From the vine to the glass, women continue to be under-represented in many wine-related fields. Although they are progressively gaining front-row jobs and positions, it is public knowledge that the percentage of men occupying high-responsibility positions greatly exceeds the percentage of women. However, things are changing: women are making a tremendous headway in areas that have been occupied by men (e.g., winemakers, sommelier, critic, oenologist, and wine influencers on social media).

Certain figures stand out: among all nominees in international wine contests, only 10% are women (e.g., 1 in over 4 oenologists). According to Ann B. Matasar, author of Women of Wine: The Rise of Women in the Global Wine Industry, a great majority of international wine organizations have their presidency occupied by men and have not placed women in top positions. 

Bringing focus on regional data:

• In France, only 31% of women own or co-own winemaking businesses. 
• Lucia Albino Gilbert and John C. Gilbert, authors of Women Winemakers, drew attention to the fact that, among California’s 4,000 wineries, only 10% have female head winemakers. Women own only 4% of California wineries. 

How can this disproportion be explained?   

Taking the road down history lane, it is not hard to notice that wine industry has been men’s territory. Women have either been limited to vines work, or have been judged under gender-based negative connotations of alcohol. Women who are remembered today from past centuries could only enter the world of wine because their spouse died (e.g., Joséphine de Lur-Saluces at Château d’Yquem or La Veuve Clicquot and her champagne). Newly widowed, they inherited the wine estates of their husbands. 

Thankfully, the 20th century has shed some light on many women that have marked the world of wine. To un-exhaustively name some of them: Philippine de Rothschild, female pioneer integrating the very closed professional field; the renowned wine critic, Jancis Robinson and her World Atlas of Wine; Caroline Frey, ranked 28th of the 200 personalities of the wine world by the Revue des Vins de France; the Argentinian Susana Balbo, also known as “The Queen of Torrontés”; María Luz Marín, first female winemaker and winery owner in Chile; Brasilian Regina Vanderlinde, former International Wine and Vine vice-president. 

The previously stated unbalanced representation led to great initiatives driven by the goal to break the glass ceiling, grant possibilities for women to build a network and amplify their voices. 

Terrisson Wines has a long history of being built by and with women. Broadly, we believe diversity – shall it be brought out by gender or different nationalities and sensibilities within our team – makes the richness of our exchanges and work.

Also, we want to celebrate among our winemakers, the women who participate in making the French wine culture thrive in the United-States. Here is the list of female owners or co-owners Terrisson Wines represents:

• Domaine de Millet 
• Domaine Fourrey
• Domaine La Barroche
• Rière Cadène 
• Domaine Lacourte Godbillon 
• Domaine de Roche Guillon 
• Domaine Arnoux
• Château Lestage & Château Caroline
• Château La Branne
• Château Grand Barail

We thank you for your trust, today and all year-long!  #IWD

Sources:

"A Guide to Top Women Winemakers, Still Rare in the World of Grapes", Elin McCoy, July 1st, 2020.

"Women in Wine: Systematic Exclusion & the Success of Tenacious Women", Tanya Morning Star Darling, Septembre 13th, 2021.

"Women in Wine", Ellis, March 8th, 2021.

"Where have women got to in wine?", Jancis Robinson, March 8th, 2021. 

"Women in wine: award-winning wines by influential females", Olivia Mason, March 8th, 2021.

"Les femmes dans le monde viticole", Cuvée Privée.