Champagne Charlie

The Frenchman Who Taught Americans to Love Champagne

By: Don Kladstrup, Petie Kladstrup

Narrated by: Steve Marvel

Champagne Charlie tells the story of a dashing young Frenchman, Charles Heidsieck, who introduced hard-drinking Americans to champagne in the mid-19th century and became famously known as Champagne Charlie. Ignoring critics who warned that America was a dangerous place to do business, Heidsieck plunged right in, considering it "the land of opportunity" and succeeding there beyond his wildest dreams. Those dreams, however, became a nightmare when the Civil War erupted and he was imprisoned and nearly executed after being charged with spying for the Confederacy.

Only after the Lincoln administration intervened was Heidsieck saved, but his champagne business had gone bankrupt and was virtually dead. Then, miraculously, Heidsieck became owner of nearly half the city of Denver, the fastest-growing city in the West. By selling the land, Heidsieck was eventually able to resurrect his business to its former glory.

For all its current-day glamour, effervescence, and association with the high life, champagne had a lackluster start. It was pale red in color, insipid in taste, and completely flat. Champagne's success can be traced back to King Louis XV and his mistress Madame de Pompadour, Napoleon Bonaparte, countless wars and prohibitions, and, most important to the United States, Charles Heidsieck.

©2021 Don and Petie Kladstrup (P)2022 Tantor

The historical accounts

I appreciateed the story of the Champagne house owner. I had no idea his story would be so interesting. I will probably listen again. As as obtain a hard copy.

Wonderful yarn

Truth stranger than fiction in this beautifully crafted story. If you happen to be a Champagne Junkie to boot, you will be as happy as when …. Sipping a well crafted champagne.

What an Adventure!!

Loved this, I enjoyed hearing about this adventurous man’s life and his associated family business. What a roller coaster of a life.