This biography of a woman and a wine, takes place in the early 1800s, in France, at a time when women did not conduct business, let alone take over their husband's business. However Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was no oridnary woman. She had witnessed the French Revolution, lived through the Napoleonic Wars, national banking disasters, and the death of her husband, possibly from typhus or by suicide. Monsieur Clicquot had a dream of making a superior champagne, which his young widow was determined to make a reality. With determination, innate savviness, and advice from her own family and in-laws, all of whom were involved in business and trade, that dream became a reality.  In her lifetime, Veuve Clicquot became one of the best-known and highly rated champagnes, which is still true today.  The story of its creator has been something of a mystery, but the research that forms the basis for this enthralling biography reveals the portrait of a determined, bright and shrewd businesswoman, who lived during a turbulent period in French history and created an enduring heritage. A toast to her, "à sa santé," and to many other women who have left their marks in the business of culinary arts.

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Here is a list of works, written by, or about, other daring women who were involved in the culinary arts. These books are available on e-Media, just click on the titles. 

Edna Lewis: at the table with an American original

In pursuit of flavor by Edna Lewis

Fasting and feasting: the life of visionary food writer Patience Gray

M. F. K. Fisher's Provence

As they were by M. F. K. Fisher

The theortical foot by M. F. K. Fisher

Consider the oyster by M. F. K. Fisher

South wind through the kitchen by Elizabeth David

An omlette and a glass of wine by Elizabeth David

Palestine on a plate: memories from my mother's kitchen by Joudie Kalla

Shuk : from market to table, the heart of Israeli home cooking by Einat Admony

My American dream : a life of love, family, and food by Lidia Bastianich

Bitter almonds : recollections & recipes from a Sicilian girlhood by Mary Taylor Simeti and Maria Grammatico

Sicilian food : recipes from Italy's abundant isle by Mary Taylor Simeti

Love and kisses and a halo of truffles : letters to Helen Evans Brown edited by John Ferrone

The cheese board : collective works: bread, pastry, cheese, pizza by the Cheese Board Collective Staff; forward by Alice Waters