splash of mignonette—made with minced shallots, vinegar and pepper—which can add savory complexity without overpowering the meat or the bubbly.
For his money, Royal suggests Cuttyhunk oysters from Massachusetts paired with Dhondt-Grellet Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs. He says this wine is 'briny and mineral-driven with high salinity' with 'tight, lively bubbles that cut through the umami of the oyster.'
Velisek reaches for Blanc de Blanc Champagne from Mesnil-sur-Oger, a slice of the region where chalk soils impart extraordinary salinity. He suggests Pertois-Moriset, a producer that employs long lees aging and occasional oak use—techniques he says mirror the richness of the finest oysters. Why Is Champagne Perfect For Raw Or Cooked Oysters?
Preparation should guide your Champagne choice. Staikos recommends lighter Blanc de Blancs for raw oysters, and richer styles for grilled or baked versions. For barbecued oysters with subtle smokiness and sweetness, he suggests 'a richer style of Champagne, such as a rosé made with Meunier, a barrel-fermented or barrel-aged Champagne, or one with extended lees aging.'
Part of the magic is versatility, according to experts. From Tuesday night treats to milestone celebrations, Champagne and oysters prove that perfection can be simple. The pairing offers multiple paths to luxury, each built on the same timeless principles: complementary minerality, contrasting textures, proper temperature and a willingness to experiment. What Are the Best Tips for Champagne and Oyster Pairings?
Keep it cold: Chill both Champagne and oysters for the crispest, cleanest flavors.
Experiment: Try different oyster varieties and Champagne styles to find new combinations.
Start simple: Begin with raw oysters, a squeeze of lemon and a crisp Blanc de Blancs, then branch out.
It's here that Staikos' earlier 'umami synergy' comes full circle: the Champagne's effervescence cleanses and primes your palate so each oyster feels like a heightened version of the last.
The flavors don't just reset, they build, until they reach what Velisek calls 'a road of luxury that I don't want to come back from.' 5 Best Champagnes To Pair With Oysters
Alongside the recommendations presented by Velisek and Staikos, here are five bottles of Champagne served at Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar in Providence, Rhode Island. Led by Chef Austin Hamilton, this New England restaurant celebrated 40 years in the summer of 2025 and has received Wine Spectator 's Award of Excellence annually since 2012. Laurent Perrier "La Cuvee"
This Champagne blends 50% Chardonnay with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Pale gold with fine bubbles, it delivers fresh citrus, white flowers, vine peach and white fruit aromas. The palate is balanced, fresh and delicate with subtle toasty notes. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
This rosé Champagne offers persistent freshness with classic red berry aromas of raspberries and strawberries plus floral notes. The palate is fresh, lean and textured with tingly acidity. Guy Larmandier "Blanc de Blancs"
Made from Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in Cramant, this Champagne showcases purity and a clean mouthfeel. It delivers precise, refined character with citrus and white fruit aromas, creamy texture and a refreshing finish. Hugues Godme Rosé
This Grand Cru rosé from Montagne de Reims delivers fresh red fruit aromas, subtle minerality and elegant bubbles. The fresh, lively palate makes it versatile for any occasion. Savart & Dremont "Ephemere" Grand Cru
This Grand Cru Champagne showcases the freshness and complexity through fine bubbles and citrus-floral aromatics. The balanced, elegant palate emphasizes length and finesse. More From Forbes Forbes This French Wine Region's Pink Lakes Produce The World's Best Salt By Jill Barth Forbes Champagne Growers Help Cultivate The Grape Varieties Of The Future By Jill Barth Forbes 'The Lay Of The Land': Champagne Palmer's Sustainable New Facility By Jill Barth Forbes How To Translate Champagne Label Details By Jill Barth
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Travel + Leisure
13 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This 560-mile French Bike Trail Has Châteaus, Charming Houseboats, Surreal Gardens, and Limestone Wine Caves
Exploring France's Loire Valley is a surreal affair, with its blend of ancient Gaelic history, resplendent Renaissance châteaus, and vineyards with roots in an era that makes the American mind, with our comparatively infant 250-year history, malfunction. And there's no better way to be immersed in it all than by hopping on a bike and cycling along the Loire River, tracing the seams that hold together this enchanting region. In 2025, the area is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its certification as a UNESCO heritage region, as well as the creation of Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike), a 560-mile marked bike route that stretches from Nantes in eastern France to its terminus in the seaside resort town of Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. I already had plans to be in Barr, an Alsatian half-timbered village, to run a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. What better way to recover than to spend a few days shaking out my legs across 100 miles of bike trail and spoiling myself with good food and drink? Joe Baur while riding his bike through the Central Loire Valley. