Some of the greatest wines ever made owe their legacy to visionary women. From running legendary châteaux to redefining entire wine regions, these trailblazers didn’t just influence the industry—they transformed it. In honor of International Women’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the women behind some of the world’s most iconic wines. 🍷✨
Françoise-Joséphine de Lur-Saluces – Château d'Yquem
Château d’Yquem isn’t just any Sauternes—it’s the Sauternes. The only premier cru supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, this golden nectar wouldn’t have reached its legendary status without Françoise-Joséphine de Lur-Saluces. Widowed at just 20, she took the reins and turned Yquem into a symbol of luxury, refining winemaking techniques and proving that patience (and botrytis) can create magic. Without her, Yquem might never have become the crown jewel of sweet wines.
Caption: Françoise-Joséphine de Lur-Saluces
Mary Penfold – The unsung chief of Penfolds
Sure, Penfolds was founded by Dr. Christopher Penfold, but it was Mary Penfold who steered the ship. While her husband was busy doctoring, Mary was running the winery, experimenting with techniques, and setting the foundation for what would become one of Australia’s most revered wine brands. Talk about a powerhouse.
Caption: Mary Penfold
Jeanne de Bellon – The woman behind Château Haut-Brion
Before Château Haut-Brion became a name whispered reverently among Bordeaux lovers, it was part of a dowry. Jeanne de Bellon brought the land into her marriage, and from there, the groundwork was laid for what would become one of the world's most celebrated wine estates. Proof that sometimes, the best investments come with a little romance.
Caption: Chateau Haut-Brion
Saskia de Rothschild – Château Lafite Rothschild
When Saskia de Rothschild took over Château Lafite Rothschild in 2018, she became the first woman (and youngest person ever) to lead a first growth Bordeaux estate. Three years later, she made history again as the first female CEO of Domaines Baron de Rothschild Lafite. No pressure, right? But with Lafite’s timeless elegance and her forward-thinking approach, the estate’s future is in expert hands.
Caption: Saskia de Rothschild
Madame Marie-France Manoncourt & daughters – Château Figeac
A family affair with serious staying power. Madame Marie-France Manoncourt, along with her daughters Hortense Idoine Manoncourt and Blandine de Brier Manoncourt, continues to uphold Château Figeac’s legacy. With a history stretching back centuries, their leadership ensures this Saint-Émilion powerhouse remains at the top of its game.
Caption: Madame Marie-France Manoncourt
Melanie Chester – Giant Steps
In 2021, Giant Steps handed the winemaking torch to Melanie Chester, an industry rising star. As head of winemaking and viticulture, she’s crafting next-level pinot noir and chardonnay from the Yarra Valley—wines that are as vibrant and dynamic as her approach.
Caption: Melanie Chester
Claire Podsiadly – Mount Mary
While Mount Mary’s founding duo, Dr. John and Marli Middleton, set the standard for Australian fine wine, today, Claire Podsiadly and third-gen winemaker Sam Middleton are carrying the torch. Claire manages the business, ensuring this legendary Yarra Valley estate thrives in the modern wine world.
Caption: Claire Podsiadly
Jan Morey – Sorrenberg
Sorrenberg’s cult-status wines wouldn’t be the same without Jan Morey. While Barry Morey is the winemaking face of the estate, Jan plays a pivotal role behind the scenes, making this tiny Beechworth vineyard punch well above its weight in Australia’s wine scene.
Caption: Jan & Barry Morey
Nicole Standish – The Standish Wine Company
The Standish Wine Company is synonymous with Dan Standish’s incredible shiraz, but let’s not forget Nicole Standish, who’s been instrumental in their success. While Dan crafts the wines, Nicole manages the business, proving that great wines need great leadership both in and out of the cellar.
Caption: The Standish Wine Company
Anne Marie Ambal – Veuve Ambal
Founded in 1989, Veuve Ambal is one of Burgundy’s finest crémant producers, and it all started with Anne Marie Ambal. Long before crémant was trendy, she was championing it, setting the standard for high-quality sparkling wine outside Champagne.
Caption: Anne Marie Ambal
Cheers to women in wine 🍷
From historic trailblazers to modern innovators, these women have shaped the wine industry in ways that deserve celebration—not just today, but every day. So next time you pour a glass of Château Lafite, Penfolds, or a crisp crémant from Veuve Ambal, take a moment to appreciate the women behind the bottle.
Happy International Women’s Day! 🥂
