My love affair with Veuve Clicquot champagne began many years ago. When I had my showroom, one of the artists I represented was my friend Susan Goodwin. She is a jewelry artisan extraordinaire, so we decided to exhibit her work in Paris, at the Premiere Classe show held at the Jardin des Tuileries. We stayed at one of my favorite places in Paris, www.paris-hotel-tourville.com. After a long day at the show, we would have a bottle of Veuve either before we went out and had dinner, or we would sit in the quaint lobby after we got back from dinner, and share a bottle of Veuve. If it was a very successful day at the show, sometimes it was both. It is no wonder why I equate Veuve Clicquot with celebratory, good times. The above photo was taken the other day when we were celebrating the 13th anniversary of the Fine Living shop. It was also my birthday that day, so I had several reasons for celebrating. The Watson Kennedy family surprised me with a little party before we opened the shop. The photo is some of the orange themed gifts I was given. They all know me quite, quite well, so bottles of my beloved Veuve were part of the tableau.
I am not the only huge fan of Veuve Clicquot out there. We sell many orange Veuve related goods at the shops. This is a tray and ice bucket that we carry by an artist who painstakingly recreates an homage to the champagne house.
The orange color is said to have come from the yolk of an egg from a chicken from Bresse.
We went to Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in Reims as part of my 40th birthday celebration. If you ever get the chance, go. That region of France is so lovely. It was a memory I will treasure. TPS had arranged for a private tasting for us–I keep the corks from it on my bedside table as a reminder. Vintage buckets are hard to come by, so whenever I find them on my trips, I snatch them up.
Another memorable Veuve moment was my actual 40th birthday, which we had at the shop. These are a few of the bottles that were enjoyed that evening. They serve as a wonderful reminder of the party, as well as make a stylish display.
We also sell many small, vintage Veuve items that I find on my buying trips. Ashtrays, pocket knives and keychains are always a hit with customers.
Cheers to Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin!
This wine Wednesday is a tip of the hat to my very favorite champagne, Veuve Clicquot. I thought it was fitting that it be before New Year’s Eve, as this is celebratory bubbly of the highest order. A celebration in a glass. Yes, there are other lovely champagnes out there, but there is just something about the sight of a Veuve bottle that speaks of a special time. Always. 
The signature non-vintage brut is a crisp champagne with full flavors. The predominance of Pinot Noir provides the structure that is unmistakably Veuve. This is also the best time of year to buy bottles, as December is always when it is at its best price. Or the champagne gods shine down brightest at this time. You decide. Either way, now is the time to snatch it up and enjoy every last bubble.
