Book Club Guide: The Widow Clicquot

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Book cover for The Widow Cliquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo with orange cover and picture of a wine bottle with an older woman in the center

Book: The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It

Author: Tilar J. Mazzeo

Genre: Biography/Memoir, Food & Wine, Historical, Nonfiction

Places Featured: Reims, France

The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It is an interesting read for anyone that enjoys champagne, history, France, and pioneering women. (My book review for The Widow Clicquot has more information.) Book clubs (especially the ones that enjoy a glass or two while they discuss) will enjoy discussing this book.

Suggested Discussions for The Widow Cliquot:

  1. Had you heard of Veuve Clicquot before this book? What did you know?
  2. What do you think inspired the Widow Clicquot to keep going after her husband’s death when and so much seeming to push against her?
  3. Do you think her husband committed suicide?
  4. What do you think contributed the most to her success? Her innovation? The timing? Her tenacity? The faith in her by her father-in-law? Luck?
  5. Do you think the business world (and specifically the wine industry) has gotten more inclusive of women?
  6. How would things have been different if the Clicquots had had a son?
  7. Why does champagne continue to have such a glamorous reputation?
  8. The author admits to having trouble finding information on the Barbe-Nicole; does this cloud the credibility of the rest of her story?
  9. In your opinion, was there too much information on French history and/or the wine-making industry?
  10. If you could ask Barbe-Nicole one question, what would it be and why?

Other Suggestions to Make Your Book Club Discussion of The Widow Cliquot Fun:

  • The obvious one: drink Veuve Clicquot!
  • Do a taste test of various champagnes or sparkling wines (one of my favorites is champagne vs. prosecco vs. cava) to see what your group prefers!
  • Bring in a wine expert to learn even more about the bubbly drink!
  • Find out more about Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin and her family; collect pictures to show the group of what they really looked like.
  • Research quotes about champagne (there are some good ones!) and vote on which one your members like the best…and which one they think Barbe-Nicole would have liked the best.
  • A movie about Widow Cliquot came out in 2023–have everyone in the group watch the movie (together if you have enough time) and discuss how the movie and book compare.

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Jen Price is the creator of Travel Books and Movies, where she helps readers explore the world through stories on the page and screen. Currently living in Italy, she shares her love of travel, books, and films through personal guides, reviews, and itineraries that blend real-world destinations with unforgettable stories.