Women + Champagne = A Perfect Pairing!
“I empower women one bottle of champagne at a time!”
Cynthia Coutu, Founder of Delectabulles
Paris, France
What is more French than champagne?
WOMEN drinking champagne — in Paris. At Cynthia Coutu’s Champagne Club for Women.
Cynthia calls her business Delectabulles and it offers visitors a diverse array of classes, activities and even retreats where French champagne made by women is the star attraction.
But you don’t have to be a club member to attend her events.
Champagne is sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France!
Champagne Events In Paris
Imagine a Chocolate and Champagne workshop where you learn to make chocolate bonbons with a famous pastry chef and then pair them with champagne.
Imagine a day tour to one of Cynthia’s favourite Woman-Owned Wineries while enjoying a fabulous lunch.
Or how about this? Yoga and Champagne! Not at the same time of course. You do some yoga with a certified instructor and once relaxed and melloooow, enjoy a champagne tasting while Cynthia imparts her vast knowledge of sparking wine.
Cynthia promoting her Yoga and Champagne event.
“Only the big champagne producers can afford to export their champagne abroad,” says Cynthia. “But some of the best champagne is made by the smaller producers, and it is very affordable, so I encourage visitors to take advantage while they are here.”
Cynthia’s Story
Cynthia as a student in Paris!
Cynthia Coutu is a Canadian expat living in Paris. She arrived as a “starving student” and never left. She spent much of her career working for the OECD (Organization For Economic Co-operation and Development) where she stayed for 16 years.
Learning that her position was going to be eliminated Cynthia decided to re-invent herself at 50 and do something that made her heart sing.
A connoisseur of wine, she became a certified wine expert specializing in champagne and other sparkling wines.*
At Delectabulles, Cynthia showcases sparkling wines from women-owned wineries or from operations where women have a prominent role.
“Women make the most wine purchases (70% in France, 86% in the U.S.) but only 27% of wineries in France are managed by women. In my small way I am dedicated to supporting and promoting these women.”
And so am I.
Going to Paris this summer? Click on the hyperlink — Delectabulles to see Cynthia’a website and the events she has planned. I hope to see you there!
Note: Many people use the word champagne as a generic term for all sparkling wine but in France, it actually refers to sparking wine produced only in the Champagne region of France. If it is not from Champagne, it is not champagne!
Champagne and a game of Boules!
P.S. THIS IS COOL! Cynthia is planning a summer event that she calls Bulles et Boules. It takes place in a local park where you sip champagne while engaging in the bowling-type game called Pétanque or Boules as it is also called.
Now that would be really different! (Bulles is French for bubbles, champagne bubbles in this case)
*All photos were provided by Delectabulles – https://www.delectabulles.com
If you would like to get regular tips about champagne, you can follow Cynthia
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/delectabulles
Read more about Cynthia’ story at https://www.globalfemaleleaders.com/blog/blending-business-and-passion/
Don’t Forget to Comment And Win Chanel Perfume!
If you are just hearing about my Summer Giveaway DRAW for the first time, I am giving away a 50 bottle of Chanel perfume to a lucky Subscriber of my blog.
All you have to do is COMMENT on Three Of My Blogs after you have read them. There is a space for comments at the bottom.
The Draw which will take place on July 7th and is open to my subscribers anywhere in the world.
Refillable Spray Chanel No 5
Chanel’s new perfume — Gabrielle!
Brought to you by www.womanofacertainageinparis.com
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Once the winner has been selected and received the Chanel Perfume in the mail, they will be asked for a Short Interview, and to take a Selfie or Photo holding the perfume.
The content will be used to promote interest to my blog and posted on FB, Instagram and Twitter. I personally purchase my Give-away products and do not derive any commission from the products or services promoted on this page.
Good Luck Ladies!
Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Women are wonderful. I can see how much fun taking a trip to delectabulles would be. Champaign and yoga, yes please!!! I love Cynthia’s spirit, no pun intended lol. What a fabulous woman entrepreneur, a position closes… open up a champaigne destination for women. I love it Cynthia. Thank you Diane once again for a terrific exploration into Paris. Everyone’s sleeping so I had to pop open your blog link. Have a wonderful day.
Love the Spirt comment. Thanks Tamara.
(Comment 3 of 3 — you are qualified for the Draw to the Chanel Perfume! Good Luck!)
How wonderful to honor women, I love this idea, thanks for all the fun .