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure I start my journey on a Tuesday morning in Orléans at the Empreinte Hotel, where a touring bike is waiting for me. I leave my duffel bag with reception for transport to my next stop and hop on the bike for an 18.5-mile ride to Beaugency. It's a beautiful start to the day with the gentle morning sun glistening against the Loire. Tracing the river makes for relatively flat, easy riding. It's also, at this point, almost entirely separated from vehicular traffic. Skirting through the countryside with tall oaks surrounding me and a mix of great tits (don't look at me, I didn't name them), blackbirds, and the common swift chirping, it's easy to slip into a peaceful trance, humming Mungo's 'In The Summertime.' My only plans for Beaugency are to catch a train. As I make my way through town, I'm quickly confronted with one of the challenges of traveling along a 560-mile route: There are too many places and not enough time. I'll find over the next three days that if I made a pit stop at every charming village or roadside cafe, I'd never make it back home to Berlin. Château de Chaumont overlooking the Loire River. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Despite the temptation to linger, I promptly hop on the train to make my scheduled tour of the historic Château de Chaumont. This is part of the beauty of travel in western Europe. You can cycle, hop on a train when you're tired, and continue onward as you please. About 40 minutes later, I depart the train in Blois and rejoin the bike path for another 14 miles to the château, where I meet with Ophélie Le Coze after a buffet-style lunch—my hefty plate featured veggie sausage, a couple of salted grenadine potatoes, rice, and a small helping of ratatouille before I finished with an apple crumble. This would end up being one of my favorite meals of the trip: filling, flavorful, and varied. Le Coze is a press relations assistant at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, an 11th-century estate and UNESCO World Heritage Site that could serve as the backdrop of a Disney film with its series of connected cylinder towers topped with smooth coned roofs. Guests walking into the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Because the Loire Valley is brimming with castles, there's almost a kind of competitive impulse to stick out among the pack. Here, the coup de grâce, as it were, is the extensive gardens surrounding the château. Le Coze explains that Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is home to the annual International Garden Festival running from April to November. More than 900 gardens have been created over 30 years of competition. This year's theme is 'Once Upon a Time, in the Garden,' evoking a childlike playfulness from a world full of fairy tales. These are not your average gardens. They're walk-in exhibitions that transport visitors to the fantastical place of a child's imagination. There's one with Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, another with a large pond surrounded by mythical creatures exquisitely made of wire, and one where, after walking through a keyhole, you're invited to sit on benches playing their own soft melody next to an encased flower offering a thematic scent for the encounter. In total, there are 15 gardens shaped like leaves hanging off branches when viewed from the sky. It's a kind of experiential art I've never before encountered, and I leave with a newfound appreciation for human creativity and imagination. From the château, I roll down the hillside back to a houseboat on the Loire where I'll be spending the night. It's a charmingly no-frills setup, but I don't need much when views of the Loire are literally right at my feet. I wake up to birds chirping like an orchestra tweaking their instruments. 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Since da Vinci turned out to be the most famous resident, the château has been converted into a museum of his life's work while giving a glimpse into where he lived and slept during the last few years of his life. The exhibitions touch not only on his artistic career, but also on some of the more interesting-to-bizarre designs he concocted for military equipment, like the large tank shaped like a Hershey's kiss. Outside, visitors wander the gardens that have been shaped to mirror the Tuscan landscape that inspired da Vinci, complete with the tall, thin cypress trees so emblematic of the region. You can also spot the occasional homage to da Vinci's inventions, like his take on the precursor to a helicopter's propellers. Children run over to turn the handle that makes the wavy blades spin. Crates of wine bottles from Maison Lauducius. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Ready for wine, I unlock my bike and head back to the trail to make it to my tasting before the rain clouds decide to alleviate themselves. Fortunately, it's just another 40 minutes on the saddle before I reach Maison Laudacius—a wine cave built in 1961 into a limestone cliff that keeps up to two million bottles cooling at around 12 degrees Celsius (53 Fahrenheit). It's now a cooperative for a group of 15 local winegrowers. Monks started making wine in this region as early as the 5th century. Chinon quickly became the grape of choice for both its resilience and versatility. That's why it can be used to make all of your favorite varieties, from a dry Montlouis-sur-Loire to a sweet 2018 Montlouis Liquoreux. I also learn about the North American phylloxera insect that wiped out vineyards all across Europe in the late 1850s thanks to its accidental introduction by American sailors. Fortunately, we managed to help fix what we broke by introducing American rootstock, a type of soil resistant to the insect that's still used today. I'm handed over to wine expert Etienne Delannoy for the tasting. I taste six different wines, all representative of the