Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar: Champagne's Historic Journey to Space

On June 25, 2025, a new milestone in both beverage innovation and space exploration was achieved when Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar, the first champagne designed for space conditions, was launched into orbit. This groundbreaking project represents years of meticulous research and collaboration, culminating in a unique mission that highlights humanity's unending spirit of celebration and communion.

A Journey to Zero Gravity

The mission began in 2017 when Maison Mumm assembled a team of experts to develop a champagne that could withstand the challenges of microgravity. Collaborators included Octave de Gaulle, founder of SPADE, which specializes in products for extraterrestrial life, the French space agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), and ESA astronaut Jean-François Clervoy, who had previously flown on three NASA missions. The initial prototype of Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar was revealed in 2018, creating both technical and oenological challenges that led to a second prototype in 2022, built to meet the stringent safety and tasting standards required for space.

In a significant partnership with Axiom Space, the champagne was prepared for flight in March 2025. Following this successful test in microgravity, the momentous launch occurred in June 2025 aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), commanded by Peggy Whitson, an experienced NASA astronaut, with her crew of international space travelers. Upon returning to Earth on July 15, 2025, the champagne bottle was found to be in perfect condition, with plans for the first tasting scheduled five months later in a special ceremony led by Maison Mumm’s cellarmaster, Yann Munier.

Beyond a Beverage

Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar is not just a technological achievement; it symbolizes the essence of celebration that transcends earthly boundaries. The design of the bottle combines safety with elegance, featuring a half-glass structure secured by a stainless steel mechanism, reminiscent of the winery's traditional practices. It is encased in an aluminum housing, decorated with the iconic red ribbon synonymous with Mumm.

The champagne itself underwent a subtle enhancement of its flavor profile, ensuring that even in space, the experience remains rich and enjoyable. The blend retains the signature freshness and strength of Mumm Cordon Rouge, with intensified aromatic notes achieved through extended aging and specially crafted dosage liqueur.

Exploring New Horizons

This adventure pushes the boundaries of what is possible for wine production and consumption in space. It’s a step towards exploring the cultural and psychological needs of astronauts on long-term missions. According to Sébastien Barde, Deputy Director for Space Research and Manned Spaceflight at CNES, the initiative emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in space, as these elements are critical for the success of future missions.

César Giron, the CEO of Maison Mumm, reflected on the project’s significance beyond simply reaching space: “It's about what champagne represents—shared values, a constant art of living, a symbol of our culture.” Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar thus preserves the memory of its terroir, crafting a symbolic connection to life on Earth that will resonate even amid the stars.

Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar signifies a remarkable journey from the depths of the Earth to the expanses of space. This pioneering endeavor continues the legacy of exploration that Mumm has embraced since its founding in 1827, establishing itself not just as a beverage, but as a cultural artifact that adapts and endures through human experiences across the universe.

In conclusion, Mumm Cordon Rouge Stellar is a testament to innovation, celebration, and the human spirit's quest for adventure. It redefines the act of toasting to the future, merging the art of winemaking with the hopes and dreams of humanity reaching for the stars.