women in wine

Curious Vines: Supporting Women in Wine

curious vines: supporting women in wine the three drinkers

Image credit: Curious Vines

The wine industry is typically perceived to be conservative and retains that reputation of being elitist and a difficult industry for newcomers to access. However, Queena Wong is a leading voice striving for industry change and commissioned a survey with PROOF Insight, in October 2023, about conditions for Women in Wine.

The survey results had revealed that 78% of the women working in the wine industry believed that sexism was rife within the wine world. Queena subsequently provided a statement in response to a March 2024 article by The Times concerning the revelations of unfair treatment for women working in wine coined to be the wine industry’s Me Too moment.

Queena is on a mission to raise awareness for the invisible within the wine world, as well as advancements for wine education, and to provide that stage for women in wine. She is the Founder of the Curious Vines community, which champions women in wine and her efforts have been recognised in the industry with her recent number two ranking in the Drinks Retailing Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks, in 2024. Impressively, Queena has also been instrumental in working alongside The Wine and Spirit Trade Association, The Drinks Trust and The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to create a diversity and inclusion platform to inspire that growth and change that we wish to see. Without further ado, let’s dive a bit further in to the essential space that the Curious Vines community has created within the wine industry.

What is Curious Vines?

You might therefore be curious about Curious Vines so let’s discover more. Queena set up Curious Vines as a community fuelled platform focusing on women in wine and has seen enormous growth as more than 1100 women are currently registered members! The community’s main pillars are education, community and safeguarding and achieve these elements through a variety of programmes and events. The community has a newsletter that members receive regularly with useful information about things of interest and news within the wine world to provide that necessary encouragement and support.

How Does Curious Vines Help Women in Wine?

As mentioned above, there are a plethora of activities that Curious Vines members can partake in and the overall ethos of the community is to ensure that there is an ongoing level of support. As such, Curious Vines members, who enrol via the Curious Vines newsletter, may receive useful tips on how to break the glass ceiling, details of writing opportunities from various publications and requests for pitches are included plus there are a number of study programmes available including the Master of Wine Study Programme (for those already holding a WSET Diploma), alongside the opportunity to be involved in prizes such as the Bollinger Curious Vines Education Award.

No subjects are left uncovered and therefore ageism and the patriarchy within the field of wine has also received a mention! There are various events across London that are mentioned within the newsletter and therefore there is truly that support system in effect for many women and non-binary members who may feel isolated or may not feel confident about the level of resources and opportunities available, which may not always be transparent. Thankfully, Queena’s community platform is striving to make that transformational change to increase inclusivity in this vein. Whilst there may be all of the educational and informative aspects to consider, the Curious Vines community also takes the opportunity to celebrate the talents of the women that are a part of its membership pool. Those that have received awards or other celebratory occasions are given those shout outs too!

What are the forthcoming Curious Vines events?

women in spain event curious vines: supporting women in wine the three drinkers

There are indeed events occurring this summer so we would like to highlight the nearest event that will occur in June 2024!

Curious Vines showcases many careers panel events and this latest one will focus on women in wine within Spain. Sponsored by Bibendum and Decanter there will be a celebratory element as the panel’s esteemed guests and pioneering women will impart their knowledge from their wine journeys. The respective panel guests are Almudena Alberca MW, Monika Linton, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Marta Juega Rivera and Emily Brighton MW.

Almudena’s credentials include being the first female MW in Spain, did you know? She began her wine career by producing boutique wines in Viñas de Cenit in Spain and has also been the Spanish specialist for AvivaVino in New York. Almudena has also been the Brand Ambassador for Oeno since 2021.

Monika is the founder of the Brindisa tapas restaurants that we all know and love. She created this brand with the first branch in Borough Market bringing this concept of tapas bars to London and we are forever grateful!

Sarah Jane is also a writer and consultant as well as being a Master in Wine. Her specialties include Spain and Sherry – she is a certified Sherry educator. Sarah also adds to her credentials the role of chairman of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.

Marta is a researcher by background and has always been keen on innovation. She has worked at Bodegas Diaz Bajo in Ribera del Duero in the beginning of her career up to being the Head of Positive Impact Strategy and Winemaker now for Alliance Wine.

