What’s the Price Range of Champagne at a Hostess Bar?

When it comes to champagne at a hostess bar, it’s often referred to as a "special drink" that will almost always bring a smile to a hostess’s face. If you have a favorite hostess, it’s natural to order a bottle of champagne in Japan. However, for those who are new to ordering champagne at hostess bars, the cost might be a concern.

The good news is that there’s a wide variety of champagnes available, each with different price points, so you can find something that fits your budget. Typically, the price of champagne at a hostess bar is 3 to 5 times higher than the retail price you’d find at liquor stores or supermarkets. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on whether the place is high-end or more casual.

Champagne Price Range at High-End Hostess Bars

At high-end hostess bars, the price of champagne typically ranges from 50,000 yen to 100,000 yen per bottle. There are, of course, ultra-premium champagnes that can cost significantly more, even reaching 500,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen or higher. However, if you have a budget in mind, expecting to pay within the 50,000 yen to 100,000 yen range which will generally cover most top-tier options.

Champagne Price Range at Standard Hostess Bars

In more casual or standard hostess bars, the price range for champagne is much lower, typically between 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen per bottle. While this price range may seem more accessible compared to high-end places, ordering champagne that exceeds this price range can still make a significant impression on hostesses and help set you apart from other customers.

If you’re looking to deepen your connection with a particular hostess, spending a bit more than the average can make a lasting impression. For instance, going above the typical budget by a few thousand yen to order a more premium bottle could result in extra attention and a warmer response from the hostess.

13 Popular Champagnes That Hostesses Love

Here are 13 classic champagnes often ordered at hostess bars, along with their price range:

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1. Moët & Chandon

• Price Range: 10,000 yen~
• It's a popular and affordable choice, especially for beginners. Some bottles light up, making them perfect for social media posts. It's easy to drink and popular among hostesses, but might feel underwhelming for special events like birthdays or anniversaries.

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2. Veuve Clicquot

• Price Range: 20,000 to 40,000 yen
• This is a more budget-friendly champagne that’s popular among salarymen. It’s easy to drink and accessible for those new to cabaret clubs. High-end versions can exceed 100,000 yen, but for most, this range is a good entry point.

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3. Dom Pérignon

• Price Range: 50,000 to 80,000 yen
• Often referred to as "Dom Péri," it’s one of the most famous champagnes. The most common "Dom Pérignon Vintage" falls in the 50,000 to 80,000 yen range, but premium versions like "Dom Pérignon Réserve de l’Abbaye" or "Dom Pérignon P3" can cost from 120,000 yen to 1 million yen.

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4. Krug

• Price Range: 50,000 to 100,000 yen
• Known as the "King of Champagne," Krug is cherished by connoisseurs for its craftsmanship. The "Krug Grande Cuvée" typically costs 50,000 to 80,000 yen, while rarer varieties like the "Krug Clos d'Ambonnay" can exceed 100 million yen.

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5. Remy

• Price Range: 80,000 yen~
• A rare and prestigious champagne often seen only in hostess bars. Highly popular among hostesses due to its exclusivity, making it a great choice for events like birthdays. Its 5-year aging gives it a rich aroma and smooth taste.

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6. Belle Epoque

• Price Range: 90,000 yen~
• Loved by historical figures like Napoleon III and Queen Victoria, this champagne is known for its elegant bottle with anemone flower designs. It’s a surefire hit with hostesses and guarantees a celebration with its smooth taste and stunning appearance.

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7. Soumei

• Price Range: 90,000 yen~
• A newer brand with a refreshing taste and low sugar content, making it a favorite among hostesses. Its popularity has skyrocketed, competing with big names like Armand de Brignac.

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8. Angel Champagne

• Price Range: 130,000 yen~
• Recognizable for the angel wings design on the bottle, it’s a recent addition to the champagne world but already extremely popular. The white variety is especially loved for its light strawberry flavor and flashy, LED-lit bottles.

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9. Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades)

• Price Range: 150,000 yen~
• A staple in high-end venues, this champagne is iconic in cabaret clubs. It’s seen as a status symbol, and ordering one guarantees attention from the hostess and other customers alike.

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10. Salon

• Price Range: 150,000 yen~
• A rare, high-end champagne known for its minimum 10-year aging process. Depending on the vintage, prices can exceed 500,000 yen. It’s exclusive, often found only in top restaurants and high-end hostess bars.

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11. Louis Roederer Cristal

• Price Range: 160,000 yen~
• Cristal is known for its quality and "clean" taste. Despite being favored by champagne connoisseurs, it’s also popular among hostesses due to its smooth and easy-to-drink profile, making it a classic at hostess bars.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting a high-end hostess bars, having a budget of 50,000 yen or more for champagne will likely cover most top-shelf options. For those at more casual venues, 10,000 to 20,000 yen is the expected range, but opting for a higher-tier champagne can significantly enhance your experience and reputation with the hostesses.