Women in Wine - Spirits
Mar 9, 2022
By
tflavius
A Tribute to the Remarkable Women in Wine and Spirits
Breaking down barriers and forging new paths. These women have proven that the world of wines and spirits is for just about everyone. These remarkable pioneers have paved a way for women to pursue groundbreaking careers, from Master Blenders to Directors of Innovation, Winemakers and Brand Directors. These women and countless others have shown us just how possible it is to strive and succeed in all aspects of life, adding their unique touch and giving birth to a new era of female wine and spirit innovators!
Jane Bowie - Master of Maturation and Director of Innovation at Maker's Mark Distillery
Made for success in more ways than one! Jane Bowie took the Bourbon world by storm in the most unconventional of ways, jumping headfirst into a male-dominated industry with very little experience, but a big passion for the industry and an eagerness to learn more. After applying for an 'event coordinator' position at Maker's Mark Distillery, just to appease her mom, Jane's unique approach captured the attention of the brand's owners and saw her jet setting off as a global brand ambassador in no time. As exciting as this new career path was, Jane's hunger and passion for the industry grew and she knew she wanted more.
After years of promoting the brand as a global brand ambassador, Jane decided she wanted to get more involved in the 'liquid' and set her sights on a new position with Maker's Mark that would allow her to stretch her creativity even more. Soon after, she landed the position of Master of Maturation and Director of Innovation for the brand. Jane's advice for any woman interested in stepping into the distilling industry ~ "Vocalize what you want. We’re such a passion industry that the hardest part sometimes is getting in. I have a million stories where people were just willing to teach me and answer questions and help, and I think our industry is like that. It’s very friendly, open and welcoming and people are always happy to share."
Kelsey McKechnie - Apprentice Malt Master at Balvenie Distillery at William Grant & Sons
Age is nothing more than a number and 26-year-old Kelsey McKechnie put that notion to the test in 2018, when she was appointed the position of Apprentice Malt Master at The Balvenie – becoming one of the youngest women in the world to become an apprentice malt master. Entering this male-dominated industry at such a young age did come with its challenges, but Kelsey has been privileged to be a part of a growing group of young female experts who are changing the perception of who the average whisky drinker is, proving the world of whisky can be for everyone.
"Everyone talks about how to drink whisky – on the rocks, neat or diluted with water. There are as many ways to drink whisky as there are whisky lovers, but the industry is constantly evolving, and new trends and innovations are emerging every day. Knowing and studying these trends is key to understand how the art of whisky-drinking is evolving and what whisky fans will want next from their favourite drink."
While studying, Kelsey began working at William Grant & Sons as a Technical Graduate and Whisky Technologist. During this period, she started gaining experience learning the art and science behind crafting The Balvenie, as she shadowed Malt Master David Stewart MBE. Her experience isn’t confined to just The Balvenie though, as she also spent a significant amount of time working with Master Blender Brian Kinsman on spirit development for William Grant & Sons’ portfolio of brands, including Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, Tullamore DEW and Milagro Tequila.
Natasha Williams - Two Oceans Winemaker
A mean pool player, an avid shopper and a true lover of country living. Natasha Williams, Winemaker at Two Oceans’ Winery, is truly in touch with her cultural roots. “Give me the smell of the soil and I’m at peace.”
Focused and ambitious, she’s worked hard to get where she is, with a portfolio of refreshing, smooth-drinking wines sold at great value prices from coast to coast in over 80 countries worldwide.
Natasha won a scholarship to study Viticulture and Winemaking at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. This is where she began to develop her winemaking skills and hone in on her natural talents for identifying unique flavours and aromas, a remarkable and essential talent in the winemaking industry.
Natasha’s mother, a fantastic cook, worked with aromatic Asian spices and layering of flavours every day of her life. Natasha believes her sensitivity to flavours, came from growing up in her kitchen. But also, growing up in Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Winelands, makes wine a key part of her life. Natasha’s grandfather also played a major role, by introducing his grandchildren, of legal drinking age, to wine allowing them to appreciate and respect wine and not abuse it. “His love for wine made sense to use, but we had no idea just how much wine really meant to him. It was only after his death that we found books on wine among his possessions. Ironically, one of them has a picture of the cellar where I work now.”
