Let’s be clear from the get-go, here: women have always been at the heart of winemaking, from ancient vineyard tenders to modern innovators redefining what a great bottle can—and should—be. Today, they’re not just running wineries but breaking traditions, setting new standards, and proving that the best wines aren’t always about legacy or lineage but passion, skill, and a renegade approach to following the rules.
Across the globe, women-owned wineries are crafting some of the most exciting, award-winning wines on the market, from biodynamic Burgundies to game-changing South African blends. Some of these women inherited vineyards and turned them into powerhouses; others built their empires from the ground up, navigating an industry that still (somehow) questions their authority. What unites them? An unshakable vision and an undeniable ability to turn grapes into something extraordinary.
This list highlights seven trailblazing women who are making wines worth talking about—and, more importantly, worth drinking. Whether you’re after a sleek, mineral-driven Chablis, a bold Argentine Malbec, or a sparkling English newcomer, these wineries deserve a place on your radar. Cheers to breaking barriers, one glass at a time.
How These Women-Owned Wineries Were Chosen
These wineries were handpicked by me—wine expert and fellow female, Lela London—based on their award-winning reputations, the influential women at their helms, and their commitment to producing exceptional wines (which is why I’ve also pulled out a few of the best bottles for you, too).
1. McBride Sisters Collection – California & New Zealand
Imagine discovering a sister you never knew existed, halfway across the globe, then starting a business with them. That’s the real-life story of Andréa and Robin McBride. Raised separately in two of the world’s best wine regions—Andréa in New Zealand and Robin in California—they reunited in 1999 and bonded over their shared love for wine. By 2005, they transformed this passion into the McBride Sisters Collection, now the largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S.
Signature Sip: Their Black Girl Magic series, particularly the Riesling, is a veritable crowd-pleaser.
Ideal For: Those who appreciate wines with a backstory as compelling as their bottles.
2. Fiddlehead Cellars – California, USA
If you’re a Pinot Noir fan, you probably owe Kathy Joseph a toast. When she founded Fiddlehead Cellars in 1989, Santa Barbara County wasn’t exactly on the wine world’s radar. Joseph changed that, championing the region’s potential with meticulous, site-driven winemaking. She was one of the first female winemakers in the area and remains one of its most respected voices, proving that great wine isn’t just about place—it’s about the person perfecting it.
Signature Sip: The Fiddlehead Oldsville Reserve Pinot Noir is a testament to her dedication.
Ideal For: Aficionados seeking elegance in every sip.
3. Château de Béru – Burgundy, France
Athénaïs de Béru breathed new life into her family’s 12th-century vineyards after they lay dormant due to the phylloxera epidemic. Rather than letting history fade, she rebuilt the estate from the ground up, converting the entire operation to organic and biodynamic farming. Today, Château de Béru is known for some of the most exciting, terroir-driven Chablis in Burgundy.
Signature Sip: Their Chablis Côte aux Prêtres stands out for its minerality.
Ideal For: Chablis lovers who want their whites steely, complex, and full of personality—just like the woman behind them.
4. Seven Sisters Winery – South Africa
The Brutus sisters’ journey from displacement to distinction is nothing short of inspiring. After their father’s job loss led to the family’s eviction from their Paternoster home, the siblings were scattered among relatives. Two decades later, the seven sisters reunited with a shared vision: to create wines that embody their resilience and heritage. In 2005, they founded Seven Sisters Winery, one of South Africa’s few 100% Black-owned wine farms.
Signature Sip: The Pinotage, a vibrant red wine with a deep purple tint, offering strong SA flavors of ripe strawberry, juicy plums, and rich red cherry.
Ideal For: Explorers of South African talent and terroir.
5. Camins 2 Dreams – California, USA
Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó came to winemaking from different continents—Gomez from California, where she became one of the first Native American winemakers, and Taribó from Catalonia, where she trained in traditional European methods. When they founded Camins 2 Dreams in 2017, their focus was clear: wines made naturally, with no shortcuts. They source grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills and let fermentation happen on its own, producing bold, expressive wines that feel entirely of their place.
Signature Sip: Their Spear Vineyards Syrah is both robust and refined.
Ideal For: Adventurous palates seeking authentic expressions.
6. Woodchester Valley – Cotswolds, England
When Fiona Shiner planted her first acre of vines in 2007, few believed the Cotswolds could produce top-tier wine. Nearly two decades later, Woodchester Valley is proving them wrong, along with many other vineyards in the area. Spread across 55 acres, the estate has become one of England’s most exciting wine producers, turning out crisp still and sparkling wines that rival Champagne. (No, really).
Signature Sip: The Banc de Blancs 2018—a pure, mineral-driven sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay, with notes of tarte tatin, lemon zest, and nectarine.
Ideal For: Those curious about England’s burgeoning wine scene.
7. GranMonte Vineyard – Asoke Valley, Thailand
In the heart of Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park lies GranMonte Vineyard, a pioneering estate transforming the perception of tropical winemaking. Founded by the Lohitnavy family, the vineyard is now under the guidance of Nikki Lohitnavy, Thailand’s first and only female oenologist. Educated in Australia, Nikki returned to her family’s estate with a vision to craft world-class wines in Thailand’s unique climate, and she’s doing it with class.
Signature Sip: The GranMonte Asoke Cabernet Sauvignon—a testament to its tropical terroir, this wine offers rich notes of dark berries, bell peppers, plums and a smooth, well-rounded finish.
Ideal For: Adventurous wine enthusiasts eager to explore unique expressions.
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