Women Who Rule the Wine World: The Ultimate Tribute for Women’s History Month

Women Who Rule the Wine World: A Salute for Women’s History Month

The wine industry? Once a boys’ club. Now? A playground for powerhouse women who are making, breaking, and rewriting the rules—one stunning bottle at a time. From historic rebels who smashed glass ceilings (and probably a few wine glasses) to modern mavens redefining luxury and legacy, this Women’s History Month, we raise a glass to the women who run the wine world.

The OG Rebels: Women Who Set the Bar (and the Bottle)

• Madame Clicquot Ponsardin (1777–1866) – The widow who made Champagne what it is today. Invented the riddling table to keep bubbles crisp and bright, created the first known blended rosé, and basically taught the world how to celebrate in style. Without her? No Veuve, no party.

• Mary Penfold (1820–1895) – The real genius behind Penfolds. While her husband was busy with medicine, Mary was busy making sure their Australian winery became legendary. If you love a bold Shiraz, you owe her a toast.

• Josephine Tychson (1855–1939) – The first female winery owner in Napa Valley, proving early on that women didn’t just belong in the tasting room—they belonged in the vineyards, the cellars, and at the top of the game.

Modern Trailblazers: Women Making Wine Their Own

• Zelma Long – The first female enologist at Robert Mondavi and later CEO of Simi Winery, Zelma is a legend in the business and co-owner of Vilafonté in South Africa. A true global icon.

• Martine Saunier – The first woman to bring Burgundy’s finest to America, shaping the way the U.S. drinks wine today.

• Tiquette Bramlett – First Black woman to run a winery in a major U.S. wine region (Oregon’s Compris Vineyard) and founder of Our Legacy Harvested, a nonprofit breaking down barriers in wine.

• McBride Sisters (Robin and Andréa McBride) – The biggest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., proving that wine isn’t just about tradition—it’s about representation, inclusion, and badass blends.

The Powerhouses of Today: Women Who Are Running the Show

• Sofia & Lucia Pescarmona – The dynamic sisters behind Argentina’s Lagarde Winery, balancing sustainability, family heritage, and innovation in every bottle.

• Bibiana González Rave – A Colombian trailblazer making major waves in California with Cattleya Wines. Passion, precision, and perfection in every sip.

• Mary Taylor – The woman who said, "Let’s make wine easier to understand," and did just that. Her White Label series brings top-notch European wines to the masses—without the snobbery.

• Heidi Barrett – Napa Valley’s “First Lady of Wine.” Ever heard of Screaming Eagle? That’s Heidi’s magic touch. She’s behind some of the most sought-after cult wines in the world.

• Eileen Crane – America’s “Doyenne of Sparkling Wine.” She turned Domaine Carneros into a powerhouse of elegance, crafting bubbly that rivals the best of Champagne.

• Helen Keplinger – A Rhône varietal genius, Helen has worked with some of Napa’s finest and now focuses on her own label, producing wines that are as soulful as they are delicious.

• Laura & Adriana Catena – The powerhouse mother-daughter duo at the helm of Catena Zapata, the family winery that put Argentine Malbec on the map.

• Jenny Wagner & Cheryl Emmolo – From Napa royalty (Caymus Vineyards), this mother-daughter team keeps the family’s legacy alive with Emmolo Wines, making Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot cool again.

Beyond the Bottle: Women Changing the Wine Industry

 

It’s not just about making great wine—it’s about reshaping the industry from the ground up. These women aren’t just breaking barriers; they’re building new paths for future generations. From sustainability to innovation to championing diversity in wine, they’re proving that the future of winemaking is female.

• Sustainability Queens – Women like Sofia & Lucia Pescarmona and Laura Catena are leading the charge for organic, biodynamic, and sustainable winemaking, ensuring that the future of wine is as green as it is delicious.

• Diversity & Inclusion in Wine – Tiquette Bramlett and the McBride Sisters are proving that wine isn’t just for the old guard. Through mentorship programs and diversity initiatives, they’re making sure that the wine industry reflects the world we live in.

• The Business of Wine – Women like Mary Taylor and Martine Saunier are showing that you don’t have to own a vineyard to leave your mark. Whether through imports, branding, or distribution, they’ve reshaped how we buy, sell, and experience wine.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Women of Wine

 

These women aren’t just winemakers; they’re revolutionaries, innovators, and glass-ceiling smashers. This Women’s History Month, grab a bottle crafted by one of these legends and toast to the women who are making the wine world a better, bolder, and more delicious place.

Next time you’re at Caná Wine Shop, ask about wines made by women. Support the queens of the vineyard, because trust us—every sip tastes better when it’s got a badass woman’s touch.

Cheers to them. Cheers to us. Cheers to every woman rewriting history—one pour at a time.