It is such a novel idea isn’t it? Thanks Eileen. (Comment 2 of 3 — you are almost there)
I think I should host a champagne and chocolate tasting at Heavenly Cafe!
After all we are “ a taste of Paris in Collingwood “!
Now that is a capital idea… Heli! Count me in. (Comment 1 of 3)
Diana
I am one of those who refer to each bubbly wine as champagne. I have been aware of the “only made in champagne is champagne”. But its easier for me somehow. She has created a niche market within a vast market of wine. Good for her!! I love the sounds of her biz. Recreating herself after a first career, well brava! I would definitely live to look her up when in Paris. Thanks Diana!
Luci — thanks for the comment. I just know that when I have real champagne, the good stuff, it is like nothing else. I plan to be one of those people who now orders champagne at cocktail hour in Paris!
And of course, I will be sitting across from Cynthia who will educate me on the finer points.
(You are now qualified for the Draw for the Chanel Perfume! Good Luck!)
What an effervescent way to start the morning , Diana!
I love this story about Cynthia and how she has reinvented her life and created such a fabulous business!
You do know that I favour bubbly but usually go for the more affordable versions; Spanish Cava or Prosecco. When I have the opportunity of having a real French Champaign , there is really no comparison! I wish I were sitting outside at our little bistro sipping a glass and watching Paris go by, right now!???
And I can’t wait for you to come back to Paris with me so that we can
do one of Cynthia’s events! Diana
Bulles et Boules would be so much fun. As an “au pair”, the family I stayed with, we played “bulles” on weekend in the country. Everyone got involved. We had cheerleaders along with players. Having a glass of bubbly would have been perfect. Instead, we had “cidre”, which to me was just shy of being a poison. Thanks for bringing back great memories for me, Diana. Keep up the great work.
Oh God.. le cidre… ugh! Champagne all the way now my dear!
Lea, thank you for commenting – you have 3 for 3 and have now been entered for the Draw to win
the Chanel Perfume. Bonne Chance!, Diana
“Grande Dame of Champagne” Is my go to for special occasions, Veuve Clicquot! The best champagne IMHO and a fabulous story of women empowerment as she took over her husband’s wine business after his death at the age of 27, in the early 1800’s. When we were in Paris over Christmas I would have loved to delved in to unknown but didn’t know where to start so in the end stuck to my favourite standby.
Cynthia, I know, would love to host you at one of her events on your next trip to Paris.
Thanks for the comment Erin — (Comment 3 of 3. You are now qualified for the Draw for the Chanel Perfume.) Diana
I love the fact you are highlighting women owned businesses in a male dominated industry! How exciting and rewarding for Cynthia to achieve success in following her dream. I can only imagine how daunting the challenge of branching out on your own at a certain age.
Many of us are doing it! So nice of you to comment Michelle. (And you are fully qualified for
the Giveaway Draw on July 7th for Chanel perfume. Good luck)
What a wonderful story, a woman promoting women in very specialized work. I have a friend who promotes women in the tourism/hotel/hospitality industry and her work includes a fabulous annual convention. My firend also adores Paris so I will make sure a connection is made. Champagne and boules, yoga, cheese, hiking, it all sounds like perfection to me. Congratulations Cynthia, I’ll meet you on my text Paris adventure!
Margaret Ann, I would love to get connected to this friend of yours too! Diana
Many years ago we toured the Champagne region. Unlike wine, I learned that champagne does not keep for years. If I have a 10 yr old champagne bottle , is it still ok to drink?
I wonder! We will have to ask Cynthia that question. But I would if you can afford
champagne, you should drink it as soon as possible! Thanks for the comment Renee. Always love hearing from you.
(Comment 3 of 3! You are now qualified to win in the draw on July 7th for the Chanel Perfume! Good Luck!)
Women supporting women… what a wonderful concept. Love reading your stories Diane and am so glad that Shardie introduced us.
Looking forward to getting to Paris one of these days.
Cathy
Thank you Cathy — women supporting women (of a certain age) is really what my blog is all about. And to own that we become more attractive inside and out as we age. Paris is the embodiment of that I believe.
(3 of 3 Comments — you have now fully qualified for the Chanel Perfume Draw on July 7th — good luck!) Diana
Hmmm drinking champagne in Paris while playing boulles with the pigeons, I’m in.
Love and Light
Christine and the Animals
Wouldn’t we have fun doing that Christine? You must come to Paris.
