Krug Champagne has continued to set new standards for quality, creativity, and excellence since 1843 when Joseph Krug laid the foundation for the globally recognized Champagne house. In this week’s episode, Melissa is joined by Olivier Krug, sixth generation of the Krug family and current Director of the House. The two dive into Krug’s techniques and innovations, including the Krug Single Ingredient, an initiative founded in 2015 that invites chefs from around the world to craft recipes around each Krug Grande Cuvée and Krug Rosé Édition. This year’s ingredient, Flower, will be highlighted in three upcoming Indagare Insider Journeys. Each bespoke itinerary includes exclusive gastronomic journeys and affords guests the opportunity to taste some of Krug’s rarest cuvées. Together, Melissa and Olivier discuss these special trips, the Krug Family House in Reims, the stringent tasting criteria and more. Plus on this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa and Olivier reveal champagne tips and insider knowledge you won’t want to miss including the proper glass from which to drink it… Spoiler: it’s neither a flute nor a coupe!

Lightning Round with Olivier Krug

• Favorite song or type of music to pair with a glass of Krug Champagne? Much like music, Krug champagnes have a fullness of flavors and aromas in which everyone can find something to stir the melody, much in the way anyone can enjoy the universal language of music. Each year, the House invites and works closely with Krug Lover artists from different universes and from all over the world. From traditional rhythms to modern beats, from stereo to multidimensional sound experiments, I am moved by any music as long as they are passionate artists.
• Favorite restaurant in Reims? L'Assiette Champenoise holds a special place in my heart because I have known Arnaud Lallement for many years. Arnaud is the creative force and the Chef behind all the menus at the Krug Family House. Naturally, this has fostered a strong and enduring relationship between Maison Krug and L'Assiette Champenoise. It’s always a pleasure to go enjoy a gastronomic journey there.

Join Indagare Insider Journeys: Discover the Krug Single Ingredient Culinary Experiences

Melissa kicks off her ‘Legendary Hotels’ series with Mary Celeste Beall, the resilient and innovative leader behind Blackberry Farm and, more recently, Blackberry Mountain. These sprawling, serene properties in the foothills of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains are two of the most sought-after retreats in the country. Blackberry Farm became known for its culinary excellence thanks to Mary’s late husband, the chef Sam Beall. After his sudden death, she kept Sam's legacy alive and brought the brand to new heights. She oversaw the 2019 opening of Blackberry Mountain—the Farm's wellness and adventure-focused sister property—and is always organizing memorable moments on- and off-property for guests and staff. In this episode, Mary Celeste shares how she continued building her family business after her loss and the importance of community in running a legendary hotel.

Don't miss: Melissa’s hacks for taking advantage of the most luxurious lounges in airport terminals throughout the world. But first, make sure you listen to Episode 1, where we cover getting through airports quickly enough to relax in the lounges!