“Where there is a woman, there is magic.“ - Ntozake Shange
Whether it’s International Woman’s Day or #Womeninwineday, it’s always important to acknowledge women across the globe that are changing the narrative and shaking up the industry by breaking barriers and transforming their craft into gorgeous wines. What better way to celebrate the grit, passion and perseverance of female winemakers but to showcase their fruits of labour!
Maria Vargas – Marqués de Murrieta
The Oenologist of Excellence
2017 – Winemaker of the Year
2018 – Most influential woman in the wine business
2021 – Awarded best oenologist of the world
2022 – Best winemaker of the world award
Maria started working as an assistant winemaker at Marqués de Murrieta in Rioja at a very young age. At 25, she was given the opportunity to lead the winemaking team. Aside from the numerous awards, Maria has also been named “Illustrious Riojana“ – the highest personal distinction granted by the Government of La Rioja to professionals who have stood out for their work and contribution to the region. Under her leadership, Marqués de Murrieta is one of the world’s top 10 wineries with the highest number of 100 Parker Points – 1st Spanish winery to ever be entered into this elite group!
Browse Marqués De Murrieta wines here.
Caroline Diel – Schlossgut Diel
The Superwoman of Diel
2020 – Winemaker of the year from Wine Advocate and Falstaff
2020 – Collection of the year – Nahe Germany
With a resume that would blow anyone’s mind, Caroline Diel satisfied her thirst for wine making knowledge over at Pichon Lalande, Robert Weil , Rippon Estate and also the legendary Domaine de la Romanee Conti.
The first woman in her family to run the family estate (7th Generation), Caroline is also the first oenologist in the family to learn winemaking from scratch! Since 2006, Caroline has now taken over the 200-year-old vineyard crafting amazing Riesling and Pinot noirs.
Browse Schlossgut Diel wines here.
Alexandrine Roy – Domaine Marc Roy
The Burgundy Badass
Alexandrine is definitely a name to watch out for; she has taken over all 10 acres/4 hectares from her father, Marc Roy. Within this tiny domaine, Alexandrine dedicates her time to being a meticulous farmer/caretaker of superlative old vines of over 100 years old.
She said in an interview once with Allen Meadows: “I take care of 40,000 plants. I know these plants, I will say, by heart. I go all year long, row by row. Mostly I work in the vineyard, then winemaking is easy going. When you have top quality fruit, there is nothing to rectify.“
Proof is in the bottle we say. Just like cuvee “Alexandrine“, these harvested millerandees bring a whole new meaning to “The best things come in small packages“. Would you say so too?
Browse Domaine Marc Roy wines here.
From the Grande Dame of Champagne, Madame Clicquot to the Queen of Burgundy Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy to the featured women in wine. One thing is for sure, we will be raising a glass to all female trailblazers in the industry. [Not forgetting our super remarkable lady bosses too of course 🍷]
