Women in Wine: Celebrating Female Winemakers Pushing Boundaries in 2025
3/20/2025
The wine industry, traditionally dominated by men, has seen a growing number of influential women rising to the top, reshaping the landscape of winemaking with innovation, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to quality. These trailblazing female winemakers are not only producing exceptional wines but are also influencing the future of the industry in meaningful ways.
In this week’s WineLux edition, we celebrate the women pushing boundaries in the world of wine. We’ll highlight some of the most influential female winemakers to watch in 2025, explore their unique contributions, and discuss why investing in wines from female-led estates is a smart move for collectors and investors alike.
The Rise of Female Winemakers: A New Era in the Wine Industry
While women have long played a role in viticulture and winemaking, their presence in leadership positions has grown significantly in recent years. Female winemakers are gaining recognition for their innovative approaches, commitment to sustainability, and passion for crafting wines that reflect their unique perspectives and philosophies.
Why Female-Led Wineries Are Important for Investors:
Innovative Winemaking: Female winemakers are known for breaking traditions and introducing new techniques, from sustainable practices to innovative blending methods. Their wines often bring fresh perspectives that resonate with modern consumers.
Commitment to Sustainability: Many female winemakers are at the forefront of the sustainability movement, using organic, biodynamic, and environmentally-friendly practices. With sustainability becoming increasingly important for consumers and investors, wines from female-led estates are poised for long-term growth.
Growing Global Demand: As the industry and consumers increasingly recognise the contributions of women in wine, there is growing demand for wines crafted by female winemakers. This heightened interest creates strong investment opportunities, particularly for wines that are gaining critical acclaim and market attention.
Top Female Winemakers to Watch in 2025
1. Elisabetta Foradori (Trentino, Italy)
Elisabetta Foradori is one of Italy’s most influential female winemakers, known for her revival of the Teroldego grape and her commitment to biodynamic practices. Located in the mountainous region of Trentino, her wines reflect both the rugged terroir and her deep respect for nature. Foradori’s approach is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard to express itself fully through the wine.
Why Invest: Foradori’s biodynamic wines, particularly her Teroldego, have gained international recognition. As demand for natural and biodynamic wines continues to grow, Foradori’s reputation as a leader in sustainable winemaking makes her wines an attractive investment.
2. Laura Catena (Mendoza, Argentina)
Laura Catena, a fourth-generation vintner and managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata, has played a pivotal role in elevating Argentine wine to international prominence. Under her leadership, the winery has become known for its high-altitude Malbecs, sourced from some of the highest vineyards in the world. Catena is also a leader in sustainability, focusing on water conservation and biodiversity.
Why Invest: Laura Catena’s wines are some of the most acclaimed in Argentina, and their popularity continues to rise in global markets. The combination of altitude, innovation, and sustainability makes Catena Zapata’s wines, especially those from the Adrianna Vineyard, excellent investments for collectors.
3. Véronique Drouhin (Burgundy, France and Oregon, USA)
As the winemaker for Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy and Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, Véronique Drouhin has made a significant impact on both Old World and New World winemaking. She brings a Burgundian approach to her work in Oregon, crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reflect both the terroir of the Willamette Valley and the elegance of Burgundy.
Why Invest: Véronique Drouhin’s wines offer collectors a unique opportunity to invest in both Burgundy and Oregon, two of the world’s most respected Pinot Noir regions. Her wines are known for their elegance, balance, and aging potential, making them valuable additions to any collection.
4. Cathy Corison (Napa Valley, USA)
Cathy Corison is a pioneering female winemaker in Napa Valley, known for her elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons. With a focus on balance and restraint, Corison’s wines stand apart from the often opulent style of Napa Cabernet. Her estate is certified organic, and she is committed to sustainable farming practices.
Why Invest: Corison’s wines are gaining increasing recognition for their refined style and aging potential. As more collectors appreciate the elegance and structure of her wines, particularly in contrast to more fruit-forward Napa Cabernets, Corison’s wines are becoming highly collectible.
5. Marie-Thérèse Chappaz (Valais, Switzerland)
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz is a biodynamic winemaker from the Swiss region of Valais, producing some of the country’s most sought-after wines. Her vineyards, located in steep, mountainous terrain, produce wines with exceptional minerality and precision. Chappaz’s commitment to biodynamic farming and her focus on indigenous grape varieties have earned her widespread acclaim.
Why Invest: Swiss wines are gaining international attention, and Chappaz is at the forefront of this movement. Her biodynamic practices and unique terroir-driven wines are drawing the attention of collectors and investors alike, making her wines a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio.
Why Investing in Female-Led Wineries Makes Sense
As the world of wine continues to evolve, female winemakers are bringing new energy and perspectives to the industry. For investors, supporting female-led wineries offers both ethical and financial rewards. These winemakers are often champions of sustainability, quality, and innovation—values that are increasingly important to modern consumers and collectors.
Key Benefits of Investing in Female Winemakers:
Sustainability and Innovation: Many female winemakers are leading the charge on sustainable viticulture, using organic and biodynamic practices that align with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.
Market Appeal: Wines crafted by women are gaining recognition and appreciation in the marketplace, creating a strong foundation for future growth in both demand and value.
Diverse Styles and Regions: Female winemakers are making their mark in a wide range of wine regions and styles, from classic Old World appellations to innovative New World regions. This diversity provides investors with a wealth of opportunities to diversify their portfolios.
How to Build a Portfolio Around Female Winemakers
If you’re looking to add wines from female winemakers to your collection, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Focus on Producers with Strong Market Presence: Invest in female winemakers who have earned critical acclaim and whose wines are consistently recognised for their quality and aging potential. Look for producers whose wines are regularly featured at auctions or in high-end retail.
Seek Out Sustainable and Biodynamic Wineries: Female winemakers are often leaders in sustainability. By investing in wineries that prioritise environmentally-friendly practices, you can align your portfolio with the growing demand for sustainable products.
Diversify Across Regions and Styles: Women are making an impact in both Old World and New World regions, from Burgundy and Napa Valley to emerging markets like Switzerland and Argentina. Diversifying your portfolio across regions and grape varieties will help mitigate risk and maximise returns.
Conclusion: Women Shaping the Future of Fine Wine
As more women rise to leadership roles in the wine industry, they are not only crafting extraordinary wines but also challenging traditional norms and pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. For investors, wines from female winemakers offer a unique blend of quality, ethical appeal, and long-term value. By supporting these trailblazing women, you can build a wine portfolio that not only delivers financial rewards but also reflects the future of the wine industry.
