UNKNOWN ARTIST, 21ST CENTURY Napoleon. First Council and patron of the champagne house Moët 36 x 28.5 cm Moët & Napoléon Founded by Claude Moët in 1742, the Moët Champagne house rose to prominence under Jean-Rémy Moët, who met Napoleon Bonaparte in 1781. A lasting friendship was formed. Hailing from a family of vintners, Napoleon became a loyal patron, travelling with Moët champagne during his campaigns and regularly visiting Épernay. This helped to establish Moët as a renowned name across Europe during the Napoleonic Wars.