Champagne’s Billion-Bottle Cellars Get 3D Digital Archive in Landmark Preservation Effort

The Champagne region is preparing for a significant event on Friday, November 7, in Reims. The Mission Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne will host a charity dinner to support the launch of the CELLARS project. This initiative aims to create a 3D digital archive of the historic Champagne cellars, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The dinner, titled “Ma Champagne au Patrimoine mondial,” marks the tenth anniversary of the region’s UNESCO inscription. Daniel Rondeau, a member of the Académie française and patron of the anniversary, will preside over the evening. The event will bring together local business leaders, wine producers, and institutional representatives to raise funds for the CELLARS project and ongoing scientific research with the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne.

The CELLARS project seeks to document and preserve the extensive underground chalk cellars that stretch beneath the Champagne region. These cellars are home to nearly one billion bottles and are considered an essential part of Champagne’s heritage. Despite their importance, much of this subterranean world remains unknown to the public.

During the dinner, guests will have an exclusive opportunity to view some of the first 3D images produced by the project. Organizers hope that by making these hidden spaces visible through digital technology, they can promote both scientific understanding and cultural appreciation. The project combines advanced imaging techniques with efforts to protect and sustain the region’s unique winemaking traditions.

The Mission Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne emphasizes that preserving this heritage is not only about celebration but also about responsibility. By supporting CELLARS, participants contribute to a broader effort to safeguard Champagne’s identity for future generations. The event is designed as both a prestigious gathering and a collective act of commitment to cultural preservation.

The charity dinner is expected to draw significant attention from across the region’s economic and cultural sectors. Organizers encourage those interested in supporting Champagne’s heritage and innovation to participate in this unique occasion.