Gaëlle was born in Reims in 1985. She grew-up in the countryside of Champagne, and loved spending time in the vineyard with her grandmother who taught her wine-growing basics and tricks. Her parents were both doctors and instilled in her a love of travelling as they often flew across the world for medical missions, and carried her everywhere from Africa to Asia. After high school and achieving an undergraduate degree in sciences, Gaëlle left for Australia where she spent two years studying Foreign Politics at the University of Queensland. Still feeling very close to the wine universe and notably devoted to champagne, she came back to France, decided to get back to her roots, and secured a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry and Oenology, with a National Diploma of Oenology in 2012.
After several experiences with wine grower’s families and Houses of champagne, she was offered the job as Deputy Head of Production by a prestigious House of Champagne. She spent five years taking care of the winemaking process both in stainless steel and wood style and managed a team of wine technicians. With her expertise, she decided to step forward and use this experience in development and communication. She is now a senior member of the assembly committee and works at Didier’s side in the creation of assemblies.
I grew up in Champagne, spending time in the vineyards from an early age, where I developed a deep connection to the land – its wildlife, nature and all the secrets of plants. It felt like part of my DNA. I was always drawn by the intersection of art & science, and once I began my studies, I was captivated by the complexity and mystery of wine creation and how a single fruit grown could offer such a multitude of expressions. The Champagne region offers such a unique intersection of where tradition meets innovation, associated with the most difficult process of making wine that exists. There’s something magical about crafting wines that are not only technically precise but also elegant, expressive, and full of emotion.
Madame Clicquot was bold, visionary, and deeply committed to creating wines of the finest quality – values that continue to guide everything we do. Her pioneering & innovative spirit inspires me to push boundaries while honoring the House’s heritage. Whether it’s reimagining blends or refining our aging processes, we always ask: “What would Madame Clicquot do today?”
La Grande Dame 2018 is the newest expression of our legacy that embodies the values of the Maison. It was created as a tribute to Madame Clicquot herself – who was actually nicknamed the Grande Dame of Champagne – and highlights the pinnacle of our wines, the Pinot Noir grape. It’s a wine that speaks to strength, finesse, and vision.
Curiosity. I’m constantly learning – from the vines, from my peers, from every vintage. The moment you think you know everything about wine is the moment you stop evolving.
I had this immense privilege to meet Malala Yousafzai. Her unwavering commitment to education is a powerful model of courage and perseverance. I deeply believe that education – on any subject – is essential for growth and progress.
My three wonderfully wild boys ! They are my heart and soul. Life would be far too quiet without them!
I love seeing how people are embracing champagne as part of everyday life – not just for toasts or big milestone moments, but as something to be enjoyed on a sunny afternoon, with a casual meal, or simply as a moment of indulgence. There’s a growing appreciation for champagne’s versatility, and at Veuve Clicquot, we’re thrilled to see more people sipping with spontaneity and joy.
I’ve always been drawn to foreign literature. It helps me understand the subtleties of cultures, which in turn shapes how I interpret tasting profiles when I travel. Stories have a way of revealing what’s beneath the surface – just like a great wine.
