Women in Champagne: Special Screening & Tasting—Widow Clicquot

Join us for a glass of Veuve Cliquot, followed by a special screening of Thomas Napper’s 2023 drama Widow Clicquot!

Widow Clicquot recounts the story of French Champagne producer Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot. When she was widowed at the age of 27, Madame Clicquot took on her late husband’s wine business in late 1700s France. She went on to begin the Veuve Clicquot Champagne dynasty, and her legacy includes inventions that revolutionized the making of Champage.

Post-screening discussion on the role of women in the Champagne industry featuring sommelière Alicia Barrett and Laura Kitaeff of Moët Hennessy.

Guests will enjoy a tasting pour of Clicquot Yellow Label before the screening.

Doors at 6:00 p.m. Screening at 6:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

*Entrée Libre: free entry for students with ID

About the Panelists

Alicia Barrett’s passion for wine began after a transformative trip to Burgundy, inspiring her to pursue a deep dive into the world of wine education. She holds the prestigious WSET Diploma, a qualification earned by only a select group of wine professionals globally. Alicia serves as the wine educator for Binny’s Beverage Depot in Illinois, where she leads educational programs for both staff and customers across 45 locations. She is also an educator for the U.S. Champagne Bureau. Previously, Alicia worked as a sommelier at the InterContinental Hotel-Chicago. When not immersed in the world of wine, Alicia enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, traveling, and living in the city.

Rachel Driver-Speckan graduated from the MAPPS Program at the University of Chicago and continued her studies at The Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Court of Master Sommeliers USA. Throughout her career, Rachel has won important awards and recognition as a two-time winner of the Grand Cochon 555, Somm Slam, and the Jean Banchet Best Sommelier Award. Reputable journals and magazines like Somm Journal and Art Culinaire Magazine have published her writings. As the National Beverage Director and Education Director, she also created the foundation for the Wine Education Certification for all City Winery locations and service staff.

Presently, Rachel is a Portfolio Manager at Maverick Beverage Company based in Illinois. She enjoys quenching her thirst and knowledge for all things beverage. She is also smitten with her neighborhood, her family, Calvin dog, and travel.

Laura Kitaeff is a sales professional with 13 years in the wine and spirits industry. She worked with Heaven Hill Brands and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits before joining Moët Hennessy, the Wine & Spirits branch of LVMH, as Director, Prestige - Experiential Retail, IL in February 2023.