WOMEN IN WINE 2025
When we take a sip of wine we usually aren’t thinking about who the winemaker was or who owns the winery. More and more that person is a woman.
Today there are many winemakers who happen to be women. Women also are executives, work various jobs in the vineyard, the winery, in sales, in marketing and are sommeliers and Masters of Wine.
But there is still much room for more progress. It’s no secret, at least not in the wine industry, that it has been and still is a male dominated industry. For example, only one of every seven head winemakers in California is a woman and most are paid less than male winemakers. Still, let’s celebrate a few of those and some of their production.
Founded in 1851, Charles Heidsieck Champagne is distinguished by the high proportion of reserve wines in its blends. Production of this prestigious brand is overseen by Cellar Master Elise Losfelt. The flagship Brut Reserve ($75), with 40% reserve wines averaging 10 years old) is vibrant with apples, citrus, toast, and mature richness.
Sonoma-Cutrer’s all-female winemaking team is led by their Director of Winemaking Cara Morrison and Senior Winemaker Zidanelia Arcidiacono, joined by Associate Winemaker Saman Parsa. The team is responsible for some of the most popular Chardonnays (not to mention Pinot Noirs) in the country. These include the pear, apple, and spice of the 2023 Sonoma Coast ($25) and the fruit forward, citrusy 2023 Russian River Ranches ($31).
Donnafugata was founded in Sicily in 1983 by Giacomo and Gabriella Rallo, the fourth generation of a representing 170 years of winemaking experience. Their daughter José Rallo now serves as CEO. The 2021 “Floramundi” Cerasuolo ($32), made from frappato and nero d’avolo, is fragrant, revealing floral notes, fresh plum, cherry, and a tangy finish.
The iconic Tuscan estate, Castello Banfi,was founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani. Today, John’s daughter Cristina Mariani May is the CEO of Banfi Vintners, continuing a family legacy that began in 1919. The flagship wine the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino ($75) has notes of ethereal violet, vanilla, and licorice on the nose, with a full, soft, and velvety palate with warm spice notes.