Loire Valley. I am no wine connoisseur—and it would be a disservice to pretend I know my notes from my tannins. So I'll just say that the wine, unsurprisingly, was good. And though my palate will never be even half as refined as a sommelier's, I am always appreciative of the opportunity to taste the land while standing right in the middle of it. With my taste buds buzzing in the finest flavors of the Loire Valley, I coast for another 40 minutes to Les Hautes Roches, where I'll be spending the night. The property radiates the French luxury of American imagination with its castle-like stone architecture built into the side of a limestone cliff. I'm in room nine of 14, up a short outdoor stone staircase. Inside is a spacious suite that puts to shame some of the actual royal chambers I've seen thus far. A fresh plate from a restaurant in Villandry, France. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure After standing at the doorway for a few minutes, not wanting to sully the place with my aura of dried sweat and imposter's syndrome, I finally slip out of my shoes and walk a bit further into my room. I decide to embrace it all—the glitz and glam of staying at a hotel whose name I can barely pronounce—by treating myself to a hot bath. With a fresh face, I warm up in the bathrobe and spend the next couple of hours lounging about in bed. Refreshed, I pull something out of my bag that's a bit more worthy of Les Hautes Roches and head to dinner. The server seems surprised when, in my never-ending quest to force France to feed me vegetarian food, I point out that all of the main options are meat or fish. With apologies, I'm served a full menu that includes steamed white asparagus ('tis the season) over a creamy hollandaise sauce and bits of cubed bread crumbs, a Neapolitan rigatoni with tomato sauce, and a luscious chocolate mousse with a garnish of toasted almonds wrapped around like a skirt. There are worse ways to end the day. The sun is out once again after a restful night's sleep. It's my last day on the bike, but I don't want to leave. One night at Les Hautes Roches and my imposter syndrome is gone. With 42 miles to cover on the day, this will be my longest bit of cycling on the trail. Leaving the hotel in Rochecorbon, I rejoin the trail in nearby Tours, cutting through the city like a local thanks to my watch beeping directions at me. Then, with one turn, I'm suddenly out of the urban confines of sidewalk bike lanes, traffic lights, tricky intersections, and the general cacophony that comes with city life, and I'm back in the Loire countryside with white fuzz from the surrounding poplars floating gently to the ground like a batch of fresh snow. I make it to Château de Villandry around 10 a.m. to meet with the owner, Henri Carvallo, for a quick tour of the castle. Early in the visit, I'm surprised to learn that Villandry is, arguably, a part-American castle. The gardens at Château de Villandry. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Carvallo's great-grandmother was Ann Coleman—the daughter of wealthy Irish immigrants, born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Ahead of her time, she was a researcher in Paris when she met her future husband, the Spaniard Joachim Carvallo. The two married in Pennsylvania, moved to France, and eventually purchased the Château de Villandry. During their lifetime, they opened sections of the castle to the public. Now, visitors can see just about everything. I finish up with a short walk, starting among the forest paths before dipping into the gardens with views of the castle. Then, I embark on my final leg of the trip—nearly 24 miles to the Royal Fortress of Chinon. Unlike the first day, when I cycled almost exclusively on bike paths, today I'm almost always sharing the road with cars following speed limits between 30 and 45 miles per hour. Obviously, my preference would be for the solace and almost guaranteed safety of the bike-only sections, but I'm comforted by the knowledge that there are still more cyclists—both of the Lycra-clad variety and leisurely tour groups—than cars. I'm whizzing down a hillside when I notice the sign for the Royal Fortress of Chinon. Unfortunately, I'm already committed to this descent. I loop around through the medieval heart of the city and follow directions along Rue Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc Street). I imagined myself finishing with a triumphant climb back to the top of the fortress, but the path of giant, jagged stones made that impossible. By the looks of it, nobody has touched this road since Joan of Arc walked up in 1429 to meet the man she thought to be the rightful king of France, Charles VII. At just 17 years old, she convinced the 26-year-old royal to allow her to raise the siege of Orléans. A guide greets me at the gift shop before taking me on a quick tour of the castle. She starts by noting this place has been inhabited for 3,000 years. (The beginnings of the castle didn't come until the 10th century.) Indeed, a subtle theme of the trip has been the frequent historical reminder that this is where the Celts once lived before the Romans conquered the region. The fortress is smaller than other castles along the way, but still well worth the visit given its connection with the always fascinating Joan of Arc and the exhibition of artifacts associated with her life. And to help bring the experience to life, you can grab a HistoPad. These tablets allow visitors to scan select locations throughout the grounds to load up an image of what it would've looked like in the 15th century. It does lead to some comical sights of tourists spinning around with tablets, like some kind of educational Pokémon Go, but the silliness