Emily is currently the youngest female Master of Wine, which is another achievement to be celebrated! Her wine interest began from joining the wine society as a university student. Emily’s wine career included her work at Majestic and Bibendum. Now, Emily can be found within her role as Technical Manager for North South Wines.

Such an illustrious panel of innovative women in wine is bound to create an exciting event for all attending!

How Can I Get Involved With Curious Vines?

This is a very good question as the more Curious Vines members the better in this aim to create greater inclusivity within the drinks industry!

Firstly, a good step to take will be to register for this forthcoming panel event in June 2024, that we have mentioned above, regarding the talented women within the Spanish wine industry. To make it easier for you, here is the booking link (there are just a few tickets remaining at the time of writing) :

Furthermore, you could also register for the Curious Vines newsletter on its site, to make things a bit easier to navigate your way through the industry as a woman/ non-binary.

Unfortunately, it’s come a bit later than other industries but the wine world is now recognising that need for inclusivity and diversity to create a welcoming space for all seeking to have a voice and promote their passion as a oenophile. Initiatives such as Curious Vines spearheading these transformations are a necessary component in this ongoing fight for a level playing field. Hopefully, with Curious Vines’ continuous efforts and support, we may gradually see this positive impact reverberating with a decline in the numbers of those feeling excluded. We are certainly crossing our fingers for more of this positive change to unfold!

By Latoya Austin

latoya austin drinklusive the three drinkers

The Wonderful Women Of Wine

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

For far too long, winemaking was a male-dominated industry, partly because of the male inheritance of vineyards in days of old and the culture that this set in place. Happily, attitudes have changed, thanks in no small part to some fantastic, trailblazing, female winemakers like these women below.

This International Woman’s Day, let’s raise a glass to all inspirational and innovative women in wine wherever they are!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Heading up their stunning winemaking team in the Western Cape is one of the industry’s brightest stars, Praisy Dlamini who handpicks the grapes herself. To get to this point, she became proficient in Afrikaans, completed a degree in Agricultural Management, landed a 3 year internship at the Cape Winemakers Guild and became the first woman CWG Protégée, before rising through the ranks at Distell and Anchor Yeast. Alongside the drive and talent of Praisy, Amandla is very much a group endeavour with an all-female, all-black workforce from winemaker to accountant to stock controller.

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

This blend is so juicy and jammy without being overbearingly sweet with plum and ripe blackberry notes dominating the palate. With its silky smooth texture, it would work well with loads of foods, especially grilled meats, so fire up the braai!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually more!)

Domaine Jones – Katie Jones

Domaine Jones – Katie Jones The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Katie Jones moved to Languedoc in 2000, taking up a role with Mont Tauch Co-op but when the recession hit, it became less about wine and more about money. Disenchanted, she turned to the cut-price vineyard she had bought a couple of years before in an area they call, ‘the land of great hope and early graves’ – ominous! With the hard work done to get it up and running, her early wines were an overnight success picking up award after award. She’s expanded since then, working three small and charming vineyards and has even overcome a tragedy in 2013, when vandals poured her entire year’s vintage down the drain, with the help of Naked Wines who clubbed together to support her, ‘the Queen of the Languedoc!’ The awards have continued coming and Katie is perfect proof of where persistence can get you.

Me & Monsieur Jones Rose 2021

Me & Monsieur Jones Rose 2021 The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

A gorgeous rosé blend of Carignan and aromatic Muscat from Katie’s ‘Monsieur Jones’ vines, that’s brimming with vibrant red berries and a touch of aromatic elderflower. Super refreshing but with enough weight to stand up to hearty meals served alongside it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.99

Ramón Bilbao - Sara Bañuelo

Ramón Bilbao - Sara Bañuelo The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Ramón Bilbao was Drinks International’s Most Admired Wine Brand in The World in 2022, one of many prestigious awards it’s picked up in its long history. Leading the winery for the last few years as Technical Director of Rueda is Sara Bañuelos, rooted in the world of wine from her family in Rioja. She studied agricultural engineering as well as working in oenology and viticulture and since finishing, she has worked in La Rioja and now Ramón Bilbao!

