How ten cities around the world toasted at the exact same time

Champagne houses pulled out all the stops on Champagne Day and Moët & Chandon was not different. In fact, they took it a step further by linking ten cities across the world in a moment to behold.

Moët & Chandon has been associated with the celebration of success and of life’s most memorable moments for nearly three centuries so it comes as a no brainer that they used their power to unite people globally in celebration by coordinating events weaving a tapestry of collective champagne joy across Africa, Israel, and Dubai.

The celebrations culminated in a grand ‘Toast to Today’ at 17:43 on Friday 22 October.

“Champagne Day provides the perfect opportunity for Moët & Chandon to take its place as the custodian of the moment the world has chosen to celebrate the champagne region – for it is from Epernay, in the heart of the region, that Moët & Chandon originates,” said the Maison in a statement.

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“Moët & Chandon reflects the diversity and complementarity of the three main grape varieties of the champagne region: the body of Pinot Noir, the suppleness of Meunier, and the finesse of Chardonnay. The Maison, globally revered for its savoir-faire, its historical know-how and state-of-the-art technology – invited glamorous guests across the continent to connect in a series of daytime celebrations.”

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The Citizen joined the Maison at The Leonardo in Sandton to be part of the iconic collective moment that saw guests across ten cities raise their glasses to join a grand ‘Toast to Today’, which took place at 17:43 in homage to the year this iconic Maison was founded.

According to the brand, the toast was crafted by Siphokazi Jonas, one of Africa’s leading lights in the art of the spoken word and served to set a suitably celebratory tone.

“Her words honoured the spirit of celebration, of being united, of a zest for life. She spoke of how shared joy can connect across nations and cultures and reminded guests of the importance of celebrating each day.”

“Events of the recent past have highlighted the importance of acknowledging our daily triumphs, meaningful moments, successes, friends – as often as possible. Too often we are so focused on life’s major milestones that moments we should be acknowledging every day can just pass us by. The Moët & Chandon grand ‘Toast to Today’ experience served as a powerful reminder to pause and reflect, and celebrate what we have,“ said Dominic Ryan, Managing Director of Moët Hennessy Africa and Middle East.

In attendance at the intimate experience at the Leonardo’s Alto234 Bar were some of South Africa’s champagne glitterati, including the likes of Mihlali Ndamase, Maps Maponyane and Linda Mtoba all dressed in white and gold.

Guests throughout Africa and the Middle East convened at prestigious venues such as the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai to the Villa Rosa Kempinski in Kenya, to honour Champagne Day in style.

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Compiled by Kaunda Selisho