WBI Global Network

This week we feature one of our global colleagues, who presented their research at the AWBR Conference.  Nathalie Spielmann is an expert in the business of Champagne, who teaches at the NEOMA Business School in Reims.  I regard her to likely be the most knowledgeable person that I have ever met on the business of Champagne in France.

When you visit a region as famous as Champagne, you’re often fed a rich diet of stories of yore, blind monks and magical terroir.  In contrast to the myths, Natalie understands how the businesses in the region generate revenue, arguably building the greatest pricing power of any wine region in the world.

We were blessed to be introduced to Natalie by Wine Industry Faculty Member Eric Simms, who has organized master classes with Natalie when our Executive Wine MBA students have visited Champagne.  The students benefited enormously from frank discussions, not only from Natalie but also from other colleagues hand-selected by Eric to deliver for our students.  

I know that the international trips can appear to be glorified vacations for the students, yet when Eric and Natalie are on the job, our students get the real story about how this region builds brand equity, lessons that they can apply in any region where they work.

Join our community at the Wine Business Institute. Learn more about our Global Wine Executive MBA Program.