Discovering the Underwater Cellar with iBestTravel
Under the waves of the Baltic Sea, I follow a length of string into the darkness. I navigate over moss-covered rocks in water infused with green hues, where the sand is churned by the current, sparkling like confetti. Ahead, I catch sight of bubbles rising from the regulator of Christian Ekström, who is leading our adventure.
An Unusual Mission
We are on a quest to locate and retrieve Champagne bottles that have been aging underwater for the past decade. As someone who has explored coral reefs, shipwrecks, and encountered marine megafauna, this experience is a first for me.
In 2010, Christian and his friends discovered the wreckage of a boat in this area, which contained a crate of 168 sealed glass bottles. He brought several to the surface, where one cork popped, revealing a delightful sip of Champagne. Initial lab tests later confirmed it was Veuve Clicquot from the 1840s.
Christian surmises that the Champagne was likely en route to Bomarsund Fortress, which was owned by Russia at the time, a nation fond of Clicquot Champagne.
A Unique Experiment
After analyzing their haul, experts found that 30 out of the 47 bottles were still palatable, with one fetching an astounding €30,000 at auction. Consequently, the Champagne house decided to conduct an experiment, creating a vault with their finest cuvée and sinking it 43 meters deep in the same spot. Periodically, they recover selections of bottles for a taste test to evaluate whether Baltic conditions enhance the flavor.
The Cellar in the Sea Experience
Now, ten years after the experiment began, I am here to retrieve more bottles. With 13 other guests, I partake in the exclusive ‘Cellar in the Sea Experience’ offered by Veuve Clicquot for discerning travelers.
As I anticipate the taste of the sparkling pinot noir-based drink, the temperature drops significantly and visibility decreases. Fortunately, I have the guiding string to rely on.
Paris to the Sea
My adventure started the day before. I traveled on the Eurostar to Paris, where I was transported to Veuve Clicquot’s Manoir de Verzy vineyards, sampling exquisite Rosé Champagne amidst a live band. This was followed by a tour of the underground chalk crayères, a UNESCO site housing cellars that extend for 24 kilometers under Reims. Here, I learned about the historical bottling techniques that play a vital role in determining the age of bottles today.
Isabelle Pierre, Veuve Clicquot’s heritage manager, recounted the unforgettable experience of tasting the Champagne from the Baltic—not just any Champagne, but a piece of history crafted by Madame Clicquot.
The Legacy of Madame Clicquot
Founded in 1772, after the death of her husband, Madame Clicquot became a pioneering force in the Champagne industry. She created the riddling table, allowing for clearer liquid by removing sediment, and was the first to produce blended rosé Champagne. Her innovations laid the groundwork for modern Champagne-making.
Connecting with Nature
Fast forward to the morning of our adventure, I took a private flight north from Reims to the Åland Islands, landing at Mariehamn. We headed to a picturesque sea port where a boat awaited to whisk us to Klobben Island for a scenic lunch prepared over an open fire.
Diving into the Depths
Once at Champagne Islet, I donned my gear and joined Christian as we plunged into the depths. Following the string, I soon spot a metal basket, and with excitement, I reach for it, ascending to the surface triumphantly.
On the surface, cheers erupt from the other guests, eager to see the bottles we have retrieved. In that moment, I glean a sense of achievement reminiscent of Christian’s first discovery a decade earlier.
A Magical Celebration
Later on the isle of Silverskär, I enjoy the celebrations with traditional Midsummer Festival festivities, dancing in the sun as I sip on the Champagne we recovered. The experience is as bubbly and vibrant as the drink itself.
This unique underwater journey with iBestTravel offers a treasure trove of memories, showcasing the enduring legacy of both the Champagne and the experiences crafted around it.
As I follow the illuminated string to our final feast prepared by a renowned chef, I reflect on this remarkable adventure, savoring every moment under the magnificent twilight sky.
