We’ll be celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 by highlighting a fantastic list of pioneering women winemakers from around the world! These women have made significant contributions to the wine industry and have helped shape the landscape of modern wine making. Between 3rd – 9th March we’ll be offering a range of their wines by the glass for a week-long celebration, an excellent opportunity to not only enjoy the wines but also to share their stories, empowering both the producers and the consumer.
Here’s an overview of the remarkable women we’re celebrating:
Cherie Spriggs, England
The highly respected winemaker at Nyetimber, one of the most renowned producers of English sparkling wine. She is widely acclaimed for her contributions to the rise of English sparkling wine on the international stage.
Alice Paillard, France
Alice Paillard is part of the prestigious Champagne family Champagnes Bruno Paillard. She has been instrumental in continuing the family’s legacy while pushing forward with sustainable, terroir-driven methods of winemaking. Her elegant, refined Champagne offerings have earned her much acclaim.
Susana Balbo, Argentina
Susana Balbo is a renowned winemaker and one of the most important female figures in Argentina’s wine industry. She is known for her work at Dominio del Plata, where she creates exceptional Malbec and Torrontés wines, representing the unique terroirs of Argentina. Susan was the Decanter Hall of Fame recipient 2024
Elizma Wisser, South Africa
Elizma Wisser is a rising star in the South African wine industry. She is known for her work at Reyneke Wines, a winery that practices biodynamic farming. She’s been instrumental in creating wines that reflect the unique South African terroir while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Anne-Claude Leflaive, France
Anne-Claude Leflaive was a visionary winemaker who led the Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy, making some of the most prestigious white wines in the world, particularly from Puligny-Montrachet. Her commitment to biodynamics revolutionized winemaking in the region, and her legacy continues to inspire winemakers worldwide.
Vanya Cullen, Australia
Vanya Cullen is the chief winemaker at Cullen Wines in Margaret River, Australia. Her approach is rooted in sustainability and biodynamics. She has produced many award-winning wines, and her commitment to organic and biodynamic principles is a model in the industry.
Mateja Gravner, Slovenia
Mateja Gravner, along with her father, has been a key figure in the natural wine movement in Slovenia and Italy. They are known for their commitment to biodynamics and traditional winemaking methods, particularly focusing on white wines from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
Filipa Pato, Portugal
Filipa Pato is a prominent figure in the Bairrada region of Portugal, known for her work with indigenous grape varieties like Baga and creating vibrant, terroir-driven wines. Her focus on organic and natural winemaking practices has earned her great respect in the industry.
Elena Fucci, Italy
Elena Fucci is known for her exceptional wines from the Vulture region of southern Italy, particularly her Aglianico del Vulture. She’s celebrated for producing high-quality, expressive wines that showcase the power and complexity of the Aglianico grape.
Arianna Occhipinti, Italy
Arianna Occhipinti is an influential winemaker from Sicily, known for her work with Frappato and Nero d’Avola. Her wines focus on organic farming, minimal intervention, and the expression of Sicilian terroir, earning her international recognition.