(You have Comment 2 of 3 needed to qualify for the Chanel perfume Draw!)
Champagne is one drink I seem to never refuse. I prefer the “real” stuff.
It tickles my nose. Matching chocolate with a glass of bubbly…..sounds like a good idea…….
Like Audrey Hepburn said about Paris…chocolate is always a good idea!
(3 for 3 comments Twink. You are entered to win in the Draw for the Chanel perfume!)
Many industries are male dominated. I believe that only 12% of fashion houses are owned by women. That means that 88% of the men are making decisions about what we wear ladies! I, too, at 50 said to myself, “…it is now or never,” and I quit my job! I decided to do what I have always loved and that is fashion. I also keep a bottle of champagne or prosecco in the fridge at all times. I can always find a reason to pop a bottle open! So, cheers! Here is to all the ladies breaking into industries that were once male dominated!
Yes indeed Timmithea! I too left my career at 50 to start a whole new one and then started this new writing adventure in my 60’s! Women of a Certain Age unite! Love hearing from you. Diana
Bon jour! We need a list of women owned sparking wines and wines for our reference! And, I just found out we have Pétanque courts at our park, too! Guess what we are trying this weekend! Au revoir!- Timmithea
Bonjour Timmitthea, glad to hear you like the idea of Boules et bulles! I submitted quite a few names to the author of this list of champagne houses/domaines where women play a key role: https://lachampagnedesophieclaeys.fr/la-femme-est-lavenir-de-la-champagne/. I am afraid I haven’t yet compiled a similar list for all sparkling wines. I do occasionally feature some on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/delectabulles. Santé, Cynthia
I am so happy to connect! I had many people tell me I was crazy at the time, and a particular business coach tell me women my age don’t usually quit there jobs. Interestingly, I have met so many gals this last year who have done the same! Its so liberating to hear their stories and celebrate their successes. Merci beaucoup for the great read!
Love your comments!
Interesting stats on female purchasing . Male dominated marketers are slowly “getting it”…but ever so slowly
What I really liked in France were their rose’ Such variety and such a range in price . Some were. VERY expensive but AMAZING. I think here they get a bad rap because we were initially exposed only to cheap / inferior ones. This is also changing.
Loved your info on bubblies. Little tickles…..what is better than that??
Yes, you are right Patricia — Rose is big in France! And it is not like some of the roses you see on the other side of the ocean for sure. You see so many people in Paris as the weather warms, and it has been hot hot hot this week, drinking rose in the cafes.. so refreshing.
(PS You have now fully qualified for the Perfume Draw with Three Comments on my blog..congrats and good luck!)
Cheers Lovely ladies!
I just read all your comments. Thank you so much for your kind words and support. Much appreciated. I hope to meet you all someday in Paris over a glass, or two, of bubbly. I will welcome you with arms wide open!
Regarding the question about how long you can keep a bottle of champagne…. That is a question I answer in my masterclass. Here is the short answer: If it is a VINTAGE champagne (i.e. a blend made only from grapes from one specific year; the year will be featured prominently on the label of the bottle), you can keep it a long time because the grapes were of excellent quality that year and had enough acidity to survive ageing. Please note the bottle will not improve with ageing. If it is a NON-VINTAGE champagne (i.e. a blend from grapes from several years, and no year is indicated on the label), best to drink within 2-3 years. The tricky part is determining when the bottle was actually made! If you come to one of my classes, we can chat more about it Cheers! Cynthia
It is such a pleasure… and thank you for this great information. Really helpful. See you soon Cynthia! Diana
Absolutely need to spend time with this dynamic lady… on the Bucket List.
For eleven years I worked for Parfum Givenchy. At that time Givenchy was owned by the Ponsardin Family who are the makers of the well known Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Orange Label, Orange Box. Needless to say many flutes of these wonderful bubbles were consumed at Special Events and New Product Launches. Enjoyed it then and still do now. My horizons have since expanded to include many champagnes and sparkling wines. Try local, The Roost’s Sparkling Red “Silk Purse”, for a new spin and a delightful effervescence. Absolutely love???
Having just ‘retired’ I am refiring my life in the arts — I was an ED of a not for profit in the final phase of my career. I loved the work. Did not like the stress — and because I believe it is vital to contribute to society, want to use my creative expressions to inspire women to do the same.
And I LOVE what Cynthia has done! Brilliant and inspiring. Thank you for sharing her story.