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Women in Wine: Their journeys, challenges, and favourite bottles
With International Women’s Day tomorrow, db asks leading women in the wine world to share their thoughts, their advice, and, of course, their ultimate ‘desert island’ wine. The post Women in Wine: Their journeys, challenges, and favourite bottles appeared first on The Drinks Business.
With International Women’s Day tomorrow, db asks leading women in the wine world to share their thoughts, their advice, and, of course, their ultimate ‘desert island’ wine.
What does it mean to be a woman working in the wine industry?
For millenia wine has been predominantly a family business. Even today, most of the world’s leading wines are made by families, many of them multigenerational. It makes so much sense for women to be involved, yet it is a relatively new phenomenon. Until recently, the leaders of most family wine businesses were always men. I honestly think that men are the biggest winners in this new co-ed family structure - they share responsibilities and love how hard working women are.
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
The first vintage of Nicolás Catena Zapata, 1997, a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon - this was the classic pre-phylloxera Bordeaux blend that my father resuscitated in Argentina. And it has my father’s name. Nothing could be more special!
What do you love most about the industry?
Perhaps it is cliché to use the word passion, but it is impossible to find a person who is not passionate and fun in the wine world. We get involved in wine because we love how it helps us stay connected to nature and enjoy the company of friends and family. It is the ultimate food enhancer. And thanks to its powerful effects reducing overall mortality for those who drink in moderation, it is even a health tonic. Pleasure, passion, health, nature and conviviality, what could possibly be better?
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
First: take the WSET program or another wine program to understand some of the complexities of terroir and flavor.
Second: go to local wine tastings, talk to sommeliers at restaurants and visit as many wineries as you can.
Third: look for a job in something you like to do with people who have a mission that you can relate to.
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
While I was a Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé back in 2010 I made a Cabernet Sauvignon as part of my mentorship intern that was auctioned as Protégé wine. It was amazing how that wine developed over the years, but it was the skill that I had adopted during the winemaking process which then resembled what it means to be a winemaker. It is not always perfect, but we strive to create amazing wines vintage on vintage.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love our industry rich history and tradition allowing the rich culture of craftmanship and expertise , passed down through generations . We have amazing diverse wine regions with varied terroir . We boast Innovative and sustainable practises when it comes to our winemaking processes . This country is the home of passionate, forward thinking and highly skilled winemakers that produces award winning wines.
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
Staying resilient has been one of the most important lessons I've learnt in overcoming obstacles and remaining persistent in pursuing my goals. The winemaking industry presents its own challenges, including various pressures and biases.
I continuously strive to educate myself to adapt to changing times. While advocating for myself, I've learned to balance passion with practicality, particularly when it comes to business acumen and financial management for sustainability.
I would encourage her to follow her passion, as the wine industry is diverse. It's essential to seek education and training to build a solid foundation of knowledge. Finding mentorship and dedicating herself to her craft will also be crucial.
Lastly, it is okay to have a family and be an entrepreneur. You just need to find balance and amazing support structure.
What does it mean to be a woman working in the wine industry?
Here in Tuchan in southern France a woman’s place is still at home looking after the children so I’m pretty proud to have smashed that mould.
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
Probably my carignan gris as that grape deserves the limelight. My old vines have waited over a hundred years to get their name on the label.
What do you love most about the industry?
The blank canvas for creativity and the opportunity to communicate.
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
Wear flat shoes and dress like a man.
What does it mean to be a woman working in the wine industry?
Being a woman in the wine industry could be a hindrance at the start of my career for certain positions in France, where they simply didn’t want women. However, it was never an obstacle to working abroad in production, even though I had to elbow my way in to establish myself among the men in the cellar! It wasn’t easy to find my place in such a male-dominated world.
The wine industry has now opened up significantly to women, and it is much easier today. If you are competent and determined, I don’t think it’s a problem.
Unless, of course, you come across misogynistic men—but that happens everywhere…!
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
I have a few favourite wines, such as beautiful Sancerres or Pinot Noirs, but since you’re asking for a wine tied to a memory, the one that comes to mind is a 20-year-old Banyuls from the Cave des Templiers. I tasted it during my early days in Roussillon, and it remains a fabulous memory, especially with a food and wine pairing of Roquefort. It was a magical discovery of the treasures of Roussillon, its old grape varieties, and its wonderful vins doux naturels.
What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most is the creation of wine—the grape and its transformation into wine, this natural alchemy that brings it to life. And I love being part of that process! The grape is alive, different each year, and so is the wine. Having a palette of grape varieties and terroirs and creating from what nature gives us is absolutely fascinating.
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
My advice… You need to love the world of wine, have the desire, the passion for the vineyards, the cellar, and the wine itself. Don’t be afraid of hard work and long hours—be curious, be determined. Passion and love for the craft are essential!
Women in the wine industry have long been shaping trends, influencing consumer tastes, and making wine more accessible to younger generations. From vineyard to boardroom, their impact is undeniable. While challenges remain in this historically male-dominated space, these women are not just holding their own—they’re leading the way.
