The world of wine, like many other industries, has traditionally been dominated by men. Throughout its history, this beverage has been a thread through cultures, nations and religions. However, since Roman, Greek and Egyptian times, wine was a privilege reserved for men while women were forced to give it up.
That is why on this International Women’s Day, we want to pay tribute to those brave women who paved the way for future generations by remembering five of them.
Barbe-Nicole Clicquot (1777-1866)
Ph: La Vanguardia
Known as the “Grande Dame de Champagne”, Clicquot was the first woman to run a Champagne house after being widowed at the age of 27. With no formal education, she led a successful administration, becoming a leader in a male-dominated industry. And at a time when the role of women was relegated to that of mother or wife. Thus, she paved the way for other women to enter the world of wine. But that’s not all. She also introduced innovative techniques that are still used today: the creation of rosé Champagne, since incorporating red grape varieties to the base wine was her idea; and the “stirring” process for mass production, fundamental in the elaboration of traditional method sparkling wines.
Antònia Adelaide Ferreira (1811-1896)
Ph: Wikipedia
It is enough to remember the commotion caused by her funeral on March 26, 1896, to illustrate the importance of Dona Ferreirinha: a procession followed by more than 300 thousand people who mourned her departure. This is what they called Antonia, a kind soul with a pioneering spirit who changed the direction of Port wines. She is credited with the great quality that Portuguese wines of the 1800s acquired after her trip to England, where she learned the techniques to combat Phylloxera that she later introduced in her native Duoro Valley. Also supportive, she is remembered for her help to failed producers, whom she always supported with the strength and passion that characterized her.
Sarah Morphew Stephen (Retired since 2019)
Ph: The Times
When the Master of Wine (MW) degree program was created in 1953, only 21 industry professionals took the exam. They were all men. It was 17 years later that Sarah Morphew became the world’s first female MW, setting a precedent for future generations of winemakers, writers, marketers and industry workers internationally. An oenologist from the University of Bordeaux and an expert connoisseur of Port wines, Sarah developed an important career in the European wine industry although she claims that the title did not bring her immediate benefits. It took six years for another woman to achieve the title again.
Lalou Bize-Leroy (1932-present)
In 1950s Burgundy, men were not used to taking orders from a woman. Much less from a young girl like Marcelle (also called Lalou), who at the age of 23 was already running her father’s business, Maison Leroy. Recognized as an intelligent, principled woman with a trained palate, one of her greatest contributions was the impetus she gave to organic and biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. These raised the quality of the area’s wines, giving rise to labels that to this day are iconic and highly sought after.
Jancis Robinson (1950-present)
Ph: Cellarhand
Although she prefers to be considered as a chronicler, she is undoubtedly the most respected wine journalist and critic in the world. Her career began in 1975, but took off in the 1980s when she became the first person outside the wine industry to hold the title of MW. She still exerts her influence through her weekly column in the Financial Times and daily on her website JancisRobinson.com. She is the author of landmark books on wine culture and her participation in symposiums or as a juror is highly valued and revered. Not to mention her tasting notes. Undoubtedly, one of the most influential women in the history of wine today.
Andrea Mullineux (1979 – Present)
Renowned South African winemaker, co-founder of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. She has been instrumental in the revaluation of Swartland, one of the most important wine regions in South Africa. She has received multiple international awards and is one of the most influential female figures in the global wine industry.
Thanks to all these pioneering women, the world of wine today is more diverse, innovative and rich in perspective. Their courage and contributions continue to inspire new generations who, with each vintage and each bottle, continue to write history. On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate their impact and continue to project a future with more equity and recognition for all.
