Veuve Clicquot

Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was born in 1777, the daughter of a textile manufacturer from Reims. Widowed at the age of 27, she took control of her destiny and became one of the first modern entrepreneurs. At a time when women were excluded from business, she dared to take over the management of the company founded by her father-in-law in 1772, a role she played with passion and determination.

Her creativity and quest for innovation led to several firsts in Champagne: the first known vintage Champagne, the invention of the crushing table and the first known blended rosé Champagne. These three innovations revolutionised Champagne making and were quickly adopted by producers, laying the foundations for modern Champagne production. Madame Clicquot turned her name into a brand of excellence and made her known throughout the world. Her enormous contribution earned her the nickname of the "Grande Dame of Champagne".