Women's History Month: Celebrating the Women Winemakers Breaking Barriers in Every Bottle

March is Women's History Month, and at The Wine Concierge, we're raising our glasses to the extraordinary women who are transforming the wine industry—one exceptional bottle at a time.

While women have always played crucial roles in winemaking, from ancient civilizations to family vineyards, they've often worked behind the scenes. Today, women winemakers are stepping into the spotlight, crafting award-winning wines, pioneering sustainable practices, and reshaping an industry that has historically been male-dominated.

This month, we're celebrating these trailblazers with a special series highlighting the women winemakers whose wines grace our shelves and whose stories inspire us all.

Why Women Winemakers Matter

The wine industry is experiencing a powerful shift. Women now represent a growing percentage of winemakers, vineyard owners, and sommeliers worldwide. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability and community that's transforming how wine is made and enjoyed.

Supporting women winemakers isn't just about equality—it's about celebrating excellence, diversity of thought, and the unique expressions these talented vintners bring to every bottle.

Women-Owned Wineries in Our Collection

At The Wine Concierge, we're proud to feature exceptional wines from women-led wineries. Here are the remarkable women whose wines you can discover today:

Damsel Cellars - Marie-Eve Gilla

Founded by Marie-Eve Gilla, Damsel Cellars represents a bold vision for Washington wine. Her 2022 Stillwater Creek Mourvèdre showcases her commitment to single-vineyard expressions and Rhône varietals in the Pacific Northwest.

Tasting Notes: This Mourvèdre offers rich dark fruit, earthy complexity, and silky tannins—perfect for braised short ribs or mushroom risotto.

Pairing Suggestion: Try it with our Oven-Baked Brown Sugar BBQ Ribs recipe.

Freeman Vineyard & Winery - Akiko Freeman

Akiko Freeman has been crafting exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Sonoma County for over two decades. The 2019 Freeman Russian River Pinot Noir demonstrates her mastery of this elegant varietal with beautiful balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes: Bright cherry, subtle spice, and silky texture make this a perfect food wine.

Pairing Suggestion: Pair with duck breast or our Passover Beef Brisket.

Paula Kornell - Sparkling Wine Pioneer

As a fourth-generation winemaker and member of the legendary Kornell family, Paula Kornell continues a storied California sparkling wine tradition. The NV Paula Kornell Napa Valley Sparkling Brut is a celebration in every glass.

Tasting Notes: Crisp, elegant bubbles with notes of green apple, citrus, and toasted brioche.

Perfect For: Brunch celebrations, toasts, or pair with our Crab Cake Eggs Benedict.

Longevity Wines - Debra Sommerfield

Led by pioneering women in California wine, Longevity Wines celebrates both heritage and innovation. The 2018 Phil Long Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve demonstrates their mastery of classic California winemaking.

Tasting Notes: Bold, structured Cabernet with dark fruit, cedar, and velvety tannins.

Domaine Catherine Le Goeuil - Catherine Le Goeuil

From France's Côtes du Rhône, Catherine Le Goeuil crafts elegant, terroir-driven wines. Her 2018 Côtes du Rhône Blanc is a beautiful expression of white Rhône varietals—aromatic, balanced, and food-friendly.

Pairing Suggestion: Try this with herb-roasted chicken or our Grilled Shrimp, Watermelon & Feta Salad.

Chosen Family Wines - Jill Russell

Breaking barriers in Oregon wine country, Chosen Family Wines represents inclusivity and exceptional winemaking. The 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir showcases the elegance and complexity Oregon is famous for.

Tasting Notes: Red cherry, earthy undertones, and refined tannins—classic Oregon Pinot.

Suavia - Valentina Tessari

From Italy's Soave region, Valentina Tessari continues her family's winemaking legacy with the 2020 Soave Classico Monte Carbonare DOC—a stunning white wine that proves Soave deserves serious attention.

Tasting Notes: Mineral-driven with white peach, almond, and vibrant acidity.

Pairing Suggestion: Perfect with seafood or our Savory Summer Salad.

The Pioneers Who Paved the Way

Today's women winemakers stand on the shoulders of pioneers like:

• Barbe-Nicole Clicquot (Veuve Clicquot) - Revolutionized Champagne production in the early 1800s
• Zelma Long - First woman president of a major American winery
• Heidi Barrett - "First Lady of Wine" with multiple 100-point scores
• Paula Kornell - Fourth-generation sparkling wine pioneer
• Akiko Freeman - Pioneering Japanese-American winemaker in Sonoma

These trailblazers opened doors and shattered glass ceilings, making it possible for today's generation to thrive.

Beyond the Bottle: Women Leading Change

Women in wine aren't just making exceptional products—they're championing:

• Sustainability: Implementing organic and biodynamic practices
• Community: Mentoring the next generation of winemakers
• Innovation: Experimenting with new varietals and techniques
• Diversity: Creating more inclusive spaces in the wine industry

When you support women winemakers, you're investing in a more diverse, sustainable, and innovative wine future.

How to Celebrate Women's History Month with Wine

1. Host a Women Winemakers Tasting

Gather friends and explore wines from different women-led wineries. Compare styles, regions, and stories. Use our holiday hosting guide for entertaining tips.

2. Learn Their Stories

Every bottle has a story. Research the women behind your favorite wines and share their journeys on social media using #WomenInWine.

3. Support Intentionally

Make a conscious effort this month (and beyond) to seek out and purchase wines from women winemakers. Your dollars vote for the industry you want to see.

4. Pair with Purpose

Create a special dinner featuring wines from women winemakers paired with seasonal recipes. Try our recipe collection for inspiration.

Coming This Month

This is just the beginning of our Women's History Month celebration. Throughout March, we'll be featuring:

• Week 2: Spotlight on Black women winemakers (building on our Black Women Winemakers article)
• Week 3: Women winemakers in emerging wine regions
• Week 4: The next generation: Young women shaping wine's future

Raise Your Glass

This Women's History Month, every sip is a celebration. Whether you're enjoying sparkling wine from Paula Kornell, elegant Pinot Noir from Akiko Freeman, or a crisp white from Catherine Le Goeuil, you're supporting women who are rewriting the rules and crafting extraordinary wines.

Remember: Free shipping on 6 bottles or more—the perfect opportunity to build a women winemakers collection.

Here's to the women who grow the grapes, craft the wines, and inspire us all. Their stories deserve to be told, and their wines deserve to be savored.