of it all doesn't make it any less fascinating. It's less than a mile down from the fortress and over the Vienne River before I hop off the bike for the last time at Hôtel Rive Sud. My timing is impeccable, with the owner pulling up just as I arrive for check-in. In order to make my research a little more well-rounded, I decide to pause the wine, switch course, and try some of the local brew. I'm advised to check out Bras(se)fort—conveniently just down the street from my dinner reservation. I pop my head in and meet either a British man or a Frenchman with a native-British accent. He tells me they just brew and sell on site. If I want to try a cold beer, I can go next door to La Cave Voltaire. I follow orders and grab a seat in the evening sun and try their IPA—bitter and hoppy, just what I was looking for. Not to mention, a fitting transition as my time in central France comes to an end and I prepare for my return home to Germany.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Former Travel Agent, and Here Are 10 Things You Won't Need for a Europe Trip and What to Bring Instead
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
My Favorite Comfy Travel Dress Sold Out Fast—but I'm Adding This $30 Lookalike at Amazon to My Cart Instead
There's always that one piece you end up living in on a trip—something you toss into your suitcase without much thought, wear once, and then reach for again and again. For me, on a recent week in Paris, it was a $20 ribbed maxi dress from Old Navy. I packed it at the very last minute with zero expectations, but it quickly became the most-worn thing I've bought all summer. It's incredibly comfortable (nap-on-a-plane level cozy) and deceptively versatile in that elusive, throw-it-on-and-go way. And I'm not the only one who's smitten—while the Old Navy version has completely sold out, I found a lookalike at Amazon that's equally as comfortable and stylish. I especially appreciated the lightweight construction, with just the right amount of stretch—cozy enough to rival loungewear, yet with enough structure to maintain its shape after a full day (and night). I wore it with sneakers and a white denim jacket for long walks through the Tuileries and along the Seine. At night, I'd swap in wedges, add chunky jewelry, and swipe on some lipstick, et voila: a brand-new look in almost no time. One evening, we went straight from shopping along the Champs-Élysées to dinner, then over to the Eiffel Tower to catch the sparkling lights—no time to change, but the dress rose to the occasion. What really stood out was how effortless it made getting dressed feel—no small feat in Paris, where even a quick coffee run can feel like a runway moment. This timeless frock struck the perfect balance between comfort and polish. I never had to overthink it: I'd throw it on, head out the door, and somehow always look put-together. It's one of those rare unicorn pieces that feels far more expensive than it is—and works twice as hard. I loved it so much I bought it in two colors—black and brown—though I gravitate toward the brown since it pairs with everything and feels endlessly versatile. While the Old Navy version has sold out, the Amazon lookalike comes in a spectrum of shades, from lavender to rose pink to classic white. At this price, it's hard not to resist grabbing a few more. There's one caveat: at 5-foot-3, I find maxi dresses tend to run a bit long—especially with sneakers or flats. If you're a petite traveler, it might be worth getting the hem taken up. It's a small adjustment for a dress that otherwise punches well above its wallet-friendly price tag. Shoppers call this the 'best travel dress ever,' with one saying it kept them warm on the airplane and that they 'would buy it in every color.' Another chimed in: 'I bought this for a vacation and it's going to be perfect to wear and easy to pack.' Since the trip, I've worn the dress dozens of times—at least twice a week, if not more. As a busy mom of twins, I don't have the time (or energy) to overthink outfits in the morning, but I still like to feel polished and presentable. This dress checks both boxes: it's easy, comfortable, and somehow always looks like I've put in an effort. For sleek travel dresses at equally affordable prices, shop these Amazon picks and thank me later. Whether you're headed to the office or out for dinner with friends, this collared ribbed maxi nods to preppy style with its contrast trim, lapel neckline, and pleated fishtail hem. The lightweight knit keeps things breathable, even on hot days. If you prefer a frock with sleeves, look no further than this maxi dress, which features a breezy side slit that's equal parts stylish and practical for keeping cool. The soft, stretchy fabric moves with you instead of restricting, making it an easy go-to for everything from beach vacations to urban adventures. This Wenrine pick stands out for its contrast seams, which add a graphic edge to an otherwise minimalist silhouette. The ribbed knit fabric offers just the right amount of stretch, too. For a shorter option, this ribbed midi from The Drop taps into the trend without the extra length. Its sleek silhouette—complete with a side slit for extra flair—makes it an easy pick for day-to-night dressing. Additionally, it comes in a dozen colorways and sizes ranging from XXS to 5X, making it one of the most inclusive options in terms of size and style on the list. With its square neckline and contrast trim, this ribbed maxi offers a contemporary take on the classic silhouette. The strappy, form-fitting design is versatile, making it a reliable choice for everything from weekend plans to vacation nights. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
