For centuries, the world of wine has been a male-dominated field. Nevertheless, many women have left an indelible mark on the history of wine, influencing production, science, education, and the global market. From pioneering winemakers to leading critics and scientists, these women have shaped the way we perceive wine today.
Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin
The "Grande Dame of Champagne" took over the Veuve Clicquot house in the early 19th century and turned it into a global symbol of quality. Her contribution to champagne production techniques, particularly the remuage process, is considered revolutionary.
Lalou Bize-Leroy
One of Burgundy's most powerful personalities, Lalou Bize-Leroy established biodynamic cultivation in the vineyards of Domaine Leroy and created some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world.
May-Eliane de Lencquesaing
The woman who made Château Pichon Lalande one of the top estates in Bordeaux. Under her management, the winery gained international recognition and an excellent reputation.
Jancis Robinson
Jancis Robinson is considered one of the most influential figures in the world of wine and in 2018 was voted the most influential wine critic internationally. She prefers to be described as a wine writer and writes daily on JancisRobinson.com and weekly in the Financial Times.
She is the founder and editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine and co-author of important books such as The World Atlas of Wine and Wine Grapes, which are essential reference works on wine worldwide.
In 1984, she became the first non-professional in the industry to be awarded the title of Master of Wine, and in 2003 she was honored with the title of Order of the British Empire. She has received numerous international awards for her contribution to the world of wine and is the only wine writer to be inducted into the James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame.
She has dedicated her life to the study and promotion of wine, with a particular emphasis on its balance, subtlety, and diversity.
Sarah Morphew Stephen
In 1970, she became the first woman to earn the title of Master of Wine, paving the way for many women in the field of higher wine education.
Madeline Triffon
The first female Master Sommelier, who contributed significantly to the development of professional sommellerie and the training of young sommeliers.
Nina Basset
She is a distinguished professional in international hospitality. Together with her husband, legendary sommelier Gérard Basset, she co-founded the Hotel du Vin, Hotel TerraVina, and Spot in the Woods hotels. She was the youngest hotel and restaurant inspector for the AA at the age of 21 and was awarded a lifetime achievement award for women in business before she turned 40.
Her relationship with wine was strengthened through their travels to vineyards around the world. Since 2019, she has continued, together with their son Romané, to keep Gérard Basset's legacy alive through the company Liquid Icons, scholarships, and international activities for sommeliers. In 2025, she was honored with the Cateys Special Award for her significant contribution to the hospitality and wine industry.
Read her recent interview with Allwinestories here
Nina Basset, Excellence in Wine and Hospitality.
Ann Noble
The creator of the Wine Aroma Wheel changed the way we describe wine aromas. Her tool is now used in schools and tastings around the world.
Yvette van der Merwe
She is a distinguished wine professional from South Africa and holder of the title Master of Wine, one of the most demanding and recognized titles in the global wine world, awarded by the Institute of Masters of Wine.
With many years of experience in the wine market, she is active as a consultant, educator, and international judge in wine competitions. She is particularly known for her contribution to the education of professionals and the development of global wine culture. She is the president of OIV, International Oragnization for Vine and Wine.
Read her interview with Allwinestories here
Christine Collins
She is a wine professional based in Strasbourg and is mainly associated with the organization of the Concours Mondial des Féminalise international competition. Through her work, she contributes to the organization and development of the competition, which stands out because the judging panel consists exclusively of female wine professionals. Her work has helped promote the role of women in the international wine community and highlight quality wines from around the world.
See here for more information about the Mondial Des Vins Blancs Strasbourg competition.
The 27th edition of Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg 2025 coming soon
Stavroula Kourakou-Dragona
She was one of the most important figures in Greek wine. A chemist and oenologist, she devoted her life to the study, protection, and development of Greek vineyards.
As director of the Wine Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, she contributed decisively to the creation and establishment of Greek wines with Designation of Origin, laying the foundations for the modern identity of Greek wine. At the same time, she was the first female president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), representing Greece internationally.
Through her scientific and literary work, she highlighted the history and indigenous varieties of the Greek vineyard, which is why she is often referred to as "the Lady of the Vines." Her work is considered fundamental to the development and international recognition of modern Greek wine.
The future of wine is more balanced
Women now have a decisive presence in the global wine world. From scientific research to production and criticism, they actively contribute to the evolution of wine culture and the creation of a more polyphonic and dynamic wine world.
Wine is history, tradition, and culture—and many of the most important pages of this history have been written by women.
Editor Marinos Skolarikos 9/3/2026
