The history of Champagne dates back to 1531, when Benedictine monks first made wine that sparkled, which they called Blanquette de Limoux. In the 17th century, however Champagne as we know it now started when Dom Pérignon invented a specialized press for Champagne called a pressoir coquart. Dom also started blending wines of different grapes and vintages. In 1805, the widow cliquot invented what is called Riddling, and in 1884 Disgorgement started. I'll go into detail about how all those things affect champagne production in a larer entry. Today sparkling wine is produced all over the world, and many of the french champagn makers are involved in its production.