The Most Expensive Bottles of Champagne Ever Sold
There is something almost theatrical about champagne. The pop of the cork, the rush of bubbles, the golden liquid cascading into a crystal flute, it is a performance that has captivated the world for centuries. Yet, some bottles rise beyond celebration, beyond indulgence, and into the realm of legend. These are not simply wines; they are artifacts of artistry and history, commanding staggering sums at auctions, private sales, and exclusive events.
Today, we open our cellar and explore why champagne can reach astronomical values, what defines true luxury in a bottle, and which releases have secured their place among the most expensive champagnes ever sold.
What Drives the Price of Champagne
The price of champagne is never just about the wine inside. It is a combination of craft, rarity, provenance, and presentation that turns liquid into legend.
Rarity and Vintage
Exceptional harvest years produce vintages that may never be repeated. Limited harvests and small vineyard plots create bottles that collectors value highly. When scarcity aligns with exceptional quality, prices rise dramatically.
History & Provenance
A bottle that once graced a royal banquet or lay preserved at the bottom of the sea carries a story money cannot replicate. Collectors prize these narratives, valuing who owned it, how it was kept, and the journey it took to auction. Provenance transforms champagne into living history.
Bottle Size & Format
Champagne’s drama multiplies with size, as larger formats develop unique aging characteristics. Jeroboams, Methuselahs, and colossal Midas bottles are produced in very limited numbers. Their rarity and theatrical presence elevate both their value and desirability.
Design, Branding & Presentation
Some bottles blur the line between art and wine, with presentation as compelling as the liquid inside. Diamond-studded labels, hand-crafted casings, and NFT-inspired designs enhance exclusivity. These elements transform champagne into collectible art.
Market Influence
Auctions often capture headlines, but record sales frequently occur behind closed doors. Private sales can exceed public prices, while catalog estimates serve only as baselines. Provenance, storage, and condition ultimately dictate the final figure.
The Most Expensive Champagne Bottles in History
Each of these bottles represents more than indulgence; they embody heritage, artistry, and at times, pure spectacle.
Champagne Avenue Foch 2017 — $2.5 Million
The most expensive champagne ever sold, this magnum was created in collaboration with artist Shammi Shinh and digital NFT creators. Its value lies as much in its futuristic concept as in the fine Premier Cru blend inside. It marked a new era, where champagne became not just luxury, but a fusion of art and technology.
Goût de Diamants (Taste of Diamonds) 2013 — $2.07 Million
Adorned with an 18-carat white gold label and a 19-carat diamond centerpiece, this bottle embodies champagne as jewelry. Crafted with Grand Cru Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, it is as much about sparkle as it is about taste. It redefined the concept of “luxury champagne” and remains one of the most extravagant bottles ever produced.
Heidsieck 1907 “Shipwrecked” — $275,000
In 1916, a shipment of Heidsieck bound for the Russian Imperial family sank in the Baltic Sea. Nearly a century later, divers recovered bottles astonishingly well-preserved in the icy depths. Each represents not just a rare vintage, but a literal taste of history.
Armand de Brignac Rosé Midas 30L (2013) — $275,000
Weighing over 40 pounds and standing nearly four feet tall, this colossal bottle, hand-finished by artisans and known as “Ace of Spades”, is as much a centerpiece as it is a drink. Its sheer scale, limited production, and association with celebrity culture have made it a symbol of modern opulence.
Perrier-Jouët 1874 — $50,000+
Blended by Charles Perrier himself, this vintage has set auction records multiple times, including a sale at Christie’s in 2021 for nearly $56,000. Its age, rarity, and direct connection to the storied Perrier-Jouët house make it a crown jewel for serious collectors.
Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah (1996) — $49,000
With only 35 bottles ever produced, this six-liter rose-gold release exemplifies exclusivity. A statement piece in both craftsmanship and presentation, it is revered among collectors in Dubai and other capitals of luxury.
Champagne Houses That Rule the High End
- Dom Pérignon – synonymous with prestige, producing limited editions that command attention at auctions.
- Krug – celebrated for its depth and complexity, with rare vintages like the 1928 fetching nearly €19,000.
- Perrier-Jouët – romantic artistry in both flavor and bottle design.
- Heidsieck – maritime legend through its shipwrecked treasures.
- Armand de Brignac – modern glamour with celebrity associations and oversized formats.
- Goût de Diamants – redefining champagne as wearable art with diamond-studded presentation.
Risks and Responsibilities of Collecting
At values reaching seven figures, champagne collecting carries risks. Counterfeit bottles circulate, and poor storage can destroy even the rarest vintages. Serious collectors rely on expert appraisals, insurance, and museum-grade storage to safeguard their investments.
Owning such bottles also comes with costs beyond purchase: climate-controlled cellars, specialized transport, and cross-border taxes. For collectors, however, prestige and passion outweigh logistics.
Lessons for Enthusiasts
- Discipline matters: Study vintages and provenance before chasing glittering labels.
- Buy smart: Sometimes cases or magnums offer more value than a single “trophy bottle.”
- Preserve well: Correct storage ensures longevity and protects investment.
- Celebrate wisely: Champagne is, after all, made to be enjoyed. Opening a bottle at the right moment can be as priceless as keeping it locked away.
Why These Bottles Define Luxury
From diamond-studded masterpieces to shipwrecked survivors, these bottles prove champagne is more than bubbles in a glass. It is heritage, artistry, and storytelling captured in liquid form.
For us at California Champagne Sabers, these legendary bottles serve as daily inspiration. They remind us that sabering a bottle is more than a spectacle, it is a tribute to champagne’s timeless ability to inspire awe. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a curious enthusiast, or someone who simply loves the ritual of celebration, may these stories deepen your appreciation for the king of wines.