winery

L'Hôte

The discovery

Champagne Discovery in Vitryat.

Since 1970, the L'Hoste family in Bassuet has been producing distinctive grower Champagnes – characterized by Chardonnay, chalky soils, and artisanal dedication. A family business that unites tradition and modernity, bringing the unknown terroir of the Côteaux Vitryats to the global stage.

Das Weingut Weine entdecken

The winery

Artisanal Champagne Craftsmanship from Vitryat – Chardonnay, Family Tradition, and Rare Terroir United

More than 50 years ago, Jean and Suzanne L'Hoste laid the foundation in Bassuet for a family adventure that is now being continued by the third generation. Their children Pascal and Dominique passionately managed the estate before Clément, the next generation, took over – young, ambitious, and determined to further develop the legacy.
The winery cultivates around 18 hectares in the Côteaux Vitryats – one of the most hidden treasures of Champagne. This area was only reclassified as an official Champagne terroir in 1968 after devastating crises. Today, it accounts for just 1% of the appellation, with almost 97% of that being Chardonnay. The subsoil? Turonian chalk, one of Champagne's oldest formations, interspersed with marl – the foundation for racy, fresh, yet also exotically appealing wines.
The L'Hostes focus on gentle cultivation, hand harvesting, and a vinification that reveals the pure signature of the terroir. Not mass-produced goods, but artisanal Champagnes that age on the lees significantly longer than regulations require. The collection ranges from the classic Brut Tradition to the award-winning Blanc de Blancs – always with the goal of making the authenticity of the Côteaux Vitryats palpable in every bottle.

Respect for nature.

The L’Hoste family works according to sustainable principles and is certified under the HVE environmental standard. Chemical interventions are reduced to a minimum, cover crops ensure biodiversity, and every measure in the vineyard is carefully considered. The goal is living soil, healthy vines, and grapes that uncompromisingly reflect their origin.

Craftsmanship and integrity.

Here, substance counts more than show. L'Hoste champagnes are crafted with uncompromising dedication – with long lees aging, traditional vinification, and the courage to let the wines speak for themselves, as they are. Transparency is part of the philosophy: visitors to the winery experience authenticity instead of staging.

Responsibility to the community.

The family is deeply rooted in the region and involved in the winegrower community of the Côteaux Vitryats. They support local events, participate in charity tastings, and create jobs in the rural area. For the L’Hostes, neighbors, helpers, and customers are part of one big family.

"Every glass of L'Hoste contains the aroma of the chalk hills and the soul of a family passionate about their craft."

1970

founded

hectares of vineyards

Proportion of Vitryat in Champagne

The location

Côteaux Vitryats – the undiscovered gem of Champagne

The Côteaux Vitryats are a well-kept secret in the southeast of Champagne – just 480 hectares, isolated and Chardonnay-dominated. After their decline in the 20th century, the area was reclassified only in 1968. Today, it is considered the "second Côte des Blancs": sunny east and south-facing slopes, Turonian chalk soils with marl and tufa-like layers similar to the Loire. These mineral soils produce fresh, vibrant Champagnes that often display exotic notes like mango or pineapple in addition to citrus and white flowers. Only a fraction of the production comes 100% from the Vitryat – making L'Hoste a true insider tip for purist individualists.