Celebrating Women Making Waves within the UK Drinks Trade

Champagne’s history, significance during moments of celebration and abundance of variety makes it such a special sparkling wine for so many people. That’s why Champagne Bureau UK* has asked directors, bartenders and women at the top of the drinks industry about the impact Champagne has had on their lives and careers to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Find out what Champagne means to Victoria Henson, Director of the Champagne Bureau UK, Dawn Davies, Head Buyer for Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, Sophie Bratt, Bar Manager at NOBU, Portman Road, Sandia Chang, Sommelier and Bubbledogs co-founder and Lucia Montanelli, Head Bartender at The Dorchester

 

Victoria Henson

 

Director of the Champagne Bureau UK

Born in Paris and studied European Politics, Business and Languages at the University of Bath, Victoria is founder of Sekoya Communications and was appointed the Director of the Champagne Bureau UK in August 2022.

 

In your opinion, what is it that sets Champagne apart from other sparkling wines?

There are so many reasons – from being the only sparkling wine with over 300 years of history and a worldwide reputation that is seen throughout pop culture, to being synonymous with life’s celebrations. It is a drink that is associated with positivity, laughter and socialising. It is the only drink that is so famous, that even the sound of opening a bottle is recognised across the globe. No other sparkling wine can claim that.

Champagne is a very versatile wine, but do you have a favourite Champagne food pairing?

I don’t have a favourite food pairing as so many styles of Champagne can be beautifully paired with various dishes. However, I will say I have a favourite Champagne moment in the day… just after work, when you have had a very productive day and all you want to do is put your feet up with a chilled glass of Champagne with dinner.

What is your favourite memory associated with drinking Champagne?

Oh I have many – all associated with moments of celebration.

What is your favourite Champagne style, and why?

This is a very tricky question as different styles can be enjoyed depending on different times of day. I personally love Pinot Noir so I do tend to enjoy a Blanc de Noirs. But then who doesn’t enjoy a rosé in the sunshine!

What advice would you give a woman wanting to work their way up in the drinks industry?

To be patient and to be kind – No one gets anywhere with rudeness. I would also advise to see challenges as opportunities.

Which women inspire you?

I can’t pick names but I can certainly say that the women who inspire me the most are those who always strive to be a better version of themselves, who continue to want to learn from others, and who are not afraid to admit when they are wrong.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

To confront your fears – they never go away so you might as well tackle them – and find the solution before there is a problem.

Dawn Davies

 

Head Buyer for Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange

With over two decades working in the drinks industry under her belt, Dawn is the Head Buyer for Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange.

 

 

In your opinion, what is it that sets Champagne apart from other sparkling wines?

Champagne has that ‘je ne sais quoi’, that magical sense of place that has the wonderful ability to make you smile when you take your first sip because you know you are drinking Champagne. No other sparkling wine quite does this.

Champagne is a very versatile wine, but do you have a favourite Champagne food pairing?

I have been asked this quite a bit recently and I say I will drink Champagne with anything from a wonderful scallop with a beurre blanc sauce to a simple pizza. We often believe Champagne is just for celebration but for me it is just a drink I love and with so many different styles you have a lot to play with when it comes to food.

What is your favourite memory associated with drinking Champagne?

So many! I think it comes down to my first visit to Champagne. We went to the top of this hill overlooking the Vallee and drank a bottle of Champagne as the sun went down. I think that is the moment my love affair with Champagne started.

What is your favourite Champagne style, and why?

This is like asking someone to choose their favourite child! I think it depends on what my mood is but I do find myself going, more often, towards the fuller styles of Champagne, but I also really love some of the 100% Pinot Meunier that are on the market right now.

What advice would you give a woman wanting to work their way up in the drinks industry?

Be yourself, don’t be afraid to push back, be strong in your convictions and confident in your own worth. I have had so much support from the industry and for me it is not about being a female buyer it is about being the best buyer I can be.

Which women inspire you?

So many, every woman that has worked hard to be where she is today is to be admired. The first people to really believe in me were Nobuko Okamura and Helena Hell, to them I am forever grateful. Today amazing women like Claire Thevenot and Helen McGinn continue to motivate me to do better. But the one woman who started it all has to be my mom – she has shown me what real strength of mind is.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

In times of trouble or stress I have always turned to ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. For me, it offers strength and the confidence to keep on battling.

