Inspiring Women in Wine to Know Now

Observed each March since 1987 is Women’s History Month, a celebration of “women’s contributions to history, culture and society.” On March 8, International Women’s Day was recognized. One of its missions is “to forge inclusive work cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated.” During the past year, I’ve been fortunate to meet via real life or virtually, a number of inspiring women in the wine industry who live in the United States, France, Italy and Portugal. I’m honored to be able to share the stories, comments and accomplishments of ten of these remarkable women. Previously published at Grape Experiences, links to the articles are included below.

Lulu Handley, Proprietor of Handley Cellars in Anderson Valley

After visiting Anderson Valley in January 2020, my curiosity about the people who are responsible for such authentic wines from the area have continued. As luck would have it, I had the opportunity to chat with Lulu Handley, Proprietor of Handley Cellars, who grew up, along with her older sister, at her family’s winery and home in Anderson Valley. Handley Cellars is a small, family-owned winery in California’s Mendocino County. Bonded in 1982, they produce around 9000 cases of wine a year and are CCOF Certified Organic Estate Vineyards in Anderson Valley. Handley is located at the northwest end of the Anderson Valley on 59 acres of the original Guntly Ranch. Still standing on the property are the now-refurbished ranch house, plus the barn and water tower, all of which were constructed in the early 20th century. For more, click here.

Photo Credit: Handley Cellars

Estelle Prunier of Domaine Michel Prunier in Bourgogne

Domaine Michel Prunier et Fille is in its 5^th generation, with Estelle Prunier, the daughter of Michel Prunier holding the reins. They’ve worked together for over 15 years and when I met both at their winery, it was obvious that their passion for quality and tradition is found in each wine produced. I tasted their Crémant de Bourgogne Brut in the Domaine’s tasting room and again the final night of the trip with my wine colleague. Impressive to say the least. For more, click here.

Estelle Prunier

Elizabeth Bourcier, Resident Vigneronne at Bionic Wines in Walla Walla Valley

When I hear about someone with an inspiring story, I’m always intrigued. When I hear about a young woman who already has accolades overflowing her wine glass, I definitely want to understand the story. So I did. Meet Elizabeth Bourcier, recently named Resident Vigneronne at Bionic Wines and the protégé of French Vigneron Christophe Baron. Elizabeth was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2019 as recognition for her wine acumen and determination to succeed. Fascinated by how Elizabeth achieved so much in such a short period of time, I had the opportunity to chat with this humble, intelligent, and focused young woman. For more, click here.

Photo Credit: Andrea Johnson

Kate Madigan, Winemaker at St. Francis Winery in Napa Valley

Katie Madigan is Winemaker for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Old Vines Zinfandel and Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Unofficially known as the “Burgundy” winemaker, she assumed the Winemaker role in 2012, having been a member of the team for a total of 19 years. Katie explained that she wants Chardonnay to be a light “on the best of Sonoma County.” She knows that sites, soils and growing conditions in the area – from the Russian River Valley to the Sonoma Coast to Carneros and to the Alexander Valley – are different and shared that “fruit characteristics in the Chardonnay are the most important element.” For more, click here.

Katie Madigan – Photo Credit: St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Montse Reese, Winemaker at Pedroncelli Winery in Sonoma

When good friend Julie Pedroncelli St. John, Vice-President-Marketing, at Pedroncelli Winery, asked if I’d like to chat with their Winemaker, Montse Reese, I jumped at the chance. As an aficionado of wines from this iconic Dry Creek Valley family winery, I had always wanted to learn more about their winemaker who joined the team as Assistant Winemaker in 2007. Montse Reese attended Rovira|Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain and graduated with an Agricultural Engineering/Enology degree. She was offered a scholarship with Gloria Ferrer to work harvest in 1998 after which she spent time at Rodney Strong Vineyards then Ferrari-Carano where she met her husband. Soon thereafter, Montse joined the team at Pedroncelli and is crafting beautiful wines. For more, click here.

