That pop, swiftly followed by the vibrant fizz of effervescence and chinking of fine glass; the undisputable sounds of celebration, luxury and indulgence. There are many pretenders to the throne of sparkling wine, but there is no doubting which reigns supreme. Champagne, with its strict and protected criteria from the French region that bears its name, is royalty in a glass.
And yet, even within the sophisticated world of Champagne, some bottles go far beyond the reach of even the most specialist wine-dealers. The world of ultra-premium champagne offers a level of opulence that is open to the very few, with bottles costing hundreds of thousands of pounds — rare vintages, exquisite craftsmanship, and often a touch of celebrity allure all contribute to their sky-high price tags.
History of Champagne
Before we take a look at some of the most expensive bottles available, it’s worth first exploring the history of this famous tipple. As one would expect for a drink of such refinery, champagne has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, when vineyards were first planted in France’s Champagne region.
However, the sparkling wine we know now began to take shape in the 17th century. Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, is often (though somewhat mythically) credited with developing techniques to improve fermentation and blend wines for consistency. The sparkle itself was initially seen as a flaw, but British consumers grew fond of the effervescent quality, spurring its popularity. By the 18th century, champagne became a luxury drink favoured by royalty and aristocracy. Houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart helped establish global markets and refine production methods. The 19th century brought major advances in bottling and riddling (or ‘remuage’), standardising quality and safety.
Today, Champagne is legally defined and protected, with only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region allowed to take its name, further reinforcing its status as a symbol of expense, occasion and luxury.
The Most Expensive Champagne Bottles
Goût de Diamants £1.2 million
Topping the list by a considerable margin is the Goût de Diamants (or ‘Taste of Diamonds’) champagne, with a jaw-dropping price tag of over £1.2 million. Produced by luxury champagne brand Champagne Chapuy and designed by world-renowned designer Alexander Amosu, this bottle isn’t just about the contents, it’s a full-blown work of art.
The bottle features a custom-made 18-carat solid white gold label, set with a flawless 19-carat white diamond in the centre of its Superman-style emblem. The champagne itself is a Grand Cru blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes from a family-owned estate in Oger, northeastern France. While the blend is exceptional, it’s the bespoke bottle design that truly commands the astronomical price tag, making it the most exclusive of drinks.
Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades”– £275,000
Few bottles command attention quite like a 30-litre “Midas” bottle of Armand de Brignac Rosé, priced at over £275,000. This colossal bottle holds the equivalent of 40 standard bottles of champagne, making it not only one of the most expensive but also one of the largest.
Owned by music mogul Jay-Z, the Armand de Brignac brand has become a status symbol in its own right. The Midas bottle is handcrafted and polished, each labelled with its now iconic Ace of Spades symbol made of pewter and applied by hand. The rosé itself is crafted from Pinot Noir grapes blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier and is praised for its fruit-forward character and creamy texture.
1928 Krug – £164,000
Next on the list is a vintage gem: the 1928 Krug. Known for its remarkable ageing potential, Krug is one of the most prestigious names in champagne. There were two releases of the 1928 Krug. The first was in 1939, though mostly delayed until the end of World War II, and the Krug Collection, released after 60 years of rest in the Krug cellar.
A bottle sold at auction in 2009 for over £164,000, due in part to its rarity and historical value. Many oenophiles (wine connoisseurs) consider it one of the finest champagnes ever made. Despite its age, those lucky enough to taste it describe it as vibrant, complex, and impeccably balanced — proof that some things do indeed get better with time.
Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah – £40,000
The name Dom Pérignon is synonymous with prestige, but its 1996 Rosé Gold Methuselah takes that reputation to stratospheric heights. This six-litre bottle (equivalent to eight regular bottles) of vintage rosé champagne is encased in a stunning metallic rose gold bottle, of which only 35 were ever released.
Priced at around £40,000, this limited-edition bottle has become a favourite among the elite and collectors alike. The champagne inside is as extravagant as the packaging; a powerful punch of full-bodied rosé with hints of dark berries, spice, and toasty brioche. It’s the ultimate party centrepiece and a real find at high-end auction houses.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2004 – Limited Edition by Vik Muniz – £10,000
While not the priciest on the list, this bottle deserves mention for its artistic flair and exclusivity. Brazilian artist Vik Muniz collaborated with Perrier-Jouët to create this unique interpretation of their Belle Epoque cuvée.
The 2004 Blanc de Blancs is a delicate and floral champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. Only a very limited number of these special edition bottles were produced, each adorned with Muniz’s reinterpretation of the wine house’s signature anemone motif. At around £10,000, this bottle is a collector’s dream — as much a piece of art as it is a fine wine.
The allure of the world’s most expensive champagnes lies in their symbolism — they are a toast to human craftsmanship, deep cultural heritage, and the ultimate pursuit of perfection. Whether purchased as a collector’s item, a show of status, or simply to indulge in one of life’s rarest luxuries, these bottles represent the pinnacle of the champagne world.
