March is Women’s History month and it’s a great excuse to share the love for our woman-made wine selection. Though only 10% of all US wineries have a female vintner, most studies find that the wine made by these vintners tend to be more highly acclaimed and awarded. Here’s to breaking through the grape ceiling one bottle at a time.
Dos Minas Malbec ($15)
“Mina” is old school Argentine slang for “girl” and this dark, mysterious bottle is made by two of them.
I Versi Bianco IGT Fondo Antico ($15)
Winner of the “Best Enologist of 2014” award in the wine guide, Giornale di Sicilia, Lorenza Scianna farms her estate using the techniques of her ancestors.
Leyda Chardonnay ($15) and Leyda Pinot Noir ($15)
Vintner Viviana Navarrete graduated at the top of her class with a degree in oenology from Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Chile.
Roc des Anges Effet Papillon Blanc ($15) and Roc des Anges Effet Papillon Rouge ($15)
Winemaker Marjorie Gallet found old vineyards by her home when she was 23 and borrowed money to buy them and turn them into her winery.
Handley Gewurtztraminer ($16)
Winemaker Milla Handley runs her organic winery on 75% solar power.
Isabel de France Cotes du Rhone ($17)
Vintner Isabel Ferrando includes the stems as well as the grapes during the fermentation process because she believes it adds freshness to the wine.
Mas Sorrer Montsant ($17)
The duo behind this wine is a husband and wife team who make all their wines organically.
Chateau St. Jean de la Gineste Corbieres Vieilles Vignes ($18)
Winemaker Marie-Helene Bacave’s family has owned her wine estate since the 19th century.
Monte Dall’Ora Valpolicella Classico ($20)
Wife and husband team, Alessandra and Carlo Venturini, plant rosemary and lavender in their vineyards to help attract bees.
Tour du Bon Bandol “Rêvolution” ($27)
Agnés Henry was one of the original natural winemakers; she uses indigenous yeasts and doesn’t filter her wine.
Josetta Saffirio Barolo ($52)
Vinter Sara Saffirio is the 4th generation to run the family’s wine production.