When you think of male-dominated fields, wine is on that list, with just 14% of vineyards owned or run by women. Categorically though, these women are making some of the best wine in the world. From Pritchard Hill in Napa to Champagne and Montalcino, these are the top women winemakers in the world.
Bryant Estate
The Winemaker: Bettina Bryant
Bettina Bryant is a testament to the untapped potential of so many women. Though Bryant’s career started as an art curator and dancer, her family originates from wine-producing Maienfeld, Switzerland. So you can say wine is in her blood. In 1986, her future husband Don Bryant bought the Pritchard Hill estate and planted 100% Cabernet Sauvignon throughout its 13 acres. What makes the estate so special is its Napa Valley terroir. Built upon exposed volcanic fissures made for deep root growth and Ice Age soil rich in minerals. In 2007 Bettina joined the team and in 2014 became president. Bettina didn’t just help the winery survive but made it thrive under her watch. She pushed portfolio boundaries overseeing production for DB4 Red Wine Blend, BETTINA Proprietary Red Wine, and limited edition Cabernet Franc. Let’s toast a glass of BETTINA for women everywhere.
The Wines: BETTINA, DB4, 2016 Cabernet Franc
Colgin Cellars
The Winemaker: Ann Colgin
Ann Colgin is another Napa Valley story but with a twist. Female built from the ground up, Colgin is a pioneer for women in the industry. Wine and art have a shared quality – enjoying the finer things. So it’s no surprise that Colgin, a former art auctioneer, ended up in the world of wine. After discovering Napa’s beauty during an auction, she scouted a vineyard of her own in the region. One turned into three, each with its own specialty. Cadriad’s ancient river bed soils house Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes. Tychson Hill produces signature floral red fruit flavors. IX Estate is reminiscent of dark fruits and savory herbs, and its Syrah has notes of blackberry and smoked meat. To top it off, Robert M. Parker, Jr. named Colgin, “One of the Fifty Greatest Wine Estates in the World”.
The Wines: 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colgin 2015 Cariad Napa Valley Red Wine
Stella Di Campalto
The Winemaker: Stella Di Campalto
The beauty of Stella Di Campalto’s Brunello is the patience of the process. Di Campalto is completely dedicated to the noninterference of her crop, allowing for natural aging, The old San Giuseppe farm in Tuscany was abandoned for decades before being given to Di Campalto as a wedding gift. Of the 33-acre property, she makes use of just a mere 13 acres scattered with Sangiovese vines. Keeping things small is Di Campalto’s way of keeping a close eye and only producing the best of the best. But how does one create so many different flavor profiles from 100% of the same grape? 12 different soils in the nine smaller vineyards. She is dedicated to biodynamic growing, smaller barrels, longer aging times, and not basing production on a calendar. Her Vintage has a 90+ Parker rating and is worth a try, maybe on a special occasion like the 8th?
The Wines: Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino
Perrier-Jouët
The Winemaker: Séverine Frerson
Séverine Frerson knows a thing or two about champagne; after all, what better place to grow up than Reims – “The City of Champagne”. While not a trade of the family, family friends were her advisers. She moved up from environmental policy to the Wine Cellar of the renowned champagne house, Piper-Heidsieck, over a 16-year span. Less than a year in, Frerson became Wine Cellar of 200+ brand Perrier-Jouët. She became the 8th cellar master and the first woman to take on the role (a win for the ladies). Frerson maintains the signature Chardonnay florals that botanist Pierre Perrier and wife Rose Jouët established from the start. Her new focus – sustainability to keep blends consistently magical amidst climate changes. This is a bottle that delivers every time.
The Wines: 2013 Belle Époque Brut, Grand Brut
Other Articles You’ll Like
5 Cool Things to Do in Tuscany
The Best Wine Glasses
A Champagne Dinner
