Celebrating Women in Wine

For centuries, winemaking has been a male-dominated industry, but countless women have played a vital role in shaping the world of wine. From visionary estate owners to innovative winemakers, these trailblazers have brought passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence that continues to influence the industry today. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some of the most inspiring women in French and Italian wine—past and present—who have redefined traditions, championed sustainability, and elevated winemaking to new heights.

France: Women Leading Some of the World’s Greatest Estates

Baroness Philippine de Rothschild – The Visionary Behind Château Mouton Rothschild

One of the most influential figures in Bordeaux history, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild took the reins of Château Mouton Rothschild after the passing of her father, Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Under her leadership, Mouton Rothschild solidified its status as a Premier Grand Cru Classé, expanded its artistic wine label collaborations, and introduced innovation while respecting tradition. Her bold vision and business acumen elevated the estate to new heights, ensuring its place among the most revered names in wine.

Lalou Bize-Leroy – The Queen of Burgundy

A true icon of Burgundy, Lalou Bize-Leroy is a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking. As co-owner of Domaine Leroy, she has crafted some of the world’s most sought-after wines, known for their purity, complexity, and finesse. Her uncompromising standards have made her a legend in the world of fine wine.

Laure Canu – Championing Biodynamic Winemaking in the Rhône Valley

At Domaine La Monardière in the Rhône Valley, Laure Canu has established herself as a leader in organic and biodynamic viticulture. By embracing sustainable farming practices, she crafts wines that showcase the purity of the region’s terroir, particularly in Vacqueyras. Her dedication to minimal intervention winemaking results in expressive, terroir-driven wines that highlight the Rhône’s natural beauty.

Corinne & Alexandra Mentzelopoulos – The Powerhouses Behind Château Margaux

Few estates in the world carry the prestige of Château Margaux, and it is thanks to the vision of Corinne Mentzelopoulos that this First Growth Bordeaux estate remains at the pinnacle of fine wine. After taking over in 1980, Corinne transformed the château’s fortunes, reinforcing its reputation for excellence. Now, her daughter Alexandra Mentzelopoulos is continuing the family legacy, ensuring that Margaux remains synonymous with elegance, precision, and innovation.

Saskia de Rothschild – A Visionary at Château Lafon-Rochet

As chairwoman of Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Saskia de Rothschild has brought fresh energy to this historic estate. With a deep respect for Bordeaux’s traditions, she has implemented sustainability initiatives to enhance the estate’s environmental impact while maintaining its high standards. Her leadership is shaping Lafon-Rochet into a model of modern winemaking in Bordeaux.

Vitalie Taittinger – Leading One of Champagne’s Most Prestigious Houses

As president of Champagne Taittinger, Vitalie Taittinger continues her family’s tradition of crafting world-class Champagne. She has focused on sustainability, innovation, and maintaining the house’s signature elegance. Under her leadership, Taittinger remains one of the most respected names in sparkling wine.

Véronique Dausse – Elevating Cahors Malbec

In a region known for its bold Malbec wines, Véronique Dausse has positioned Domaine Dausse as a standout producer. Her focus on organic farming and sustainable techniques has led to wines that beautifully express Cahors’ unique terroir. With a commitment to quality, she continues to push the boundaries of what Malbec can achieve.

Lillian & Mélanie Barton Sartorius – Innovators at Château Giscours

As co-owners of Château Giscours, Lillian and Mélanie Barton Sartorius have modernized the Margaux estate while respecting its rich history. Under their leadership, Giscours has embraced sustainable viticulture, producing wines of remarkable finesse and structure. Their focus on continuous improvement has solidified the château’s reputation as one of the Left Bank’s rising stars.

Sara Lecompte Cuvelier & Isabelle Davin – The Duo Behind Château du Glana

At Château du Glana in Saint-Julien, Sara Lecompte Cuvelier and Isabelle Davin are proving that teamwork is key to success. While Sara oversees the château’s operations, Isabelle handles the technical aspects of winemaking, ensuring that their wines capture the elegance and power of the Médoc. Their partnership has resulted in exceptional wines that showcase Saint-Julien’s classic refinement.

Marie-Louise Pommery & Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin – The Women Who Revolutionized Champagne

Two historic women reshaped the Champagne industry: Marie-Louise Pommery, who introduced brut Champagne in 1874, and Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Veuve Clicquot, who perfected the riddling process to enhance Champagne’s clarity and quality. Their innovations continue to define the industry today, ensuring their legacies live on in every glass of fine Champagne.

Italy: Women at the Forefront of Italian Winemaking

Marilisa Allegrini – The Force Behind Amarone Excellence

As the driving force behind Allegrini Winery, Marilisa Allegrini has elevated Amarone della Valpolicella to new heights. Her commitment to quality and tradition has made Allegrini one of Italy’s most respected producers. She continues to champion the Veneto region on the global wine stage.

Gaia Gaja – Continuing a Legacy

Daughter of the legendary Angelo Gaja, Gaia Gaja has played a crucial role in modernizing Gaja Winery while preserving its esteemed heritage. Under her leadership, Gaja remains a benchmark for Barbaresco and Barolo, with wines that express both power and elegance. Her efforts have reinforced the Gaja name as synonymous with Italian fine wine.

Alessandra Caviola – Mastering Amarone’s Terroir

At Caviola Winery, Alessandra Caviola combines traditional winemaking methods with modern techniques to craft outstanding Amarone wines. Her meticulous approach ensures that each bottle reflects the unique character of the Veneto region. Through her dedication, Caviola wines have gained international acclaim.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini – Championing Women in Wine

A leader in Tuscany’s Brunello di Montalcino scene, Donatella Cinelli Colombini is known for producing world-class wines while advocating for women in the industry. She established Italy’s first all-female winemaking team, proving that talent and expertise know no gender. Her dedication to quality and equality continues to inspire winemakers around the world.

Celebrating Women’s Contributions to Wine

From Bordeaux and Burgundy to Tuscany and Veneto, these women have shaped the wine industry with vision, passion, and resilience. Whether through innovation, sustainability, or a deep respect for tradition, they continue to push boundaries and set new standards. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s raise a glass to these extraordinary women who have made—and continue to make—an indelible impact on the world of wine.

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