Updated October 2026
Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne is real Champagne from France, and its label names Manuel Janisson, a third-generation grower and winemaker based in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay, as the maker. Costco does not publicly list its private-label suppliers, so the bottle in your hand is the final word: check the back label for the producer’s name, and expect it to change if Costco changes suppliers.
Costco’s store-brand Champagne has a cult following, especially around the holidays, and shoppers often ask whether it is “real” Champagne or a domestic sparkling wine with a French-sounding name. This guide explains who is credited on the label, what makes it Champagne under the rules, how it compares with other sparkling wines, and how to serve it.
Who makes Kirkland Champagne?
Reporting from Tasting Table and Food Republic identifies the producer as Manuel Janisson of Verzenay. Food Republic notes that shoppers spotted his name printed on the label, which is unusual for a Costco private-label product. Janisson founded the Champagne house Janisson & Fils, and Tasting Table reports that the family’s branded line was later sold to LVMH, while Janisson continues to make Champagne for other labels, including Kirkland Signature.
Verzenay sits in the Montagne de Reims area and is one of Champagne’s 17 Grand Cru villages, according to Food Republic. That does not mean every grape in the Kirkland blend comes from Grand Cru vineyards; the label does not claim that, and Food Republic notes the point is debated. Tasting Table reports the blend uses Champagne’s three main grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
Private-label suppliers can change between releases. If the producer named on your bottle differs from the one above, trust the label.
Is Kirkland Champagne real Champagne?
Yes. Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne is labeled Champagne and is a product of France. True Champagne must come from the Champagne region and follow the appellation’s rules, including a second fermentation in the bottle.
US law reinforces the distinction. Under 27 CFR § 4.21, the “champagne” type of sparkling wine gets its bubbles solely from a secondary fermentation in glass containers no larger than one gallon and has the taste and character of wine from the French Champagne district. Champagne is also a semi-generic name under 27 CFR § 4.24 and 26 U.S.C. § 5388(c): an American producer can only use it alongside the wine’s true origin, and only if it held label approval for that brand before March 10, 2006. A bottle simply labeled “Champagne” with a French origin, like the Kirkland Brut, is the real thing. For more on how the bubbles affect strength, see Champagne ABV.
What does it taste like?
Tasting Table reports that the label lists notes of lemon, green apple, apricot and citrus. As a Brut, it is dry, so expect crisp acidity rather than sweetness. Traditional-method Champagne usually also shows some bready or toasty notes from time spent on yeast in the bottle.
Kirkland Champagne vs Kirkland Prosecco
Costco also sells Kirkland Signature Prosecco, which is a different wine entirely: Italian, made mostly from the Glera grape and typically fermented in tanks rather than in the bottle. It is fruitier and softer than the Champagne. One Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG was recalled on November 6, 2025 (CPSC recall 26-068), which does not involve the Champagne. Our guide on who makes Kirkland Prosecco covers that wine and the recall in detail. For the other Costco favorite, see who makes Kirkland bourbon.
How to serve Kirkland Champagne
- Chill it well. Refrigerate for several hours or use an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Do not freeze it. A quick freezer chill is fine, but a forgotten bottle can freeze and push out the cork. See does Champagne freeze.
- Open it safely. Keep a thumb on the cork, point the bottle away from people and turn the bottle, not the cork.
- Use a flute or white wine glass. A tulip-shaped glass keeps the bubbles and shows the aroma.
- Pair it widely. Dry Champagne works with salty snacks, fried foods, shellfish and soft cheeses.
If you are making brunch drinks, a less expensive sparkling wine is usually a better fit for mixing; our guide to the best sparkling wine for mimosas explains why. To decode the sweetness terms on Italian and French labels, see spumante vs brut.
How strong is it?
Champagne is usually around 12% ABV, but check the label on your bottle for the exact figure. The NIAAA defines a US standard drink as 14 grams of pure alcohol, which equals 5 oz of 12% ABV wine. A standard 750 ml bottle at 12% holds about five standard drinks. Bubbles can make alcohol feel faster acting, so pace yourself; our Champagne drink count guide has the details. Never drive after drinking.
Frequently asked questions
Who produces Costco’s Kirkland Champagne?
The label credits Manuel Janisson of Verzenay, according to Tasting Table and Food Republic. Costco does not publish supplier lists, so check your bottle.
Is Kirkland Champagne made by Moët?
No. Tasting Table reports that the Janisson family’s branded line was sold to LVMH, Moët’s parent group, but the Kirkland Champagne is credited to Manuel Janisson, not to Moët & Chandon.
Is Kirkland Champagne vintage?
The Kirkland Brut is a non-vintage blend unless the label shows a year.
Is Kirkland Champagne good for mimosas?
It works, but orange juice hides much of its character. Many people save it for sipping and use Cava or Prosecco for mimosas.
How long does an opened bottle last?
With a sparkling wine stopper in the fridge, it usually keeps decent fizz for a day or two.
Explore more in our Wine Guide.
Sources
- Tasting Table, “The Company Behind Costco’s Kirkland Champagne” (producer, village, grapes, label tasting notes)
- Food Republic, “Who Makes Costco’s Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne?” (October 2026; producer named on label, Verzenay Grand Cru)
- 27 CFR § 4.21, standards of identity for wine, including champagne (eCFR / Cornell LII)
- 27 CFR § 4.24, semi-generic names (eCFR / Cornell LII)
- 26 U.S.C. § 5388(c), semi-generic wine names (Cornell LII)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recall 26-068 (Nov 6, 2025)
- NIAAA, What Is a Standard Drink?