Ayala

The Maison Ayala was founded in 1860 by Edmond de Ayala, originally from Colombia, who chose Aÿ as the home of his Champagne project. The Ayala name was officially registered on November 5, 1875, with the Commercial Court of Reims. Family-run since its inception, Ayala remains one of the rare independent Houses in Champagne, preserving a strong identity deeply rooted in its history and terroir.

Throughout the 20th century, the leadership of the House passed through key figures: after the death of René Chayoux in 1969, Jean-Michel Ducellier took over and led Ayala until 1995, remembered for prioritizing collective interest over personal gain. In 2000, a financial group led by Jean-Jacques Frey acquired the House, initiating a new phase of development under Thierry Budin. A decisive turning point came in 2005, when the Société Jacques Bollinger acquired Ayala with the ambition of restoring its historic prestige.

Today, Ayala, based in Aÿ, stands out as a small yet highly precise producer. The House is managed by Hervé Augustin, while stylistic continuity is ensured by Chef de Cave Nicolas Klym, who has held the role for over twenty-five years. With more than 80 hectares of vineyards, Ayala is among the rare Champagne Houses able to rely largely on estate-grown grapes, ensuring consistency, typicity, and a limited production that clearly expresses the Ayala style.