These women who have left their mark on wine history

Winemakers, oenologists, sommeliers, wine merchants, the wine landscape is becoming more feminized and we are delighted about it. 

Mother's Day is an opportunity to celebrate those women who have influenced and continue to influence the world of wine.

Long-standing inequalities

Since theAncient EgyptWomen participate in viticulture. Frescoes depicting them can be found. in the process of making and consuming wine.

Then, under theRoman EmpireAlcohol consumption was forbidden to women and punishable by death. This was because the beliefs of the time attributed abortive properties to wine, which would jeopardize the family's offspring. The woman can then neither drink wine nor make itShe is completely excluded from domaine viticulture.

It was only at Middle Ages with the increase in agricultural activities, that The women can return to the vineyards.However, they do not have the right of access to the winery for winemaking.

It would take several centuries before women became true players in the wine industry.

Many of them are widows taking over their deceased husbands' wine estates. Notably, the widow Joséphine de Lur-Saluces is taking over the management of the famous Château d'Yquem in 1788. It then contributed greatly to the prestige of the property which still endures today.

In this vein, one cannot help but think of two widows who have left their mark on the Champagne :

• Jeanne Alexandrine Pommery, who becomes director of the House of Champagne PommeryShe developed champagne aging techniques there. 
• Nicole Clicquot Beard takes the direction of the house of champagne from her husband and continues marketing the wines, despite objections from her in-laws. 

These two women have left an indelible mark on the Champagne region, by their technique And innovations that they brought to the manufacturing process of their champagne.

A revolution is underway. Women haven't had their last word yet..

These women from the world of wine

Some women have carved out a prominent place for themselves in this vast world of wine, despite the obstacles that they must overcome to achieve this.

Philippine de Rothschild, nicknamed the queen of the Médoc begins his winemaking adventure in 1988Following the death of her father, she takes over the management of the prestigious Château Mouton RothschildThe success was immediate, as she managed to double the turnover of the property during his 26 years of management.

Many other talented women are joining the wine world and entering the circle of wine critics. Korea, Jeanine Cho Lee She is the first critic of Asian descent. She graduated in 2008 of Master of Wine of Asiathe latter comprising only 409 members worldwide.

There British, Jancis Robinson is a pioneer in this field. She began her career as a wine critic in 1975, at the age of 25 years old and works at the magazine Wine & SpiritLater, she would become a columnist for the Financial Times and write the renowned “World Atlas of WineToday, she is followed by more than 250,000 people and is one of the wine critics the most followed in the world.

Heading toArgentinato discover Susana Balbo, there first Argentinian woman to graduate in oenologyInitially a consultant for several sectors, she founded her own winery, which would become one of the most important in the country. This project allowed her to be among the 50 Most Influential Women in the Wine World.

These French winemakers are as talented as they are passionate.

A look back at some French women who have made their mark and who have contributed to the evolution of the female wine industry.

• Lalou Bize-Leroy is a leading winemaker of BurgundyInitially, co-manager of the Romanée-Contishe now holds 9 Grands Crus that it produces on its property of Domaine Leroy which she has been leading since 1955She is known for her approach to biodynamics and the precision in his wines.
• Véronique Drouhin, another great winemaker from vineyard burgundyShe is the head of the domaine family Joseph Drouhin with her 3 brothers. She helps maintain the reputation of this beautiful property by offering high-quality wines.
• Laurence Faller was a winemaker Alsatian renowned. She was a co-owner of the Domaine Weinbach and renowned for its exceptional Alsatian wines, particularly its whites. Sadly deceased, Laurence remains a iconic woman of the Alsatian vineyard.
• Florence Cathiard, co-owner of Grand Cru Classé Château Smith Haut LafitteIt plays an important role in the management and development of the domaine, by emphasizing quality and integrating property into a virtuous and sustainable approach.
• Nadine Gublin, is a true wine woman. She worked for many years as technical director of Domaine Jacques Prieur in Burgundywhere she contributes to the production of high-quality wines. Her expertise, passion, and commitment to preserving winemaking heritage make Nadine a inspiring woman for future generations of wine professionals.

Let's raise a glass to all these women who have revolutionized the world of wine thanks to their talent, passion, courage and determination!

This list of women passionate about wine is not exhaustive. Many more talented winemakers, oenologists, directors, and other figures in the wine industry can be discovered on our website.

The entire Cavissima team wishes all mothers a happy Mother's Day, and looks forward to seeing you soon on Cavissima.com.