Women Shaping the Future of Wine: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation  thumbnail image

Women Shaping the Future of Wine: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

The wine industry has long been a space where dedication, craftsmanship, and vision define success. For years, women have been quietly breaking barriers, proving that passion, expertise, and innovation know no gender. Today, their influence is undeniable. From winemaking to vineyard management, from sustainability efforts to entrepreneurship, women are reshaping the wine world—not as exceptions, but as essential voices in its future. 

This Women's History Month, we celebrate the trailblazers who have not only mastered the craft but also opened doors for the next generation. Their journeys remind us that leadership is about more than recognition—it's about resilience, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. 

 

 

2021 Colgin Jubilation Red 750ml 

 

 

 

 

Ann Colgin– The Artist Behind Colgin Wine 

We raised a glass to Ann Colgin, a pioneer whose passion and artistry have elevated Napa Valley’s wine industry to new heights. As the founder of Colgin Cellars, she has redefined luxury winemaking, crafting exceptional, terroir-driven wines that stand among the world’s finest. Her flagship IX Estate Red embodies elegance, complexity, and the very essence of Napa’s unique terroir. Beyond her winemaking, Colgin is a champion of philanthropy and the arts, shaping the industry with innovation and grace. Her legacy is not just in the bottle—it’s in the inspiration she gives to future generations of women in wine. 

 

2020 Cathiard Vineyard Hora Napa Valley Red Blend 750mL 

 

Justine Labbé – A Visionary in Cathiard Vineyards 

Cathiards estate vines flourish on the slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, one of Napa Valleys most exceptional terroirs. This unique location imparts both power and finesse to its wines, reflecting the regions distinct character. Owned by the same family behind Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Cathiardbenefits from a rich winemaking legacy. Winemaker Justine Labbé, who honed her craft through multiple harvests at the Château, took the helm of Cathiards historic Napa estate in 2021 as general manager and head winemaker. Today, she meticulously explores the vineyards unique traits to craft wines of captivating depth and beauty. 

 

Sir Davis American Whisky 750mL 

 

BeyonceSirDavis: A Tribute to Heritage and Innovation 

In honor of Women's History Month, we celebrate Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a global icon whose ventures transcend music. In 2024, she launched SirDavis, an American rye whisky that pays homage to her great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, a Prohibition-era moonshiner. Crafted with a mash bill of 51% rye and 49% malted barley, SirDavis is aged in American oak barrels and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, reflecting Beyoncé's commitment to quality and innovation. The whisky has garnered critical acclaim, earning Platinum and Best in Class awards at the 2023 SIP Awards. Through SirDavis, Beyoncé honors her family's legacy while redefining the whisky industry, inspiring a new generation of women entrepreneurs. 

 

2019 Quintessa 750mL 

 

 

 

Rebekah Wineburg -A Master of Quintessa and Technique 

Rebekah Wineburg has established herself as a leading force in Napa Valley winemaking, blending scientific precision with an artist’s intuition. With a background in molecular biology and enology, she honed her craft at prestigious wineries in California and Italy before becoming a Winemaker at Quintessa. Wineburg’s approach emphasizes expressing terroirand crafting wines that balance structure, complexity, and elegance. Her dedication to sustainability and innovation has set new standards in the industry, inspiring the next generation of female vintners. Through her expertise and passion, Wineburg continues to shape the future of fine winemaking in Napa Valley. 

 

 

2016 Henriot L'Inattendue 750mL 

Alice TetienneChampagne Henriot, Chef de Cave  

Alice Tétienne, Cellar Master and Director at Champagne Henriot, is a trailblazer in sustainable winemaking. With a deep respect for terroir, she champions eco-conscious viticulture, ensuring the preservation of Champagne’s rich heritage. Her expertise, honed at prestigious Champagne houses, drives her mission to craft wines that express purity, elegance, and balance. Tétienne’s leadership at Henriot focuses on innovation and sustainability, reinforcing the house’s commitment to excellence. As a rising star in the industry, she continues to shape the future of Champagne with her dedication to craftsmanship and environmentally responsible practices. 

 

NV Krug Grande Cuvee 171th Echoes Edition 750mL 

Julie Cavil - Krug, Chef de Cave 

Julie Cavil, appointed as Krug's Chef de Cave in January 2020, has become the first woman to hold this prestigious position at the esteemed Champagne house. Her journey into winemaking began after a successful career in public relations; driven by a passion for wine, she pursued enology studies in Reims. Following internships at Moët & Chandon, Cavil joined Krug in 2006, working closely with her predecessor, Eric Lebel, for over a decade. In her role, she meticulously blends numerous reserve wines from various vintages to craft Krug's signature Grande Cuvée, embodying the house's dedication to excellence and consistency. 

 

NV Gosset Grande Reserve 750mL 

Gabrielle Malagu - Champagne Gosset, Chef de Cave 

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Gabrielle Malagu, a visionary winemaker whose dedication to excellence is shaping the future of Champagne Gosset. With over 17 years of experience in sparkling wine production, she has brought passion, precision, and sustainability to one of the oldest Champagne houses. As Deputy Cellar Master, she works to uphold Gosset’s historic legacy while elevating each cuvée with her expertise and innovation. Malagu’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, craftsmanship, and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her influence continues to inspire women in winemaking across the globe. 

 

 

 

[Text Wrapping Break]Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey 750mL 

 

Fawn WeaverReviving a Legacy in Whiskey 

Fawn Weaver is a force of nature, breaking barriers and rewriting history in the spirits industry. As the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, she revived the untold story of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known Black master distiller. Under her leadership, Uncle Nearest became the fastest-growing whiskey brand in U.S. history, making her the first Black woman to lead a major spirits company. Through the Nearest Green Foundation, she ensures his legacy lives on, funding scholarships for his descendants. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Weaver’s brilliance, resilience, and commitment to changing the industry forever. 

 

Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila 750mL 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bertha González Nieves-Pioneering Maestra Tequilera and Entrepreneur 

Bertha González Nieves is a visionary leader and trailblazer in the world of tequila. As the first woman recognized as a "Maestra Tequilera", she has redefined the industry with passion, expertise, and innovation. Co-founding Casa Dragones in 2009, she introduced a new era of ultra-premium sipping tequilas, setting a gold standard for quality and craftsmanship. Named one of Mexico’s most powerful women by Forbes, her influence extends beyond spirits—she’s an inspiration for women in business worldwide. With Casa Dragones, she continues to elevate tequila’s global prestige, proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. 

Join Wally's in Celebrating Women Who Elevate Wine 

The women shaping today’s wine industry are not just making history—they are setting the standard for the future. Their success is not about breaking barriers but about proving, time and again, that great wine is made with vision, dedication, and heart. Their stories remind us that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact. 

As we raise a glass to these inspiring women, we celebrate not just their achievements but the opportunities they’ve created for the next generation. Join us on March 29that Wally’s Santa Monica as we celebrate these powerfully gifted Women in Wine for Women’s History Month. The future of wine is bright—because of them.