Women in Wine
Who makes wine?
To make wine, two elements are essential – the vines and the people who cultivate the vines. Throughout the history of wine, all over the world, men AND women have worked the vines, yet women have rarely been given the recognition they deserve for their contributions both in the vineyard and in the winery.
The success of the wine industry today can be partly attributed to the impact women have made through hard work, perseverance and determination. Many family-owned vineyards have been operated and maintained for generations through teamwork. Wives usually tended vines alongside their husbands (and continue to do so) and were instrumental during the harvest and cellar work. Throughout many world wars, women were left to keep the vineyards alive, handle the harvest, and run the winemaking operations. Even when the winemaking is handled solely by the husband, all of the administrative, marketing, and managerial duties are often the responsibility of the wife. The division of labor in the partnership has always been crucial to the survival of the winery. Yet, for a long time, only the husbands received the accolades.
In Spain, perceptions have changed slowly, but surely, leading to more opportunities for women to achieve viticultural excellence. Today, there are many wineries pioneered by women, and many bodegas employ women oenologists and technical directors for their knowledge, skills, and expertise. The torch for storied wineries is being passed down generationally to the daughters more frequently, and many husband-and-wife teams now share the credit for their achievements.
Women have established themselves in some of the most esteemed wineries - CVNE, R. Lopez de Heredia, Marqués de Murrieta, Pazo de Señorans, El Maestro Sierra, Remelluri, and Barbadillo - just to name a few. Many of the most exciting new projects in Spain are led by women – Laura Lorenzo, Victoria Torres Pecis, Dolores Cabrera, Verónica Ortega, Noelia de Paz, Sylvia Prieto, Marta Casas and María Elena Jiménez, Sara Pérez, Rosalía Molina, Isabel Rodero, Laura Ramos, Victoria Ordoñez – not a complete list by far, and one that continues to grow.
Stop into the shop to keep the conversation flowing about all the wonderful women winemakers we champion at Despaña Vinos y Más, and pick up a few bottles of exceptional wines while you’re at it.
R.Lopez de Heredia – Mercedes & María José López de Heredia
Doña Pilar Pla Pechovierto, Dr. Carmen Borrego Pla, Ana Cabestrero
Altolandon - Rosalía Molina
Parés Baltà - Marta Casas and María Elena Jiménez
Daterra Viticultores - Laura Lorenzo
Pazo Señoráns - Marisol Bueno, Ana Quintela Suárez
Remelluri - Amaia Rodríguez Hernandorena
Barbadillo - Montserrat Molina
Nanclares y Prieto - Syvia Prieto
Envínate & Lavia – Laura Ramos
Venus La Universal – Sara Pérez
Bodega Verónica Ortega - Verónica Ortega
La Araucaria - Dolores Cabrera Fernández
Dominio del Águila – Isabel Rodero
LaOsa – Noelia de Paz
C.V.N.E. (Cune) – Marial Larrea, Eva de Benito
Do Ferreiro – Encarna Méndez
Celler Bàrbara Forés - Carmen Ferrer, Pili Sanmartín Ferrer
Victoria Ordóñez - Victoria Ordóñez
Guelbenzu - Milagros Rodríguez