Of all the wines Natasha makes, she loves Sauvignon blanc most. “Like a woman, it must be handled with care. It’s a very fragile variety and super-sensitive to its environment in the vineyard but also the cellar. It’s very hands-on. Actually, make that high-maintenance! It demands your utmost concentration. It stretches you and that’s what I love: a really good challenge.”
Lucía Vaieretti – Alamos Winemaker
Lucía Vaieretti grew up in Mendoza where her family has tended vines for more than 40 years. She has spent many years working in vineyards from a very young age. That was the foundation of her deep bond with Mendoza’s high desert vineyards.
Lucía attended Don Bosco, the most prestigious school of Viticulture and Enology in South America and has been making wine for over the past 12 years; most of this time has been spent with Alamos Winery. Lucía took over as head of winemaking at Alamos in 2016 and has now become a well-integrated part of the winery, adding her own style to each bottle of wine she produces. “Alamos is such an exciting winery to be part of, It shows what Argentina and Mendoza wine can be. When I’m making wines, I’m trying to express the best things about our grapes and about each region.”
Laura Catena - General Director of Bodega Catena Zapata
Most of the world knows Laura Catena of Bodega Catena Zapata as one of Argentina’s winemaking pioneers so it’s a bit surprising to discover that she is also an emergency medicine physician, an author, researcher, mother and so much more!
Laura was born in Mendoza, Argentina in 1967 and went on to attend Harvard University in the 1980s where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then continued on her educational path to receive her Medical Doctor’s degree from Stanford University shortly after. In 1995 Laura joined her father Nicolás Catena Zapata at the family winery and founded the Catena Institute of Wine with the vision of making Argentine wines that could stand with the best of the world. Laura truly exemplifies ‘having it all’ as the current General Director of Bodega Catena Zapata, the General Director of her own winery, Luca Winery in Mendoza, Argentina and a practicing part-time physician of Emergency Medicine in San Francisco.
Laura has long been referred to as the “face” of Argentine wine for her active role in promoting the Mendoza wine region and Argentine Malbec. She has been named one of the top 25 wine innovators in the world.
"Since Laura Catena took over and put her name on the label, the estate series seems to have taken on a bigger, brasher expression. The Catena Zapata wines can stand proudly among the best in the world."
Dave McIntyre, The Washington Post
Emily Faulconer - Chief Winemaker at Viña Carmen
Emily Faulconer is a force to be reckoned with. Named as one of the 'Top 100 Young Leaders' of Chile in 2017, by one of the country's most influential newspapers, and chosen by Tim Atkin in 2018, as one of the brightest rising stars to watch in the world of wine. It should come as no surprise that this rising star continues to shine as the Chief Winemaker at Chilean producer Viña Carmen.
Today, Emily is making a name for herself as one of the globe’s fiercest champions of Cabernet Sauvignon, and leading an intensive mission to explore the untapped potential of specific areas of Chile.
When asked about diversity and inclusion Emily has this to say, "It’s about understanding, accepting and valuing how people are different. A diverse team brings results that are definitely more interesting and complete, and when there’s a sense of fair play and belonging it’s much easier to achieve that. When a team has all those elements in place, you can compare it to a good wine, full of layers that make it complex, intriguing and revealing."
Valentina Buoso – Winemaker at Pascal Jolivet
Valentina Buoso has taken the winemaking industry by storm, after taking over the highly sought after title of winemaker at Pascal Jolivet in 2013, Valentina immediately brought her personal style to the label. Pascal Jolivet’s 2015 Sancerre Rosé, is proof that Valentina not only filled the shoes of her predecessor but has shaped a whole new path for the winery.
Valentina grew up in northeastern Italy, in a small village between Venice and Verona, where she was surrounded by wine production, in the area best known for Prosecco and Valpolicella. It wasn’t until the age of 16 that she became interested in the industry through a wine tasting course at her school.
Once her passion was discovered, education followed. Valentina spent a number of years expanding her wine knowledge at a number of Universities across France, finishing with her European Master’s Degree in both Montpellier and Bordeaux. At the beginning of her career, Valentina’s interest in research led her to one of the best research institutes in the Asti region of Italy, where she studied wild yeast. Soon, she was ready for more. After two years Valentina decided to leave Italy to improve her practical knowledge and see what trends were developing internationally.
In 2013, she was ready for Pascal Jolivet. Since taking the helm, Valentina works with organic grapes to produce quality wine with minimal intervention and chemical adjustments.