Ramón Bilbao Sauvignon Blanc Rueda 2019

Ramón Bilbao Sauvignon Blanc Rueda 2019  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

This crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc is experimental in Rueda, with aromas of cut grass, zingy citrus, and exotic fruits such as lychee. It goes brilliantly with seafood and it’s also what Sara drinks herself ,so it must be good!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £11 in Booths

Houghton Wines - Courtney Treacher

Houghton Wines - Courtney Treacher The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Margaret River region in Australia, with its colourful history of Scots, bandits and winemaking craftspeople since 1836, is Houghton Wines. Leading the charge since 2020 is Courtney Treacher, who began with Houghton as a cellar hand back in 2004. With only 14 winemakers in its entire history, Houghton relies on generational talent and makes wines that nod to iconic Western Australian styles, often with Bordeaux varietals, but modern varietal expression.

Houghton Heritage White 2021

Houghton Heritage White 2021 The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

70% Chenin Blanc, 23% Muscadelle, 5% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Grigio, this Heritage White boasts an inviting, floral nose, a fleshy rich palate and would sit perfectly beside carbonara, seafood and most white meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.99

Domaine d’Arbousset - Julie Rouffignac

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Domaine d’Arbousset - Julie Rouffignac

Alongside fellow oenologist Gérard Lafont, Julie unearths some of the most beautiful wines of Provence and the Rhône Valley. Domaine d’Arbousset is an organic, independent family-run vineyard, handed down through the generations that focuses its effort and expertise on a select few wines each year with respect for the environment they’re made in.

Arbousset Tavel Rosé

Arbousset Tavel Rosé The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Tavel is a Cru in the southern Rhône Valley that produces only rosé wines that tend to be quite dark and dry. This one is deliciously full-bodied with a gorgeous, deep pink colour and notes of grapefruit, raspberries and spices. Try it with grilled meat, spicy cuisine, cheese and fruity desserts.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12

Bird in Hand - Sarah Burvill

Bird in Hand - Sarah Burvill The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Sarah is the senior winemaker at Bird in Hand but she has made wine in Australia, New Zealand and France. The Adelaide Hills have always been her home and is where Sarah developed her passion for sparkling wine in particular. The Bird in Hand winery sits on some of the world’s oldest soils and makes some absolutely spectacular, elegant wines!

Bird In Hand Two In The Bush Chardonnay

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Bird In Hand Two In The Bush Chardonnay

Simply an exceptionally pure and elegant, super rounded cool-climate Chardonnay. Nectarine, peach and cashews ride on a delicately textured mouthfeel. Think Chablis with a splash more fruit.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Mar de Frades - Paula Fandiño

Mar de Frades - Paula Fandiño The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Paula has been drawn to the countryside since a young age and more specifically, the vines that grow in them. She specialised in Technical Agricultural Engineering at University before specialising in viticulture and oenology. Under her guidance and inspired by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Mar de Frades is now one of Spain’s leading wineries and she was recently named one of the most influential female enologists in the country by Drinks Business.

Mar de Frades Albariño

Mar de Frades Albariño  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

The blue bottle is stand-out for all the right reasons, and the same can be said for the classic Albariño wine inside. With notes of ripe lemon, wet rocks and sea spray, this bottle serves as a benchmark for the region.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £16

McPherson - Jo Nash

McPherson - Jo Nash The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Jo Nash has been Chief Winemaker at McPherson since 2012 when she became pregnant with her fourth child, but she’s been part of the Australian winery for decades. Jo’s relentless belief in beautiful wine led her to buy a 20 year old vineyard in Victoria’s remote Grampians without running it by the accountant first... that accountant’s name was Gary, hence the name of the bottle below!

Don't Tell Gary Shiraz 2019

Don't Tell Gary Shiraz 2019  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

100% Shiraz from the mountainous Grampians vineyard, this silky red wine is fermented in open vats followed by ageing in new French oak barrels for 12 months, producing a full-bodied wine with silky smooth tannins and notes of plush, oak spice, sweet blackberries and cherries.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £16.49 (£13.99 Mix 12)

Textura - Mariana Salvador

Textura - Mariana Salvador The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Part of a flourishing Portuguese wine scene, Textura is a relatively new winery on the slopes of Serra de Estrela in the Dão appellation. Overseeing the ‘low intervention, contemporary and fresh’ approach to winemaking is Mariana Salvador. With a trio of degrees in Food Engineering, Winemaking & Viticulture and Oenology, she has focused on varietals from the beginning, her favourite being Jaen which gives an amazing cool-fruited profile to their Tinto.

