The wine industry is brimming with innovation, and many of the trailblazers leading the charge are women. They are rewriting the rules, bringing a fresh perspective to winemaking, and making strides toward sustainability, innovation, and excellence. This Women’s History Month, we’re taking a closer look at the women who are producing world-class wines, breaking barriers, and carving out a new path in this traditionally male-dominated industry.
Caroline Frey – France
In the world of French wine, a few names resonate, such as Caroline Frey. At the helm of prestigious estates such as Château La Lagune in Bordeaux and Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhône Valley, Caroline brings an unrelenting focus on terroir and sustainable practices. In her hands, these historic estates have flourished, with her guiding them toward organic and biodynamic farming. By respecting nature’s role in winemaking, she’s managed to preserve the land’s unique characteristics in every bottle. Frey’s wines are known for their exceptional balance and finesse, a reflection of her ability to blend tradition with modernity in an authentic, organic way.
Viviana Navarrete – Chile
Chile’s coastal Leyda Valley has become synonymous with world-class cool-climate wines, thanks mainly to the work of Viviana Navarrete at Viña Leyda. Viviana has helped redefine what’s possible in the region, producing sauvignon blanc and pinot noir that are as elegant as they are expressive. Her meticulous approach has elevated Viña Leyda’s wines to international acclaim, putting the valley on the map as a premier wine-growing region. A strong advocate for sustainability, Viviana’s work goes beyond crafting great wines—it’s about honoring the environment and ensuring the land is preserved for future winemakers.
Claudia Schug – USA
For Claudia Schug, winemaking is in her blood. As the managing partner at Schug Carneros Estate Winery in California’s Carneros AVA, Claudia continues the legacy of her late father, Walter Schug, while making her mark. Under her leadership, the winery has remained a standout for its focus on pinot noir and chardonnay. These two varietals thrive in the cool, fog-laden vineyards of the Carneros region. Claudia’s commitment to sustainable farming practices is evident in the way she runs the estate, ensuring that the vineyards are cultivated with care and responsibility. Her leadership extends beyond the winery, where she advocates for more women to take up roles in the wine industry.
Vanya Cullen – Australia
In the Margaret River region of Western Australia, Vanya Cullen of Cullen Wines is a true pioneer. She’s been at the forefront of biodynamic winemaking, believing that wines are at their best when they reflect the land’s natural rhythms. Vanya took over the family winery in the late 1980s, and under her stewardship, Cullen Wines has become one of Australia’s most acclaimed organic and biodynamic producers. Known for their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, Cullen’s wines speak to the purity of the region’s terroir. Vanya’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the vineyard—she’s a champion for environmental stewardship in both the wine industry and broader agricultural practices.
These women are shaping the future of winemaking, each bringing their unique vision, passion, and dedication to the craft. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s worth acknowledging how their contributions push the wine industry forward, creating wines that reflect the land and the innovative spirit of the women behind them. Raise a glass to these remarkable women this month, and the next time you pick up a bottle, consider trying one of their creations. Visit New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet to explore wines from around the world crafted by pioneering women winemakers.
