At the heart of Avize in the Côte des Blancs, Champagne Waris-Hubert is very much a family story. Fifth-generation vignerons Stéphanie Hubert and Olivier Waris, together with their children Blanche, Antonin, and Cyprien, tend 18 hectares of vines across some of Champagne’s most prized terroirs. Their roots run deep, yet their outlook is forward-thinking, marrying heritage with a modern sensibility.

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From the 2023 vintage, Waris-Hubert is proudly organic certified—an achievement shared by only a handful of Champagne growers (5%). Horse-drawn ploughs in their Grand Cru parcels, sheep grazing the cover crops, and minimal intervention in the cellar all reflect a philosophy of care, patience, and respect for the land. As Olivier notes, “The more the roots tickle the chalk, the more the wines reveal finesse and character.”

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This respect extends beyond the vineyard. Under the guidance of son Cyprien, the family also runs a working farm, harvesting vegetables and crops with the same care and patience that underpin their viticulture. This holistic approach reflects their philosophy of stewardship: tending the earth in a way that ensures vitality for generations to come.

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In the vineyards, they work across a remarkable patchwork of terroirs: Avize, Oger, Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil sur Oger (Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs), Grauves (Premier Cru, Côte des Blancs), Aÿ (Grand Cru, Vallée de la Marne), Barbonne-Fayel (Coteaux Sézannais), Marfaux (Vallée of Ardre) and Monthelon (Côteaux Sud of Epernay). The plantings are 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier, true to a Côte des Blancs heritage and the broader expression they seek from Champagne’s mosaic of terroirs.

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In the cellar, precision and patience is the name of the game. Each parcel is vinified individually, allowing the character of place to shine. A smaller component of the base wines is produced in large oak barrels (600 litres from Tonnellerie de Champagne), which brings subtle texture and depth. They prefer partial malolactic fermentation to preserve energy and vibrancy, ensuring their Champagnes retain the tension and freshness that define their style. The resulting wines are elegant, expressive, and finely etched, expressions of both site and philosophy.

 

Going on the road with Stéphanie and Blanche for the launch and meeting so many from the trade, press, and Champagne-loving community was a confirmation of our excitement in the rising quality of their beautiful wines.