Once upon a time, winemaking was a man’s game, with women barely visible in the vineyards or cellars. But let’s be real—women have been running the show behind the scenes for centuries. Today, they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve, shaking up the industry and making some damn good wine while they’re at it.
Pioneers Who Paved the Way
We can’t talk about women in wine without tipping our glasses to Madame Clicquot. She took over her late husband’s business in the 1800s and turned Veuve Clicquot into a powerhouse. With her at the helm, riddling—a technique still used in Champagne today—was invented, proving she was more than a widow with a fancy label. Then there’s Lalou Bize-Leroy of Domaine Leroy in Burgundy, who transformed her winery into one of the most biodynamic and revered estates in the world, fighting off the old boys’ club with every bottle of Vosne-Romanée.
Modern-Day Powerhouses
Across the globe, women are taking the wine world by storm. Elisabetta Foradori in Italy has elevated Teroldego, a once-forgotten grape, into a cult favourite. Meanwhile, Cathy Corison in Napa crafts elegant Cabernet Sauvignons that stand the test of time—without all the over-oaked nonsense. For fans of biodynamic wines, look no further than Mimi Casteel in Oregon. As a farmer first and winemaker second, her passion for sustainability shines through every bottle of Hope Well wines.
The Roadblocks
It’s not all clinking glasses and vineyard sunsets. Challenges like pay disparities and fewer leadership opportunities remain all too common. Women in Wine UK and Les Femmes de Bourgogne are stepping in to change the narrative, providing vital support and mentorship. Slowly but surely, the industry is evolving.
Wineries You Need to Know
Here’s where you can put your money where your mouth is. Some of the best wines I’ve tasted recently come from female-led wineries:
•Château de Pibarnon (Provence): Catherine Louvet runs the show, and their Bandol Rosé is summer in a bottle.
•Clos de la Roche (Burgundy): Owned by the ever-fabulous Laurence Mortet, their Pinot Noir is pure velvet.
•Tablas Creek (California): Co-founder Barbara Haas’s influence is all over their Rhône-style blends.
Why It Matters
It’s not just about equality – it’s about quality. Women bring fresh perspectives to the wine world, experimenting with everything from new grape varieties to sustainable practices. They’re not afraid to take risks, and the results speak for themselves. Supporting these winemakers means more diverse wines for all of us, and honestly, who doesn’t want that?
Next time you’re browsing the wine aisle, look for a female name on the label. You might just find your new favourite bottle. Cheers to that!
Tasting Picks:
•Foradori Teroldego 2021: Juicy, vibrant, and oh-so-drinkable.
•Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: Structured but elegant, with black fruit and a touch of spice.
•Hope Well Pinot Noir 2020: Earthy, complex, and worth every sip.
There’s no better time to celebrate the women who are crafting the wines that keep our glasses, and spirits full.
