Bibendum's Women in Wine

For millennia, women have played a fundamental role in the wine and drinks industry. From ancient winemakers, brewers and traders, to modern sommeliers and winegrowers, female hands laid the foundations and shaped the world of wine as we know it today. Yet, their contributions have historically been overlooked.

We recognise that the gender gap still exists in the industry, and as part of our focus on ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’, we are actively trying to be part of the solution, while celebrating the brilliant female stars pushing the boundaries for change.

We have created a series of video interviews on the topic of ‘Women in Wine and Hospitality’, speaking to our colleagues, producers, and other industry professionals. Keep your eyes peeled, as we'll be updating the page with new interviews over the next 3 months. 

Discover the inspiring journey of Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino, the owner of Cantina Conte Vistarino - one of the best-known producers in Otrepo Pavese, in Italy, and home to Pinot Nero.

As a successful business woman in the wine industry, Ottavia shares her insights on breaking generational gender bias, achieving work life balance and the importance of flexibility in the work place.

Together with her husband, Carolyn Martin, co-founder and Creative Director at Creation, has done more than most to put the cool climate region of Hemel & Aarde, and Hermanus, on South Africa’s winemaking map. And remarkably, social responsibility is at the very heart of Creation.

Aware that one of the challenges facing the South African wine industry is how to enrich the lives of families in their agricultural communities, Carolyn is set on making a positive impact in their community, with education and food security taking center stage.

Introducing the remarkable Queena Wong, a true trailblazer in the world of wine and founder of Curious Vines. As a distinguished wine collector and industry leader, Queena has been recognized as one of CODE's 100 most influential women in the sector, and has been featured in various prominent wine publications - including a recent highlight in The Buyer magazine, thanks to her noteworthy initiatives with the Gerard Basset Foundation.

Queena's dedication to supporting women in wine is truly admirable, and through her Master of Wine Support Programme and Master Sommelier Support Programme, both generously funded by the Gerard Basset Foundation, she is helping to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Christina Rasmussen is a prominent wine writer and consultant based in London, known for her passion for finding unique vineyard sites and championing authentic, minimal intervention wines. She's also the co-founder of Little Wine, and owner of a micro-vineyard in the heart of Oxfordshire.

As part of our Women in Wine campaign, she candidly discusses the challenges of making a name for oneself in the wine industry as a young female and overcoming imposter syndrome. Christina emphasizes the power of female peers in the industry who have provided invaluable support and mentorship. Her dedication to sustainability, discovering lesser-known grape varieties and ampelography has made her a respected voice in the wine world, and her contributions to publications such as The Buyer and our very own Fine Lees continue to inspire wine enthusiasts around the globe.

Breaking barriers and shaping the future – what it's like to be a Woman in Wine. Clara Shand, C&C GB Commercial Director, sat down with us to discuss the topic of gender bias and its impact on women in the industry.

Clara's candid approach shed light on the challenges that women face in the male-dominated world of wine, and the steps that need to be taken to create a more equitable workplace.

Meet Harriet Kininmonth, C&C Wine Trading Director and a leading voice in the UK's wine industry. As we celebrate the women in our industry, Harriet shares with us her story of overcoming gender biases, navigating male-dominated spaces, and forging a path towards success.

With Spy Valley running in her veins, Amanda is energized by the opportunities and obstacles that come with leading the wine estate's team and inspiring the world of wine. She's Managing Director and possesses a deep-rooted passion for preserving the land for generations to come, fully understanding the significance of sustainability for both Spy Valley and the wider wine industry.

As part of our Women in Wine campaign, Amanda speaks with about the importance of confidence, how gender inclusive the new world is and how having a supportive team helps one thrive.

Hannah Crosbie is a wine writer and the founder of Dalston Wine Club, a popular wine-focused community that promotes inclusivity and accessibility in the world of wine.

As part of our Women in Wine Campaign, she spoke to us about her experiences navigating the traditionally male-dominated wine industry and carving out a space for herself as a successful wine writer and entrepreneur. Hannah's passion for wine and commitment to making it more approachable for a new generation of wine drinkers is truly inspiring, with her unique perspective on the industry and dedication to inclusivity making her a role model for all aspiring wine enthusiasts, regardless of gender.

Sophia Bergqvist is a remarkable woman in the wine industry; her story is a testament to the dedication that wine production demands. She, along with her father, relaunched Quinta de la Rosa in 1988, which is today a highly successful winery in the Douro Valley of Portugal. As the sixth generation directly involved in the port trade, Sophia has continued her family legacy and has been instrumental in the day-to-day running of the estate.

In our interview with Sophia, she spoke candidly about the challenges of being a woman in the Port industry, setting boundaries and the role that confidence plays in one's success. But she also emphasized the importance of clear communication, perspective and flexibility, which have helped her to overcome any obstacles that came her way.