NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Unveils Luxury French Kosher Champagne at Exclusive NJ Wine Event (Feb 3)

Isiah Thomas, owner-operator of Cheurlin Champagne, is redefining the luxury kosher wine category with the launch of his premium kosher Champagne collection, created in collaboration with the historic Cheurlin Champagne House.

A two-time NBA Champion, 12-time NBA All-Star, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas, expands the Cheurlin portfolio in the U.S. with kosher Champagnes crafted to stand among the world's finest—uniting centuries-old French winemaking tradition with modern standards of luxury, wellness, and cultural relevance.

The Isiah Thomas Kosher Cheurlin Collection debuts February 3, 2026 at the Kosher Food & Wine Experience at The World of Blue Hotel, E. Rutherford, NJ, (4:30 PM -8:30 PM)

Produced in France's Aube region, Thomas's Cheurlin Champagnes—both kosher and non-kosher—are made without added sugar and use only the first press of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc grapes. Thomas's kosher collection signals a major milestone for the category, firmly positioning kosher Champagne within the ultra-premium global wine conversation.

The Isiah Thomas Kosher Cheurlin Champagne Collection Includes:

• Cheurlin Brut Spéciale - A refined blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, offering notes of crisp apple, bright citrus, and signature Champagne minerality, with balance and elegance.
• Cheurlin Thomas Célébrité - A Zero Dosage Blanc de Blancs, crafted for Champagne purists and health-conscious consumers seeking precision, purity, and terroir-driven minerality.

Once considered a niche segment, kosher wine has evolved into a critically acclaimed category, earning recognition from leading wine authorities. Thomas's entry into Champagne—the most prestigious wine region in the world—underscores this transformation, bringing cultural influence, authenticity, and luxury together in a single bottle.

"I wanted to create something that honored tradition while reflecting where wine culture is headed," says Isiah Thomas. "My partnership with the Cheurlin family—nine generations of luxury Champagne producers— adds heritage and credibility, allowing my kosher wines to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's best."

"As the global leader in fine kosher wines, Royal Wine Corp. is honored to partner with NBA legend and entrepreneur Isiah Thomas to bring his prestigious Cheurlin Champagne house into the kosher market. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to offer unparalleled luxury and quality. By combining centuries of French winemaking tradition with the modern excellence of the Cheurlin brand, we are redefining what is possible in the luxury champagne category for our consumers worldwide," said Nathan Herzog, President, Royal Wine Corp.

Thomas's kosher Champagne collection will be officially introduced in time for Passover 2026, when nearly 40 percent of kosher wine sales occur. The wines will debut at the 20th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience on February 3, 2026, hosted by Royal Wine Corp., the world's largest producer, importer, and distributor of kosher wines and spirits.

About Cheurlin Champagne

Founded in 1788, the Cheurlin family has cultivated vineyards in the Aube—the oldest area of the Champagne region—for more than two centuries. Known for combining authenticity with modern innovation, Cheurlin produces exceptional Champagnes including Brut Spéciale, Rosé de Saignée, and the limited-release Cheurlin Thomas Black Label Collection, crafted for those seeking rare depth, character, and luxury.

In 2015, Thomas became the owner-operator of Cheurlin Champagne, and today it is the largest Black-owned Champagne company in the world. In partnership with Royal Wine Corp., the brand now expands access to premium kosher Champagne without compromising quality or heritage.

About Royal Wine Corp.

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. is the premier manufacturer, importer and distributor of kosher wines, spirits and liqueurs from around the world. Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.'s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine.