As the festive season reaches its sparkling crescendo, global chauffeur service Blacklane has released a new Champagne Index—an effervescent snapshot of where luxury travellers can expect to sip the world’s most iconic celebratory drink, and at what cost. The findings uncork a fascinating portrait of global taste, prestige, and price, from Dubai’s sky‑high pours to Madrid’s quietly elegant bargains.

Dubai Tops the Charts for the World’s Priciest Champagne

For those who prefer their bubbles with a side of extravagance, Dubai stands unrivalled. The city claims the title of the world’s most expensive champagne destination, averaging £36 per glass, with the Waldorf Astoria pouring a lavish £47 glass of Veuve Clicquot—the highest price recorded in the study. That’s a full 21 per cent more than New York, which takes second place at £27 on average.

Madrid: The World’s Best-Value Bubbles

At the opposite end of the spectrum lies Madrid, a city that proves luxury doesn’t always demand a lavish price tag. Averaging £17 per glass, the Spanish capital offers the most accessible champagne experience of all ten cities surveyed. The standout? A beautifully priced £15 glass of Taittinger at the five-star Hotel Urban—an irresistible proposition for travellers who appreciate refinement without excess.

Boutique Brilliance in London, Paris and Tokyo

While global powerhouses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Louis Roederer dominate champagne lists worldwide, three cities distinguish themselves for their adventurous, boutique-led selections: London, Paris and Tokyo.
These capitals of taste showcase grower champagnes and critically acclaimed houses such as Ayala, Billecart-Salmon, Fleury and Philipponnat, offering connoisseurs a chance to explore beyond the classics. From Philipponnat at Paris’s Grand Hotel du Palais Royal to Laurent-Perrier at London’s Savoy, these cities cater to travellers with a finely tuned palate and a penchant for discovery.

Tokyo, meanwhile, surprises with both diversity and value—averaging £22 per glass, yet offering some of the most intriguing labels in the Index.

Unexpected Parallels and Airport Surprises
London and Paris, often pitted as rivals in the luxury stakes, are unexpectedly aligned when it comes to champagne pricing, each averaging £24 per glass. Paris, however, offers the widest range—from £16 to £30—reflecting its dual identity as both a global luxury capital and a city of neighbourhood charm.

Perhaps the most delightful revelation comes from the skies: airport champagne prices are surprisingly reasonable, averaging £16 per glass. Nice Airport leads with a chic £14 pour, while Tokyo Narita offers Boizel for £15. Even London Heathrow’s Fortnum & Mason bar keeps things refined yet accessible with its own Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru at £18.50.

Where to Toast the New Year Around the Globe

For travellers planning their midnight moment, Blacklane highlights standout pours at iconic hotels worldwide:

Madrid: Hotel Santo Mauro – £15 – Laurent-Perrier
Miami: The Setai – £22 – Louis Roederer
Los Angeles: The Beverly Hills Hotel – £24 – Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
London: The Dorchester – £26 – Ruinart
Paris: Le Bristol – £30 – Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
New York: The St. Regis – £30 – Perrier-Jouët
Rome: Palazzo Manfredi – £34 – Veuve Clicquot
Dubai: Waldorf Astoria – £47 – Veuve Clicquot

What the Index Reveals About Global Luxury Culture

Henry Jeffreys, the drinks expert behind the research, notes that the Index reflects more than just pricing—it captures the cultural nuances of luxury itself. Tokyo’s eclecticism, Madrid’s value-driven elegance and Dubai’s prestige-led pricing each tell a story about how different cities celebrate.

Blacklane’s UK and Ireland general manager, James Dow, adds that today’s luxury traveller is “curious and experience-driven,” seeking both the comfort of trusted global brands and the thrill of discovering something new.

A Toast to Global Exploration

Operating in more than 60 countries, Blacklane is uniquely positioned to observe how travellers move—and celebrate—around the world. The Champagne Index not only highlights where to find the finest bubbles, but also underscores the brand’s mission to deliver seamless, stylish mobility for those who savour every moment of their journey.
For travellers planning their next city escape—or their next glass—the full Champagne Index offers a sparkling guide to global indulgence.