Women play a major role in the development of the wine industry. Some of the world’s most popular wines and brands have been created or piloted into the public spotlight by women. What’s more, women have been proven time and again to be better tasters than their male counterparts.
Whether they are pruning the vines, making the wines, developing marketing strategies, negotiating local and international business accounts, or entertaining visitors, the women of wine play an integral part in how we enjoy one of the world’s greatest beverages.
In light of the past, present, and future achievements of women in the wine industry, and International Women’s Day – March 8 – I would like to shine a light on some of those women who hold invaluable roles in making some of the finest wines around the world.
Included in the list below are several significant female figures and women winemakers, and the wine products they work to create. It is worth mentioning that every one of the names and wineries listed below is an A-list contributor to the world of wine.
If you are looking for a way to honor the women in your life (a birthday, anniversary, or holiday) these producers and products will most certainly help you celebrate.
Susana Balbo, Dominio del Plata, Argentina
Vanya Cullen, Cullen Wines, Australia
Louisa Rose, Yalumba, Australia
Virginia Willcock, Vasse Felix, Australia
Heidi Schröck, Austria
Brooke Blair, Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, Canada
Sue-Ann Staff, Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, Canada
Cecilia Torres, Vina Santa Rita, Chile
Bérénice Lurton, Chateau Climens, Bordeaux, France
Pascale Peyronie, Chateau Fonbadet, Bordeaux, France
Anne-Claude Leflaive, Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France
Lalou Bize-Leroy, Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
Marie-Christine & Marie-Andrée Mugneret, Mugneret-Gibourg, Burgundy, France
Cécile Tremblay, Burgundy, France
Isabelle Baratin-Canet, Chateau Grillet, Rhone Valley, France
Theresa Breuer, Weingut George Breuer, Germany
Anna Martens, Vino di Anna, Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Patricia Toth, Planeta, Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Mariangela Cambria, Cottanera, Sicily, Italy
Arianna Occhipinti, Vittoria, Sicily, Italy
Nova Cadamatre, Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley, California, United States
Cathy Corison, Corison Winery, Napa Valley, California, United States
Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley, California, United States
Sally Johnson, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Sonoma, California, United States
Julianne Laks, Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley, California, United States
Tobe Sheldon, Sheldon Wines, Sebastopol, California, United States
Pam Starr, Crocker & Starr, St. Helena, California, United States
Delia Viader, Viader Winery, Napa Valley, California, United States
As always, I look forward to hearing from you about your interactions with these wines, or if you have suggestions for other wineries to “research,” we welcome your comments.
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