Restaurant Aihki’s sparkling signature event returns on Friday, 6th of March, as internationally acclaimed Master of Wine, Essi Avellan, hosts her sixth Champagne Dinner at Aihki.
This unique evening invites guests to delve deeper into the world of Champagne through flavours, stories and perspectives rarely heard.
A Dinner Where Northern Cuisine Meets the True Essence of Champagne
This four-course Champagne dinner brings together the finest ingredients of Aihki’s modern Nordic kitchen with a carefully curated selection of exceptional Champagnes. Each course is paired with a Champagne personally selected by Essi Avellan, to specifically complement the dish’s flavour profile, structure and nuances.
Behind the Scenes: Champagne Stories Told by Essi Avellan
Throughout the evening, Essi Avellan guides guests behind the scenes of Champagne. She opens up the world of Champagne in a way few can: through personal stories, first-hand experiences and her deep, insider knowledge.
During the dinner, Essi will share insights such as:
- the regions from which the evening’s Champagnes originate and what makes each of them unique
- how soil, climate and grape varieties shape the character of a Champagne
- why certain Champagne styles work particularly well with specific flavours and textures
- how nuances, acidity and maturity create harmony between food and Champagne
The result is an evening hosted with a relaxed yet profound approach, where expertise and storytelling go hand in hand.
Who Is Essi Avellan?
Essi Avellan is Finland’s first Master of Wine and one of the world’s most respected Champagne specialists. She has devoted her career to the study, evaluation and storytelling of Champagne and sparkling wines. Over the course of her career, Essi has tasted tens of thousands of Champagnes, spanning a vast range of vintages and styles.
Essi:
- has been awarded the Madame Bollinger Medal for Best Taster by the Institute of Masters of Wine
- has served and continues to serve as a judge and panel chair at international wine competitions (including IWSC and CSWWC)
- is responsible for the Club Oenologique Champagne Report and is a member of The World of Fine Wine tasting panels
- has written and edited several internationally acclaimed books on Champagne
- has received honours from the French state for her contribution to Champagne
Aihki’s kitchen team has designed the evening’s menu in close dialogue with the selected Champagnes. The result is a harmonious whole that honours northern ingredients while giving Champagne the space to truly shine.
Evening Highlights
- Four-course fine dining Champagne dinner at Restaurant Aihki
- Champagne pairings personally curated by Essi Avellan
- Story-driven and expert hosting into the “behind the scenes” world of Champagne
- A relaxed yet elegant atmosphere by the northern lakeshore
Event Details
- Date: Friday, 6 March 2026
- Dinner seating: 19:00
- Price: 185€ / guest
- Includes: Four-course menu, Champagne pairings, and Essi Avellan’s curation and hosting
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can accommodate them in advance. We kindly ask guests to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the dinner begins.
More information & reservations:
Email aihki@sundaymorning.fi
Phone +358 41 318 8876
Or through our reservation calendar.