With International Women’s Day upon us tomorrow (8th March), The Drinks Business speaks to inspiring women in wine about what it means to work in the industry, their favourite wines, and their best advice for the next generation.
Dr Laura Catena, 4th generation vintner and MD Catena Zapata
What does it mean to be a woman working in the wine industry?
For millenia wine has been predominantly a family business. Even today, most of the world’s leading wines are made by families, many of them multigenerational. It makes so much sense for women to be involved, yet it is a relatively new phenomenon. Until recently, the leaders of most family wine businesses were always men. I honestly think that men are the biggest winners in this new co-ed family structure - they share responsibilities and love how hard working women are.
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
The first vintage of Nicolás Catena Zapata, 1997, a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon - this was the classic pre-phylloxera Bordeaux blend that my father resuscitated in Argentina. And it has my father’s name. Nothing could be more special!
What do you love most about the industry?
Perhaps it is cliché to use the word passion, but it is impossible to find a person who is not passionate and fun in the wine world. We get involved in wine because we love how it helps us stay connected to nature and enjoy the company of friends and family. It is the ultimate food enhancer. And thanks to its powerful effects reducing overall mortality for those who drink in moderation, it is even a health tonic. Pleasure, passion, health, nature and conviviality, what could possibly be better?
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
First: take the WSET program or another wine program to understand some of the complexities of terroir and flavor.
Second: go to local wine tastings, talk to sommeliers at restaurants and visit as many wineries as you can.
Third: look for a job in something you like to do with people who have a mission that you can relate to.
Praisy Dlamini CEO and head winemaker at Amandla
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
While I was a Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé back in 2010 I made a Cabernet Sauvignon as part of my mentorship intern that was auctioned as Protégé wine. It was amazing how that wine developed over the years, but it was the skill that I had adopted during the winemaking process which then resembled what it means to be a winemaker. It is not always perfect, but we strive to create amazing wines vintage on vintage.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love our industry rich history and tradition allowing the rich culture of craftmanship and expertise , passed down through generations . We have amazing diverse wine regions with varied terroir . We boast Innovative and sustainable practises when it comes to our winemaking processes . This country is the home of passionate, forward thinking and highly skilled winemakers that produces award winning wines.
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
Staying resilient has been one of the most important lessons I've learnt in overcoming obstacles and remaining persistent in pursuing my goals. The winemaking industry presents its own challenges, including various pressures and biases.
I continuously strive to educate myself to adapt to changing times. While advocating for myself, I've learned to balance passion with practicality, particularly when it comes to business acumen and financial management for sustainability.
I would encourage her to follow her passion, as the wine industry is diverse. It's essential to seek education and training to build a solid foundation of knowledge. Finding mentorship and dedicating herself to her craft will also be crucial.
Lastly, it is okay to have a family and be an entrepreneur. You just need to find balance and amazing support structure.
Katie Jones - Owner, winemaker and vigneronne at Domaine Jones, South of France
What does it mean to be a woman working in the wine industry?
Here in Tuchan in southern France a woman’s place is still at home looking after the children so I’m pretty proud to have smashed that mould.
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
Probably my carignan gris as that grape deserves the limelight. My old vines have waited over a hundred years to get their name on the label.
What do you love most about the industry?
The blank canvas for creativity and the opportunity to communicate.
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
Wear flat shoes and dress like a man.
Eliane Lafage - winemaker, Domaine Lafage
What does it mean to be a woman working in the wine industry?
Being a woman in the wine industry could be a hindrance at the start of my career for certain positions in France, where they simply didn’t want women. However, it was never an obstacle to working abroad in production, even though I had to elbow my way in to establish myself among the men in the cellar! It wasn’t easy to find my place in such a male-dominated world.
The wine industry has now opened up significantly to women, and it is much easier today. If you are competent and determined, I don’t think it’s a problem.
Unless, of course, you come across misogynistic men—but that happens everywhere…!
What is your “desert island wine” – one that holds special memories or your favourite pour?
I have a few favourite wines, such as beautiful Sancerres or Pinot Noirs, but since you’re asking for a wine tied to a memory, the one that comes to mind is a 20-year-old Banyuls from the Cave des Templiers. I tasted it during my early days in Roussillon, and it remains a fabulous memory, especially with a food and wine pairing of Roquefort. It was a magical discovery of the treasures of Roussillon, its old grape varieties, and its wonderful vins doux naturels.
What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most is the creation of wine—the grape and its transformation into wine, this natural alchemy that brings it to life. And I love being part of that process! The grape is alive, different each year, and so is the wine. Having a palette of grape varieties and terroirs and creating from what nature gives us is absolutely fascinating.
What advice do you have for women hoping to break into the industry?
My advice… You need to love the world of wine, have the desire, the passion for the vineyards, the cellar, and the wine itself. Don’t be afraid of hard work and long hours—be curious, be determined. Passion and love for the craft are essential!
