Celebrating Women Winemakers: Breaking Barriers and Crafting Excellence

For centuries, the art of winemaking has been a male-dominated world—rooted in generational traditions and often slow to embrace change. But over the past few decades, women have risen through the vineyard rows and cellar doors, breaking barriers and shaping the future of the global wine industry. From acclaimed winemakers to visionary winery owners, women are bringing new energy, perspectives, and craftsmanship to wine.

Trailblazers like Merry Edwards, dubbed the "Queen of Pinot" in California’s Russian River Valley, paved the way in the 1970s. Facing resistance as one of the first women in UC Davis' prestigious viticulture program, she built a legacy on meticulous Pinot Noir production. Likewise, Cathy Corison of Napa Valley’s Corison Winery earned international acclaim for her age-worthy Cabernets, proving that elegance and power can coexist in the glass.

Across the globe, Australia’s Sarah Marquis, co-founder and winemaker at Mollydooker Wines in McLaren Vale, exemplifies the bold, fearless spirit driving women in wine. Known for her rich, expressive Shiraz blends and a hands-on approach, Marquis turned Mollydooker into a cult favorite. Her creative energy and unapologetic style have made the label—and herself—a global force.

In California, women like Dana Epperson, head winemaker at Migration Wines, carry on this legacy of leadership and innovation. Epperson’s precision and artistry shine through in Migration’s elegant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. With experience at brands like Decoy and Artesa, she brings a deep understanding of cool-climate winemaking, continually raising the bar for the Duckhorn Portfolio.

Further south in Livermore Valley, Elizabeth Kester, Director of Winemaking at Wente Vineyards, stewards one of California’s most historic family-owned wineries. Kester’s dedication to sustainability and terroir-driven wines reflects a new generation of leadership that honors heritage while pushing boundaries. Under her guidance, Wente continues to craft beautifully balanced Chardonnays, a varietal that Wente helped define in California.

Beyond individual stories, female winemakers worldwide are leading the charge in sustainability, biodynamics, and regenerative agriculture. Elisabetta Foradori in Italy and Laura Catena of Argentina’s Catena Zapata are redefining what’s possible in both Old and New World wine regions. In France, Caroline Frey manages both Château La Lagune in Bordeaux and Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhône with a steadfast commitment to organic farming.

The impact of these women isn’t just in the cellar—it’s cultural. Organizations like Women of the Vine & Spirits and Batonnage Forum empower female voices, creating networks of mentorship and advocacy that further open doors for women in the industry.

Consumers are responding. Wine clubs, restaurant wine lists, and bottle shops increasingly spotlight female-led labels, not as a token gesture, but as an acknowledgment of excellence. These women are not the exception—they’re the benchmark for the future of wine.

As the industry evolves, the contributions of women like Marquis, Epperson, Kester, and countless others remind us that wine is as much about vision and heart as it is about grapes and soil. So next time you raise your glass, toast to the women shaping the wine world—one bottle at a time.