Celebrating International Women’s Day with Paul Hastings: Women in Wine at Kettner’s Champagne Bar

To celebrate International Women’s Day, global law firm Paul Hastings partnered with Elizabeth & Wine to host a memorable client event focused on one of my favourite topics: women in wine.

The evening brought together key clients from the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure practice for an engaging and interactive wine tasting in the heart of Soho, at the Champagne bar inside the legendary Kettner’s.

During the tasting, we went “behind the label” to explore the stories of female winemakers and the challenges many still face when building careers in the global wine industry.

The evening wasn’t just about tasting exceptional wines. Guests were also taken on a journey into how women engage with wine — from how they buy and choose wine, to how they taste, discuss and experience it socially.

It sparked fascinating conversations around both wine culture and gender representation in the industry.

Encouragingly, many leading Champagne houses are now appointing female chefs de cave (cellar masters), and today nearly 50% of Masters of Wine are women.

However, women remain underrepresented in some of the most senior roles. In the upper tiers of Champagne production, for example, only around 10% of cellar masters are female.

This is particularly striking when you consider that around 70% of Champagne purchases are made by women. With women playing such a significant role in the market, many believe they should also have a stronger voice in shaping the industry’s future.

Guests enjoyed a carefully curated selection of wines from some of the world’s most respected producers:

• Ruinart Brut NV

• Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé

• Cakebread Cellars Two Creeks Vineyard Pinot Noir

• Cabernet Franc from Garage Wine Co.

• Wines supplied by Corney & Barrow via VINVM Ltd

Each wine helped illustrate a different part of the story — from classic Champagne houses to innovative producers pushing boundaries in modern winemaking.

Events like this are a fantastic way for organisations to connect with clients in a relaxed, engaging setting while exploring a compelling theme.

At Elizabeth & Wine, I curate corporate wine tastings and private client events in London, tailored to the audience and hosted in carefully selected venues across the city.

If you’re looking to organise a client wine tasting, team event, or International Women’s Day celebration, I’d love to help create a memorable experience.

Get in touch: elizabeth@elizabethandwine.com

And a special thank you to Jessamy Gallagher and the team at Paul Hastings for such a wonderful evening.

Elizabeth x