The Drinks Business reported on October 23 that Maison Ruinart collaborated with Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata on Conversations with Nature, an exploration of the links between nature, materials and the champagne-making process. Kawamata, known for large-scale installations constructed from reclaimed wood and everyday objects, drew inspiration from a visit to the producer’s headquarters in Reims. The works were unveiled at Frieze, where the champagne house has maintained a long partnership, and reflect the natural environment around the historic site. A February report from the publication first announced Kawamata’s selection for the 2026 edition of the programme.
Kawamata’s pieces form part of three planned permanent in-situ works at 4 rue des Crayères in Reims alongside a limited-edition jeroboam case. The artist has exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Centre Pompidou and Serpentine Gallery, bringing an international profile to the collaboration. Ruinart’s Conversations with Nature series has previously featured artists including Sam Falls and Jeppe Hein, according to the house’s earlier statements. The latest project underscores themes of sustainability and biodiversity in champagne production.
Separately, Venice Cocktail Week ran until October 25 and extended the city’s reputation for aperitivo culture well beyond the traditional spritz. At the Palladio Bar in Airelles Palladio, named Opening of the Year by Falstaff, bartender Mattia Dipasquale served the Plague Elixir, a mix of Michter’s bourbon, mezcal, palo santo cordial, lemon and Yerbito topped with aromatic basil air. The bar occupies a former convent beside a still-consecrated church, a setting that The Drinks Business noted invites comparisons between the Holy Spirit and the cocktails on offer.
The week in pictures also captured Ruinart’s presence at Frieze London, where art and wine have frequently overlapped in recent years. Image credits for the Kawamata collaboration went to Danny J Peace. Venice Cocktail Week highlighted how the lagoon city continues to innovate within its established hospitality traditions while hosting international visitors.
Ruinart, part of the LVMH group, has partnered with contemporary artists for its Carte Blanche and Conversations with Nature programmes since at least 2018. Earlier collaborations included British artist David Shrigley, who produced drawings and sculptures reinterpreting the maison’s cellars and vineyards. The house regularly displays resulting works at fairs such as Art Basel, Frieze and TEFAF, a pattern that continues with Kawamata’s contributions this year.
Kawamata’s choice of reclaimed materials aligns with growing industry attention to environmental impact in wine production. The artist’s installations encourage viewers to consider the origins of everyday objects and their potential for reuse. The Drinks Business positioned the project within a busy October calendar that also included other drinks-related art and cultural events across Europe.
