On October 25, 2024, Moët & Chandon hosted a glamorous event in Nairobi to mark the globally celebrated Champagne Day. Held at Hemingways in Karen, the event showcased the brand’s timeless dedication to artistry, luxury, and the spirit of innovation. This year’s celebration, themed “Endless Creativity in Craftsmanship,” brought together a diverse array of artists, influencers, and cultural icons who embody Moët & Chandon’s passion for exquisite craftsmanship.
The evening provided a unique experience, combining visual art, culinary delights, and fashion to reflect Moët & Chandon’s core values of elegance, creativity, and sustainability. The venue was adorned in a sophisticated gold, black, and white palette, perfectly encapsulating the event’s glamorous theme. Guests were dressed in a style befitting the theme, interpreting “Glamorously Crafted” with a wide array of stunning outfits. The event was hosted by celebrated Kenyan photographer and artist Lyra Aoko, who made an impression in a striking pink and green ensemble, epitomizing the evening’s fusion of art and elegance.
Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon has spent nearly three centuries as a global icon of champagne, renowned for its meticulous attention to quality, craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability. From the historic vineyards of Épernay, France, to some of the world’s most iconic events, Moët & Chandon has remained the champagne of choice for celebrations big and small. The Maison’s influence in the champagne industry is profound, and its legacy was a central focus of the Nairobi Champagne Day celebration.
During the event, attendees were introduced to Moët & Chandon’s “Heritage Wall,” an installation that traced the storied history of the brand from its origins to its current status as a leader in champagne-making. The display highlighted the pioneering achievements of Moët & Chandon, which include the development of new champagne styles and innovative techniques that continue to shape the industry today.
The brand’s sustainable initiatives were also on display, a testament to its Natura Nostra program, which is dedicated to preserving biodiversity and supporting the champagne region’s unique terroir. Through efforts like “Toast for a Cause,” Moët & Chandon underscores its role in global philanthropy, ensuring that each celebration leaves a positive impact.
One of the most immersive aspects of the event was the culinary experience, curated to harmonize with Moët & Chandon’s diverse range of champagnes. Guests were treated to a three-course menu that included an exquisite pairing with the brand’s flagship champagnes. The meal started with a serving of Aged Beef Filet Medallion and Tiger Prawns, perfectly complemented by Moët Brut. This was followed by a delectable pairing of Macerated Berries, Pink Caviar, and Meringue Dust with the Moët Imperial Rosé. Finally, the meal concluded with a Steamed Figs Pudding, paired with Moët Nectar Imperial, offering a symphony of flavors that showcased the versatility of the champagnes.
The presentation and pairing reflected Moët & Chandon’s dedication to elevating every moment into a memorable celebration. As guests enjoyed their meal, Gboyega Ogunfuye, Moët & Chandon’s regional representative, gave a warm welcome, emphasizing the brand’s ethos of celebrating life’s extraordinary moments with champagne.
“We’re delighted to welcome everyone to Moët & Chandon’s Champagne Day,” Ogunfuye stated. “Tonight, we celebrate not just the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of champagne but the endless creativity that drives us forward. Let’s raise a glass to creativity and unforgettable moments together.”
Moët & Chandon’s commitment to creating unique experiences extended to embracing local culture. Lyra Aoko, who journeyed to the heart of Champagne in Épernay earlier this year, shared her impressions of Moët & Chandon’s dedication to craftsmanship. Drawing from her experience and Kenya’s vibrant culinary scene, Aoko envisioned traditional Kenyan dishes, including Nyama Choma, Mayai Pasua, and Tilapia, reimagined through the lens of Moët & Chandon’s craftsmanship.
This blend of African culture with French elegance made the Nairobi event distinctively unique, celebrating not only champagne but the cultural interplay that Moët & Chandon encourages around the world.
Adding a personal touch to the evening, guests were invited to celebrate their achievements by writing personal goals or recent accomplishments on special notes. These messages were sealed in golden capsules, symbolizing their dreams and toasts for the future. Each attendee took home their capsule as a memento, a reminder of the event and a symbol of aspirations to be revisited in years to come.
The Champagne Day celebration also included a short documentary showcasing the journey of seven African artisans who traveled to Épernay, where they explored Moët & Chandon’s historic vineyards and cellars. The artisans, representing a cross-section of Africa’s diverse creative talents, were given a firsthand look at the craftsmanship behind Moët & Chandon’s production process. The documentary offered a glimpse into their creative journey, illuminating the profound connection between the artisans’ work and the brand’s dedication to artistry.
The evening culminated in a tribute to creativity with a performance by Kenyan artist J Rabai. Against the backdrop of the “Epernay to Africa” photo wall, guests were invited to capture memories, celebrate achievements, and reflect on their experiences. For Moët & Chandon, each bottle of champagne is more than a drink; it is a vessel for storytelling, a celebration of tradition, and a tribute to moments that shape our lives.
Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, the Maison began its ascent to worldwide recognition under the leadership of Jean-Rémy Moët, who had a vision of sharing champagne’s effervescence with the world. Over the centuries, Moët & Chandon became synonymous with luxury and celebration, gracing royal courts, celebrity events, and historical moments alike.
From the iconic Moët Impérial to the vibrant Moët Ice Impérial and the sophisticated Grand Vintage Collection, each bottle offers a unique blend of flavors that captures the essence of the Champagne region. The Maison’s commitment to sustainable practices, evident in its Natura Nostra program, also demonstrates its dedication to preserving the Champagne region for future generations.
In recent years, Moët & Chandon has intensified its focus on sustainable viticulture, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and ensure the longevity of its vineyards. As part of the LVMH group, Moët & Chandon contributes to LVMH’s Life 360 environmental program, which sets ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity, and minimizing water usage in production processes.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, Moët & Chandon has long been committed to supporting communities worldwide. Through its “Toast for a Cause” initiative, the Maison has contributed to philanthropic projects across a range of sectors, from health to education, embodying a philosophy that celebration should also bring positive change.
The Moët & Chandon Champagne Day event in Nairobi underscored the brand’s legacy of elegance, celebration, and craftsmanship. Through its theme of “Endless Creativity in Craftsmanship,” the event offered a powerful tribute to the brand’s ongoing commitment to inspiring creativity and celebrating life’s exceptional moments.
As attendees departed, they took with them more than just memories of fine champagne and gourmet food—they left with a renewed appreciation for Moët & Chandon’s dedication to elevating the art of celebration. Through the lens of culture, sustainability, and innovation, Moët & Chandon continues to set the standard for champagne worldwide.
In a world where moments pass quickly, Moët & Chandon’s Champagne Day celebration in Nairobi was a reminder that some moments are worth savoring, as they bring us together to celebrate our shared achievements, creativity, and the timeless elegance of champagne.
