Veuve Clicquot Forum

The Experience of a Lifetime

It would have been impossible for any deserved winner of an award such as the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year to know what was in store upon the collection of her prize – and what a prize event it was!
The first event, a river cruise, preceded by a visit to the Madame Vionnet exhibition at a Paris museum. We all met in the lobby of the Sofitel Hotel, selected for us by Clicquot, and undertook some hurried informal introductions – so many new names to remember in a potpourri of languages.
The evening sparkled. The champagne flowed, the food was excellent, the entertainment from an amazing band called The Gypsy Kings quickly connected with us all as they played favourite songs from our homelands, which generated a sing-along from the outset.
The night ended all too quickly. Charged with anticipation, we caught cabs back to our hotel, knowing that tomorrow would see us on the 8am train to Reims and the start of a day that I will remember for many years to come.
We arrived at Reims on time and were transferred by bus to the Veuve Clicquot promotional cellar. The tour ended with a presentation of a very special bottle of champagne to each of the winners. Sealed in the traditional way, each bottle would become an absolute keeper.
Next was lunch and I was headed for Vesney and one of the Widow’s chateaus to meet the CEO Cecile, and to dine together exclusively with the other eleven winners.
This meal was the first time that we had been in the company of the other winners, devoid of the entourage that so many of them had brought. The lunch began with an introduction from each of us – an endearing look at how we saw the world and this event, rather than a hard sell on our best business practice.
Coffee in the garden saw us reunite with our partners and the media entourage and then it was in to the adjacent vineyard for our most spectacular moment.
Quietly, we all waited our turn, champagne glass in hand as a film crew and Veuve Clicquot cast methodically worked through each woman’s vine christening. Being last simply prolonged the whole delicious process for me.
When it came to my turn, you would not have known that 10 women had gone before me. The press furiously clicked off their photos, the sun shone and I felt incredibly privileged and special to be awarded this lifelong honour. It was, however, the provenance that the small orange plaque would continue to bear fruit for generations to come that was the biggest part of this award for me.
The day ended all too quickly. The bus was ready to depart one more time, this time it was back to Reims to check into the night’s accommodation.
At 7.30pm sharp, we were to meet in the lounge for aperitifs before we were ferried to our dinner destination. The women slowly arrived dressed to impress, in that this was the culmination of our splendid day.
Dinner was at another of the Widow’s properties. It was beautifully presented and lots of conversation filled the room and photo opportunities were rife. Two awards were presented to two women that had achieved wonderfully by ensuring they had a strong philanthropic heart to their businesses.
On our last morning, we had been asked to give three hours of our time to a working session with the Veuve Clicquot senior team. Intrigued and obedient, we all attended. This was a wonderful forum for Veuve Clicquot to have the minds of such capable women harnessed in one room for this extended period. The goal, as it transpired, was to get feedback from us and to look at ways they could drive the event forward.
Session over, some had to rush away but determined to embrace every last moment, we headed back to the Veuve Clicquot’s promotional cellars for a light lunch. A fabulous final hurrah to those left behind, fabulous food matched with gorgeous champagne. Some obligatory guestbook signing, business card swapping and we departed for the train back to Paris.
These three days had been spectacular. The women I met will provide connections for life but it will be up to me to foster this.
By Annah Stretton

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Annah Stretton Wins Veuve Clicquot Award

Annah Stretton has been named as the 2009 New Zealand recipient of the Veuve Clicquot Award.

The Award is a global tribute to female achievers in business and industry who exemplify the qualities of Madame Clicquot, the woman behind the successful champagne house Veuve Clicquot.

Richard Yeomans, General Manager of Veuve Clicquot’s local subsidiary, said the Award recognised and celebrated women who demonstrated entrepreneurship, audacity and vision.

“Annah Stretton has the entrepreneurial drive, tenacity, charisma, vision and hardworking nature that were key values of Madame Clicquot. Her financial success is unquestionable and she continues to diversify and innovate in a manner which would do the Grande Dame of Champagne proud.”

As well as her business success, a commitment to community and corporate social responsibility were integral to the 2009 Award, Yeomans said.

“Apart from her own personal quest for success, Annah’s significant commitment to philanthropic causes made her stand out. Not only does she work closely with various charities, she fosters young fashion talent and her commitment to helping New Zealand women in business is evident through the national networking and mentoring events she has built up.”

As the New Zealand winner of the Veuve Clicquot Award 2009, Annah will fly to Reims, France, in October to join past and present laureates from other countries at the annual Veuve Clicquot Businesswomen’s Meeting, where a vine will be christened in her name. She will also receive a bottle of La Grande Dame champagne, the company’s prestigious cuvee release, every year on Madame Clicquot’s birthday.

The Veuve Clicquot Award for businesswomen was launched in France in 1972 to commemorate the extraordinary qualities of Madame Clicquot.Today the award is presented in 18 countries including New Zealand.

Other finalists included Jenny Morel (Managing Partner No.8 Ventures), Mary Devine (CEO Ezibuy Ltd), Sarah Kennedy (Managing Director Healtheries NZ) and Sarah Trotman (CEO Bizzone).