The holiday season is synonymous with festive gatherings, and nothing elevates a celebration quite like the effervescent allure of Champagne. Selecting the perfect bubbly to complement your holiday menu can transform a meal into a memorable experience. From pairing a crisp Blanc de Blancs with seafood appetizers to matching a robust vintage Champagne with roasted meats, thoughtful selections enhance both the flavors of the dishes and the convivial atmosphere. By understanding the nuances of Champagne varieties and their ideal pairings from the experience of an expert, you can delight your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your holiday hosting.
Natalie Hazel is not just a Champagne Specialist; she is a curator of experiences, a storyteller of flavors, and an ambassador for the timeless elegance of champagne. Her journey from corporate lawyer to one of Australia’s foremost authorities on champagne reflects her ability to blend passion with expertise, offering the world a fresh perspective on holiday hosting and the art of celebration.
From Corporate Law to the Champagne Vineyards
Natalie’s career transition is a tale of bold reinvention. After more than two decades as a senior corporate lawyer in Sydney, she found herself yearning for a life that blended her intellectual curiosity with her creative passions. Her fascination with champagne, cultivated over years of travel and personal enjoyment, became the foundation of this transformation.
A pivotal step in her journey was earning her WSET Level 3 qualification and completing the rigorous Champagne Master-Level Intensive Course with world-renowned experts like Peter Liem and Essi Avellan. These certifications were not just academic achievements; they represented Natalie’s commitment to immersing herself in the region’s history, terroir, and craftsmanship. Today, her frequent visits to the Champagne region allow her to forge personal connections with growers and producers, giving her a front-row seat to the evolution of this iconic beverage.
Champagne, Natalie explains, is more than a drink; it is a symbol of resilience, luxury, and joy. Its unique taste profile, shaped by the region’s chalky terroir, offers a sensory experience unlike any other.
“Champagne is the embodiment of elegance and celebration,” she shares. “It is where wine meets luxury and where tradition meets innovation.”
Her passion is not just about the taste but also the rich history of the region, which has weathered wars and upheaval yet continues to produce a wine synonymous with festivity and sophistication.
The Société de Champagne Sydney: A Hub for Enthusiasts
Natalie’s dedication to champagne culminated in her founding the Société de Champagne Sydney, a social club dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the nuanced world of champagne. The Société isn’t just a club; it’s a community of connoisseurs, novices, and lovers of sparkling wine who gather to share in Natalie’s vision of accessible luxury.
Under her leadership, the Société has hosted events in collaboration with prestigious champagne houses, including Perrier-Jouët and Besserat de Bellefon. For Global Champagne Day, a dinner celebrating grower champagnes offered members an intimate look at smaller producers’ artistry. In 2025, the Société plans to continue this legacy with events like a collaboration with Champagne Lanson in Sydney, promising more opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of champagne.
These gatherings reflect Natalie’s philosophy: hosting should be an inclusive, educational, and celebratory experience. Her expertise and enthusiasm shine through as she introduces guests to the stories behind each bottle, from the unique terroir of Côte des Blancs to the meticulous blending of multi-vintage cuvées.
Holiday Hosting with Champagne Sophistication
The festive season provides Natalie with the perfect canvas to showcase her hosting prowess. Her philosophy centers on the idea that champagne is not merely an aperitif but a versatile companion to an entire meal. She carefully curates a selection of champagnes that complement different courses, creating a seamless harmony of flavors.
Natalie’s Curated Selection for Holiday Hosting:
- Lallier Réflexions R.020: An elegant multi-vintage champagne, this is a standout aperitif crafted under the guidance of Dominique Demarville. Its 2020 base reflects a near-perfect vintage year, making it an exceptional introduction to any gathering.
- Pommery’s New Apanage Brut 1874: Pommery’s Apanage Brut 1874 pays tribute to the house’s pioneering creation of the first brut Champagne in 1874. This cuvée artfully blends select grapes from 17 distinguished crus, including the esteemed Clos Pompadour in Reims, chosen for their distinctive character. Anchored predominantly by the exceptional 2018 vintage, it is nuanced with delicate additions from 2015 and 2012, resulting in a harmonious and complex profile. With a low dosage, Apanage Brut 1874 is an ideal choice for a festive apéritif, offering a refined and refreshing experience.
- Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Cuis 1er Cru 2018: A distinguished Blanc de Blancs Champagne, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the premier cru village of Cuis in the Côte des Blancs. This single-village, single-variety, single-vintage cuvée exemplifies the precision and elegance characteristic of Gimonnet’s winemaking. The wine showcases the chalky soils of the region, imparting a crisp minerality and vibrant acidity. Its delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus make it an ideal companion for festive seafood courses, enhancing the flavors of dishes like oysters, scallops, and lobster. The 2018 vintage marks the inaugural release of this Special Club bottling from Cuis, highlighting the unique terroir and the producer’s commitment to excellence
- Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque 2015: This prestige cuvée embodies artistry, pairing beautifully with holiday classics like roast turkey and cranberry sides. The nuanced balance of floral and spiced notes elevates the richness of festive dishes, such as roast turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs 2018: Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this cuvée offers complex fruit and spice notes. It is Natalie’s choice for pairing with pâté en croûte, showcasing its versatility for both expected and impromptu guests. Aged for four to six years, a fresh and elegant taste with hints of spice.
- Laurent Perrier Rosé NV: renowned for its vibrant salmon-pink hue and expressive bouquet of freshly picked red berries. Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grapes using the traditional saignée method, it offers a harmonious balance of freshness and complexity. Natalie’s choice for Christmas brunch paired with smoked salmon blinis.
- Billecart-Salmon Demi Sec: presents a pale gold hue accompanied by a lively procession of fine, persistent bubbles. It also carries a higher dosage than the usual Billecart-Salmon NV. This Champagne’s balanced sweetness makes it an excellent choice for holiday hosting, as it pairs beautifully with desserts like chocolate cake and fruit tarts, enhancing the festive dining experience
- Henri-Giraud Ratafia: A fortified liqueur from Champagne, this digestif pairs seamlessly with rich desserts like chocolate Büche de Noël ( Yule Logs) and Christmas puddings, making it a must-have for her holiday table. Recognizable for its blue toned bottle, it happens to be a centerpiece on Natalies home bar cart.
Natalie’s menu planning extends beyond drinks, offering an indulgent yet approachable framework for hosts. She suggests starting with an Extra Brut or Brut champagne to cleanse the palate upon arrival, paired with a self-serve smoked salmon and caviar station. For seafood appetizers like oysters or lobster, a Blanc de Blancs champagne enhances the briny, mineral flavors. Main courses like roast turkey call for vintage champagnes, while glazed ham pairs beautifully with rosé champagnes for their depth and festive color.
Setting the Scene: The Essentials of Elegant Hosting
For Natalie, holiday hosting is not just about the food and drink but also the ambiance. Her attention to detail shines in her table settings, where she champions the use of tulip-shaped glasses over traditional flutes or coupes. “The tulip glass,” she explains, “preserves effervescence while allowing the aromas to develop fully.” Her personal favorites include the Riedel Veritas tulip glasses and the Lehmann Jamesse range. For home gatherings, she opts for Riedel Fatto a Mano glasses, whose colorful stems add a touch of whimsy and practicality.
Beyond stemware, Natalie emphasizes the importance of creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. A gracious host, she ensures that each guest feels welcome, greeted warmly on arrival, and included in table conversations. Timing is critical, with food served promptly to maintain the flow of the event.
Tradition Meets Innovation: Natalie’s Personal Touch
While Natalie’s hosting style exudes sophistication, her holiday traditions are steeped in family warmth. On Christmas Eve, her family gathers for a reading of The Night Before Christmas while enjoying a Büche de Noël. The following morning, panettone and smoked salmon blinis set a luxurious yet cozy tone for the day.
Her festive hosting isn’t just about elegance; it’s about balance. Amid the grandeur of champagne magnums and prestige cuvées, Natalie’s gatherings are moments of connection where guests savor the joy of being together. This ethos is at the heart of her hosting philosophy: blending the extraordinary with the deeply personal.
The Rising Trends of Champagne
As champagne continues to captivate wine enthusiasts, Natalie notes several trends shaping its role in entertaining. Rosé champagnes are increasingly popular, valued for their bold flavors and versatility with savory and sweet dishes. Magnum bottles, with their dramatic presentation and ability to preserve freshness, are another favorite during the holiday season. Meanwhile, champagne cocktails like the classic Kir Royale are making a comeback, adding a playful twist to celebrations.
Natalie’s expertise extends beyond trends to timeless principles: champagne, she asserts, is the ultimate expression of care, luxury, and festivity. Through her thoughtfully curated events and holiday gatherings, she inspires hosts to embrace the art of entertaining with both elegance and heart. Whether through the Société de Champagne Sydney or her own family traditions, Natalie Hazel continues to redefine the magic of celebration, one glass at a time.
Follow Natalie on Instagram @champagneinstyle and her society @societechampagne
Visit Natalie Hazel at Nataliehazel.com for more Champagne Education and Events.