Sophie Bratt

 

Bar Manager at NOBU, Portman Road

Previously bar manager of the OXO Tower and Harvey Nichols, Sophie is now the Bar Manager at NOBU, Portman Road. Her love for Champagne within the industry is known, often documenting a run home after work to squeeze in a glass or two.

 

In your opinion, what is it that sets Champagne apart from other sparkling wines?

The heritage, glamour and romanticism of Champagne is what initially drew me to it. The versatility, variety and sheer deliciousness is what kept me going back.

Champagne is a very versatile wine, but do you have a favourite Champagne food pairing?

Fish and Chips without a doubt.

What is your favourite memory associated with drinking Champagne?

In our family, we have a motto which is ‘Make Everyday a Champagne Day’ so it’s very difficult to narrow down a favourite memory! I guess anytime spent with my family and friends is up there – but probably whilst holding my niece for the first time was my favourite.

What is your favourite Champagne style, and why?

This totally depends on my mood. I love a moody, toasty vintage for those Chanel moments, a Blanc de Blancs for post long runs (this is a thing right?!), and whatever is in my hand day to day.

What advice would you give a woman wanting to work their way up in the drinks industry or in their chosen field?

Work hard, don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help and say you don’t know how to do something! Don’t be afraid to fail.

Which women inspire you?

My friends and family – I love to surround myself with inspiring people. People who believe in good and are not afraid to fight for what is right. My Nan was one of the most inspiring women to me and wow did she love a glass of Champagne.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Take time to smell the roses – meaning don’t rush through life and miss the beauty of it.

 

Sandia Chang

Sommelier and Bubbledogs co-founder

California-born Sandia Chang is one of London’s most exciting Sommeliers. Her knowledge in Champagne has earnt her an enviable reputation in the industry, as well as numerous awards. Her particular interest lies in grower Champagnes, and Sandia makes a point of knowing each of her suppliers personally, making regular visits to small-scale producers in Champagne, constantly on the lookout for new wines to list.

In your opinion, what is it that sets Champagne apart from other sparkling wines?

I guess these days with so many great sparkling wines made all over the world, Champagne has its leg up on its history and experience. Also, the terroir of Champagne is unlike anywhere else.

Champagne is a very versatile wine, but do you have a favourite Champagne food pairing?

Champagne and French fries (dipped in mayo) all day, any day.

What is your favourite Champagne style, and why?

I normally prefer young fresh styles of Champagne with lower dosage. Blanc de Noirs is normally my go to.

What advice would you give a woman wanting to work their way up in the drinks industry or in their chosen field?

Remember that in our industry, it is all about skill, work ethic and passion and have very little to do with your sex orientation. So, work hard and love what you do.

Which women inspire you?

Alice Waters. Not only was she one of the pioneers of California cuisines, but at that time celebrity chefs were not a thing, she managed to make herself present in a pool of male chefs and still remain humble and unwavering to what she believes in.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

When tasting wines, do not look at the price beforehand.

 

Lucia Montanelli

 

Head Bartender at The Dorchester

Lucia Montanelli really knows how to shake and stir things up at The Dorchester in Mayfair. Lucia is head bartender at the hotel and has been recognised with several industry accolades.

 

In your opinion, what is it that sets Champagne apart from other sparkling wines?

Definitely its unmistakable taste, its characteristics notes make it unique. It’s the sparkling wine most associated with luxury and the best pairing to celebrate special moments.

Champagne is a very versatile wine, but do you have a favourite Champagne food pairing?

Champagne and Caviar is probably the best, but I believe its perlage goes well with everything.

What is your favourite memory associated with drinking Champagne?

The celebration of my IBA Cocktail World Cup win back in 2016 in Tokyo.

What is your favourite Champagne style, and why?

Blanc de Noir Champagne, they are full bodied and fruity, Pinot Meunier is full of red fruits flavour and freshness while the Pinot Noir gives more citrusy notes.

What advice would you give a woman wanting to work their way up in the drinks industry or in their chosen field?

Passion, study, commitment and do not expect to be treated differently by a man, we can do the same job if not even better.

Which women inspire you?

My mum. She raised me and my sister by herself in her thirties and she was the best example I could ever wish for.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Never regret your choices.

 

*The Champagne Bureau UK is the representation of the Comité Champagne in the UK, a trade association representing Champagne Growers and Houses.