KEY POINTS:
"We are seeking a woman of vision, innovative and tenacious, a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial woman ahead of her times."
So read the invitation for the luncheon to celebrate the winner of the inaugural Veuve Clicquot Award 2008, inspired by its legendary founder, Madame Clicquot, who is credited with the industrialisation of champagne production in the early 19th century. The host was David Ridley, general manager of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, and former television and radio presenter Susan Wood played MC and toasted New Zealand's first winner, entertainment entrepreneur Julie Christie.
High point: The winner's overall prize package, which included a trip to Paris and Champagne as well as a vine named in her honour.
Low point: That many of us can't afford to sup the sponsor's product on a daily basis - surely the reason Madame Clicquot lived to the ripe old age of 89.
