In this episode, the Fishwives crack open the world of Champagne, not the glossy legend, but the messy, fascinating truth behind France’s most iconic bubbles. They dive straight into the myths people love to repeat, beginning with the famous claim that Dom Pérignon “invented” Champagne. As Emily and Caroline reveal, the real story is far more interesting, stretching from English cider-making innovations to the ingenuity of the Champagne widows who shaped the region’s future.

You’ll hear how a drink that began as a happy accident became a global symbol of celebration, why so much misinformation clings to its history, and what Dom Pérignon actually did to earn his place in the lore. The conversation flows from production quirks to glassware choices, debunked legends, and the human hands — not the marketing fairytales — that crafted Champagne’s reputation.

Whether you’re a Champagne lover, a curious drinker fascinated by the truth behind famous foods and wines, or simply someone who appreciates a good myth getting busted, this episode offers a witty, surprising, and delightfully irreverent look at the bubbles you thought you knew.

Episodes drop every other Tuesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, and everywhere you get podcasts.

France loves a good story, and Champagne might be its most sparkly one of all. For generations, people have repeated the same myths about how this iconic wine came to be, from the tale of a visionary monk shouting he’d “tasted the stars” to the belief that Champagne emerged fully formed from French genius alone. But as the Fishwives quickly point out, the real history is far less tidy and far more interesting.

In this episode, Emily and Caroline peel back the glittering layers of Champagne’s mythology to reveal the messy, human chain of events that shaped it: English cider-makers experimenting with pressure-resistant bottles, local widows who transformed Champagne production and marketing, and centuries of accidents and innovations that eventually made it the global symbol of celebration it is today. Along the way, they tackle Champagne’s most stubborn legends, including what Dom Pérignon actually did — and what he definitely didn’t.

This week on Fishwives of Paris, the Fishwives take listeners through Champagne’s rise from unexpected beginnings to cultural icon, breaking down the lore with their signature mix of humor, honesty, and myth-busting clarity. They also get into the practical side: how to drink Champagne, what glassware actually matters, and why understanding the truth makes the bubbles even better.

🎙️ Tune in to learn:
• How Champagne accidentally became one of the most celebrated wines in the world
• What Dom Pérignon’s real contribution was — and why his legend grew so outsized
• Why English innovation and a handful of bold widows reshaped Champagne’s destiny
• Which glassware brings out the best in your bubbles
• Why so many Champagne “facts” are just well-polished fiction

🎧 Fishwives of Paris, where French food myths go to die.
Hosted by Lyon-based sommelier Caroline Fazeli and Paris-based food journalist Emily Monaco.

Champagne Discussed in this episode: 

Champagne Houses / Producers

• Dom Pérignon (the historical figure + the brand by reference)
• Veuve Clicquot / Madame Clicquot
• Moët
• Laurent-Perrier
• Bollinger
• Paul Roget 
• Bruno Paillard
• Krug
• Julie Bonnevie (the grower Champagne featured in the episode)

Champagne Categories / Styles Mentioned

• Blanc de noirs
• Blanc de blancs
• Vintage Champagne (2013 in the episode)
• Extra Brut
• Grower Champagne
• Big House Champagne

Grape Varieties Discussed

• Pinot Noir
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Meunier ( “artist formerly known as Pinot Meunier”)
• Arbanne
• Petit Meslier
• Pinot Blanc
• Pinot Gris

📲 Follow the Fishwives on Instagram → @fishwivesofparis
🍷 Proud Goguette affiliates → https://bit.ly/goguette_FWOP
💌 Press & partnerships → bonjour@fishwivesofparis.com