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International Women’s Day: Celebrating women in wine
International Women’s Day is the perfect moment to raise a glass to the women redefining the global wine industry. From trailblazing female winemakers to women-owned wineries and wines inspired by powerful women, the world of wine is richer, bolder and more exciting because of their influence. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite drop or supporting women-led businesses, these wines are worth celebrating, today and every day.
Barbara Laithwaite
Barbara Laithwaite has been a cornerstone of the company alongside Tony Laithwaite, helping shape it into one of Australia’s most loved wine destinations. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the wine industry, Barbara was awarded a CBE, Commander of the British Empire, one of the highest honors for service and achievement in the UK. Her vision, dedication, and leadership continue to influence every aspect of the business, from the wines we select to the experiences we create for our customers.
Barbara embodies the impact of women who lead, inspire, and make great things happen behind the scenes.
Female Founders and Winemakers Leading the Way
These wineries are shaped directly by women who lead from the front as founders, winemakers or business leaders.
Dandelion Vineyards
Elena Brooks is the creative force behind Dandelion Vineyards, crafting expressive wines from some of South Australia’s most distinctive sites. Born into a winemaking family, Elena blends traditional techniques with modern elegance, producing wines that are both powerful and beautifully balanced.
Her leadership as founder and winemaker makes Dandelion a natural choice for celebrating women in wine.
"At Dandelion Vineyards, we believe that great wine is made in the vineyard. We carefully tend to our vines, handpicking only the finest grapes to craft our distinctive wines that capture the essence of our unique terroir. Each bottle is a true labor of love, a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and our passion for winemaking. We invite you to experience the pure, authentic flavors of our wines and discover the magic of Dandelion Vineyards."
~ Elena Brooks, Founder and Winemaker
Mcpherson Wines
Since joining McPherson Wines in Central Victoria, Head Winemaker Jo Nash has been the driving force behind many of our bestsellers. Balancing life as a mother of four with a high-pressure role at the helm of the estate, Jo’s dedication has earned her a string of prestigious awards and accolades. Her touch is the secret to fan favourites like the luscious Full Fifteen Cabernet blend and the Bubbly Personality Sparkling. As legendary critic James Halliday notes, under Jo’s watchful eye, the quality of these drops is "unfailingly good."
De Bortoli
De Bortoli Wines is a proudly family owned winery shaped by generations of women in leadership. Emeri De Bortoli, company Chairperson and matriarch of the De Bortoli family, continues to guide the business with a strong long term vision and family values.
That legacy is built on the foundations laid by Leanne Webber De Bortoli, and carried forward today by women in senior winemaking roles, including Julie Mortlock, Senior Executive Winemaker, alongside Kate Webber in the Yarra Valley and Hannah Medlock in the Riverina, each bringing regional expertise and craft to the De Bortoli range..
“Mother Nature doesn’t give us the perfect vintage too often. Each season is unique and part of the interest is you never know what’s coming.”
~ Julie Mortlock, Senior Executive Winemaker
Chapel Hill
Pam Dunsford was one of Australia’s pioneering female winemakers and played a defining role in establishing Chapel Hill as a McLaren Vale icon. Her influence helped shape the winery’s early style and reputation, opening doors for future generations of women in wine.
Today, that legacy continues in the vineyard through Rachel Steer, Senior Viticulturist at Chapel Hill Wines. Rachel’s work focuses on sustainable vineyard management and site expression, ensuring the quality of fruit that underpins every bottle. Together, they reflect the importance of women’s influence from vineyard to bottle.
Mountadam Vineyards
Mountadam Vineyards is a historic Eden Valley winery with a strong family foundation. Today, that legacy is carried forward by Jenni Brown and Caitlin Brown, who represent the next generation involved in the stewardship of the Mountadam name. Their work ensures the continuation of Mountadam’s focus on site driven wines, particularly its renowned Chardonnay, while guiding the winery into the future with care and continuity.
Penny’s Hill
Alexia Roberts has led Penny’s Hill through one of its most successful periods, combining her role as Chief Winemaker with broader leadership across the business. Under her direction, the winery has received international recognition while maintaining its McLaren Vale character. Her dual leadership role makes Penny’s Hill a standout women in power story.
Margan Wines
Lisa Margan co founded Margan Wines and continues to lead the business alongside her husband Andrew. Beyond the winery, Lisa is a respected voice in sustainability, hospitality and industry leadership. Her influence extends far beyond the vineyard, making Margan a powerful example of women shaping Australian wine culture.
"I have always been a strong advocate for the region and food, wine and hospitality industry, sitting on several boards, committees and mentoring programs."
- Lisa Margan
Tarrawarra Estate
Tarrawarra Estate has been shaped by strong female leadership over decades. Clare Halloran played a pivotal role in establishing the estate’s reputation, while Sarah Fagan continues that legacy today with refined, site driven wines.
Deviation Road
Kate Laurie is the driving force behind Deviation Road, producing some of Australia’s most respected sparkling wines in the Adelaide Hills. Trained in Champagne, Kate brings a refined, traditional approach to sparkling wine, paired with local innovation. Her hands on leadership and technical expertise make Deviation Road a natural International Women’s Day feature.
Women Behind The Wines
This collection brings together a group of influential women whose work spans some of Australia’s most respected wine regions and family wineries. Each has played a key role in shaping style, quality and direction, whether through winemaking, viticulture or long term brand stewardship.
At Bellarmine Wines, Di (Diane) Miller has been the winemaker since the winery’s earliest days, crafting elegant cool climate wines from Pemberton with consistency and care.
At Yalumba, Louisa Rose, Winemaking Director, is one of Australia’s most respected winemakers, leading winemaking across the Yalumba and Hill-Smith Family Estates portfolio. Alongside her, Jessica Hill-Smith and Lucy Hill-Smith represent the next generation of family leadership, continuing Yalumba’s long standing commitment to quality and sustainability.
In McLaren Vale, Willunga 100 has been shaped by a talented team including Renae Hirsch and Skye Salter, whose work has focsued on site expression, old vine fruit and thoughtful, minimal intervention winemaking.
"I like to use as little intervention as possible, aiming to guide the wines through maturation in the winery to maintain freshness while having balance, elegance and finesse; with the intention of allowing the potential of each parcel of fruit to be realized."
- Renae Hirsch
Wines Inspired by Women
Some wines carry more than flavour, they carry inspiration. These bottles are named in honour of daughters, wives, aunties and women who have shaped the lives of those who made them. Each tells a story of love, family, legacy and influence, making every sip a celebration of the women who inspire us.
We stop at nothing to bring you great wine
For over 50 years, we've gone off the beaten track to bring you great bottles from independent wineries around the world. We taste over 40,000 bottles a year to find the 800 or so that make the final cut. Juicy reds, refreshing whites, tasty rosés, thrilling fizz - you'll find all sorts of hidden gems in our handpicked wine collection.