Montse Reese, Winemaker at Pedroncelli Winery – Photo Credit: Pedroncelli Winery

Katy Wilson, Founder of LaRue Wines in Sonoma

What path did Katy Wilson, founder of LaRue Wines, follow? From roots as a small-town farm girl growing up surrounded by walnut orchards, she’s now a talented, recognized winemaker in Sonoma County. I had the opportunity to chat with Katy a few weeks ago to uncover the answers to that question. What I discovered is that Katy is the consummate multi-tasker, exudes passion for her craft and never takes for granted the role of her great grandmother, Veona LaRue, who was a source of inspiration. Katy at LaRue Wines produces elegant, high-end Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from grapes cultivated in select vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Katy Wilson founded the winery in 2009 and has maintained production of around 500 cases. Hands on from sorting fruit to bottling, Katy’s a marvel and clearly someone to know. For more, click here.

Katy Wilson – Photo Credit: LaRue Wines

Judy Jordan, Founder of Geodesy Wine in Sonoma

As soon as Judy Jordan stated that the motto at Geodesy Wine is “Wine with a Purpose,” I was hooked. It’s one thing to wax poetic about the aromas, flavors and structure of a brilliant Cabernet or a special wine from a beloved region, but it’s another to talk about the characteristics of a wine that’s bigger than what’s in the bottle. During a virtual tasting with Judy and members of her team at Geodesy Wine, I learned just what that “bigger” means. Judy Jordan, a Stanford University graduate and geologist, is an iconic figure in the wine industry of which she has more than 25 years of experience. She founded J Vineyards & Winery in 1987 and sold it in 2015 with subsequent plans to include giving back to the community and continuing “the legacy of values established and shared with her children.” Now, Geodesy Wine is a platform upon which Judy’s dedication to social change achieved through philanthropy, investments, and appropriate business strategies moves forward. For more, click here.

Judy Jordan – Photo Credit: Geodesy Wine

Sabrina Tedeschi, Marketing and Export Manager at Agricola Tedeschi in Valpolicella

To enjoy an authentic taste of Italy, pour a special wine to sip with a traditional dish. It’s just that simple! Just recently, I had the opportunity to taste three wines from Agricola Tedeschi, based in the region of Valpolicella, north of Verona, during a private, virtual tasting with Sabrina Tedeschi, Marketing and Export Manager. During the time we were together, I began to understand more about the winery that was founded in 1630, the Tedeschi family, and their specific style of wines. Sabrina suggested that I make her recipe for Brasato all’Amarone, a rich and flavorful meat dish marinated in Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone della Valpolicella 2016 DOCG, for pairing with “what was left in the bottle!” For more, click here.

Sabrina Tedeschi – Photo Credit: Agricola Tedeschi

Sophia Bergquist, Owner of Quinta de La Rosa in the Douro Valley

After visiting Porto and the Douro Valley over a year ago, I found a new love for the many styles of port. In particular, high-quality, award-winning port from Quinta de La Rosa is now a favorite thanks to the opportunities to sample plenty of its offerings. But there’s always a story behind the wine, right? Recently, I discovered that Sophia Bergqvist, third generation owner of Quinta de La Rosa, is the only British woman managing a Port house. I knew that I had to learn her compelling story. For more, click here.

Sophia Bergqvist – Photo Credit: Quinta de La Rosa

The Women of Bacigalupi Vineyards in Sonoma

The words “Bacigalupi Vineyards” may be familiar, especially if you’ve seen them on the label of a wine bottle. Plenty of wines I love consist of grapes sourced from these vineyards located in Sonoma County. What I didn’t realize, however, is that the Bacigalupi family, farming since 1956, has produced wine under their own label for only ten years (the tasting room opened in June 2011), has a storied history of cultivating grapes for wine brands receiving international accolades, and is owned and managed, for the most part, by women. Recently, I accepted an invitation on behalf of Bacigalupi Vineyards, to participate in a virtual gathering to explore the story of these strong women, discover what they’ve learned through the years and understand how they’re continuing the family legacy. From the beginning of the conversation it was clear that Pam Bacigalupi, daughters Nicole Bacigalupi Row and Katey Bacigalupi Dericco, and winemaker Ashley Herzberg honor the legacies of Helen and Charles Bacigalupi who purchased 121 acres on Westside Road, near Healdsburg, in 1956. For more, click here.