Textura da Estrela, Tinto, Dao, 2018

Textura da Estrela, Tinto, Dao, 2018  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

35% Field Blend, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Jaen and 15% Alfrochiero, the wine ages in used French oak vats and barriques for 15 months, and offers delicious, floral and berry notes alongside airy pine and cocoa flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: 6 Bottles - £80 (£13.33 per bottle)

SUSANA BALBO - Susana Balbo

SUSANA BALBO - Susana Balbo The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Simply put, Susana Balbo is a certified legend of winemaking. Graduating in the early 80s, the first female winemaker in Argentina, she has gone on to evolve her namesake brand into one of the most successful and respected wineries not just in Mendoza, but in the world. She also keeps it in the family, as her daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo is now working with her as they expand into wellness and hospitality. In an industry run by men, she had to work twice as hard and still managed to completely redefine her trademark Torrontes as an elegant and classy wine. Three times President of Wines of Argentina, Susana is a true pioneer of Argentinian wine. Salud to the Queen of Torrontes!

Susana Balbo Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2021

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Susana Balbo Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2021

Susan’s Torrontes is barrel-fermentated, with every drop then aged in new French oak for half a year with weekly batonage (lees stirring) to add a creamy texture. The end product is not only a mesmerising golden hue, but offers rounded, rich fruit with a crisp acidity and elegant complexity that feels exotic, floral and nitty, all at the same time.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £21.50

Cambria – Jill Russell

Cambria – Jill Russell The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Jill was one of the first to enroll in the Wine and Viticulture major at California Polytechnic putting the ‘learn by doing’ motto into practice and getting to grips with all things Californian wine. Broadening her horizons, she studied in Adelaide too before taking on Assistant Winemaker duties at Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Building her experience in the Loire Valley and with Paul Lato Wines, Jill took on the dream role of winemaker at Cambria. Working closely with the Manager and her predecessor Denise Shurtleff (another female wine icon), she continues to develop an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and produces spellbinding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay

The hit of fresh fruit is instant and carries over into the palate. Think white peach, zesty lemon, Granny Smith apples and pear. The oak is soft and the acidity is poised in this masterful, Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £22.65

Giant Steps - Melanie Chester

Giant Steps - Melanie Chester The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Loved for the region’s expressive wines, Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne is home to Giant Steps, who specialise in low-intervention, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Leading the way there since 2021 is the experienced Melanie Chester. After winning prizes at the University of Adelaide, she went on to cover diverse estates like d’Arenberg, Charles Melton and Quinta do Crasto in Portugal’s Douro Valley. She’s also panel chair at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards and has three major winemaking awards of her own under her belt. What a career already!

Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

The single vineyard Pinot Noir is her brainchild and more than justifies its punchy price tag. A lauded Aussie Pinot, this wine boasts complex notes of sour cherry and cranberry on the nose, moving to softer, spicy plum and cherry, with a hint of coffee bean on the finish. Glorious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £40

Penner-Ash - Kate Ayres

Penner-Ash - Kate Ayres The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Continuing the tradition of Penner-Ash working with Willamette Valley growers is Kate Ayres. They have a gloriously diverse and high-quality portfolio made up of premier vineyards from the community, sourcing the most distinguished grapes. Kate’s first love was animals, but once she encountered the winemaking department at her University there was no going back. Oregon, New Zealand, Portugal, Australia – Kate explored the world learning about wine before returning back to near where she started, Penner-Ash in Oregon.

Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

This Pinot Noir has a plush, rosy nose with wild strawberries, cherry and a combination of lofty floral notes and a slight earthiness. Easy-drinking and supple, the berry flavours really stand out in the most moreish way.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £59.41

Freemark Abbey – Kristy Melton

Freemark Abbey – Kristy Melton The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Building a reputation for making finessed and structured wines across Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Kristy approaches wine from a scientific background, having earned a Masters in Viticulture from the University of California in 2007. She’s been on many a ‘one to watch’ list and for good reason when you taste the vintages released under her watch.

Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Indulgent and rich, this deep garnet coloured wine completely fills the mouth with notes of dark chocolate, sweet oak, black fruits, mocha and a touch of earthiness. Velvety smooth, delightfully complex and with a satisfying drying finish, get this lots of air and have it with food. Sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £45.93

If you enjoyed this then make sure you click here to read more wine news and recommendations!