While the industry has historically been male-dominated, women have long played a vital role in shaping the wines we enjoy today. Their approach often mirrors the way they nurture life itself—caring for the vines through every stage of growth, guiding grapes from harvest to bottle, and ensuring that each vintage reaches its full potential.
Winemaking, much like motherhood, is a process of creation and care. From tending to fragile young vines to making crucial decisions in the cellar, women bring an innate attentiveness and intuition to the craft. They balance the science of fermentation with an almost instinctive understanding of how wine evolves, refining every detail until it reaches its most expressive form. This ability to cultivate, protect, and perfect has led to some of the world’s most celebrated wines—wines that tell stories of the land, the climate, and the hands that made them.
This International Women’s Day, we highlight some of these talented women behind award-winning wines at Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2024. Though not an exhaustive list, these winemakers represent the skill, dedication, and innovation shaping the wine world today.
Read on to learn more about these accomplished women in wine—and discover some of their top-scoring wines from the 2024 competition, each a reflection of their expertise and passion.
Austria
Birgit Eichinger
Owner and winemaker at Weingut Eichinger
Birgit Eichinger (left) and daughter, Gloria (right)
Owner and winemaker at Weingut Eichinger
Birgit Eichinger is the owner and winemaker at Weingut Eichinger, an estate she founded in 1992 in Austria’s Kamptal region. Over the years, she has gained a reputation for their expressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, focusing on single-vineyard wines that showcase Kamptal’s unique terroir. Her Ried Grub Grüner Veltliner comes from deep loess soils, contributing to its richness and ageing potential.
Through dedication and a clear vision, she expanded the estate to 15 hectares, encompassing some of Kamptal’s most thought-after vineyards, including Heiligenstein, Lamm, Gaisberg, and Wechselberg.
Her winemaking philosophy emphasises individuality over mainstream trends, focusing on creating wines that embody elegance and strong character. Birgit is an active member of “11 Frauen und ihre Weine,” a network of female winemakers who collaborate to set innovative standards in vinification.
Family plays a pivotal role in Birgit’s winemaking journey. She draws inspiration and support from her husband, Christian, and their daughter, Gloria. Gloria actively participates in the winery’s operations, working alongside her mother in what has been described as a “women’s power house.”
Awarded not just one medal but four, including a Platinum, two Gold and two Silver medals at DWWA 2024, Brigit’s wines represent some of the best in the entire competition.
Weingut Eichinger, Ried Grub Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2022
Platinum, 97 points
An intoxicating swirl of delectable apricot, pear, pineapple and starfruit inspire and delight with a discreet underpinning of chervil, basil and gentle spice fragrance. Bold and generous with a finely chiselled acidity cutting through. Long and entrancing. Alc 13%
Weingut Eichinger, Ried Gaisberg 1ötw Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2022
Gold, 95 points
Hugely complex notes of plump yellow stone fruit, orange zest and honeyed saffron with a smattering of piquant pepper and aromatic herbs and a luxuriant texture. Long. Alc 13%
Weingut Eichinger, Ried Lamm 1ötw Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2022
Gold, 95 points
A wealth of fine florals, white pepper and clove with a searing mineral note. Lavishly structured with a mouth-watering peach and pear acidity and an excellent length. Alc 13%
Find out more about Bridget’s silver winning Riesling Ried Gaisberg 1ötw, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2022 or Riesling Ried Heiligenstein 1ötw, Kamptal, Niederösterreich 2022.
Greece
Eleni Kechris
Chief Winemaker at Kechris
Eleni Kechris is a pioneering Greek winemaker known for redefining Retsina, one of Greece’s most traditional wine styles. As the head winemaker at Kechris Winery, she represents the third generation of a family deeply connected to winemaking. She took over from her father, Stelios Kechris, who modernised the production of Retsina, proving that it could be a high-quality, terroir-driven wine rather than just a rustic, mass-market product.
Eleni studied oenology in Bordeaux, France, one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, where she gained extensive knowledge in both traditional and modern winemaking techniques. She later returned to Greece to apply her expertise to her family’s winery, continuing their commitment to innovation.
Beyond her technical skills, Eleni is passionate about challenging preconceptions in Greek winemaking. She works to change the way consumers and wine professionals view Retsina, proving that it can be a high-quality, age-worthy wine. Under her leadership, Kechris Winery continues to blend tradition with modernity, producing wines that highlight Greece’s rich winemaking heritage while appealing to contemporary palates. Tasted blind at DWWA 2024 across three stages of judging to be awarded Best in Show, recognition of the talent behind the bottle is undeniable.
Eleni’s Xinomavro, Slopes of Paiko, Macedonia 2021 and Afros, Retsina 2023 both were awarded Silver medals.
Kechris, Tear of the Pine, Retsina 2022
Best in Show, 97 points
Eyebrows, we know, will be raised. What on earth is a retsina doing in the DWWA Best In Show selection? In truth, eyebrows were raised every time this wine was tasted in the competition – because no one could quite believe that a resonated wine could be as subtle and as good as this. But subtle and good it is: pale gold in colour, with aromas that seem simply perfumed rather than dominated by resin; note, too, that this is an oaked wine, and you’ll find as much soft oak and creamy lees on the nose as you will a resinous twang. On the palate, all those elements come irresistibly together, too. Another point to note is that the variety here is 100 per cent Assyrtico rather than the more usual Savatiano or Athiri, so the patient layering of oak, cream and pine comes atop a pure, upright and vividly acid-balanced wine which would be of no little interest in its own right. The result is a triumph. We commend it to all open-minded readers. Alc 13.5%
New Zealand
Judy Ibbotson
Co-founder of Saint Clair Family Estate
Judy (left) and husband Neal Ibbotson (right). Credit: Sainte Clair Family Estate
Judy Ibbotson, co-founder of Saint Clair Family Estate, has been instrumental in shaping the winery into one of Marlborough’s most highly awarded producers. Together with her husband, Neal Ibbotson, she helped lay the foundation for the winery, blending business acumen with a passion for producing premium wines.
The Ibbotsons’ journey in Marlborough began in 1978, when they planted their first vineyards, making them early pioneers in the region. At the time, viticulture in Marlborough was still in its infancy, but Judy and Neal saw the potential of the land. Initially, they supplied grapes to established wineries, before taking the leap to create their own label in 1994.
Judy’s role within Saint Clair Family Estate has been multifaceted. She has been involved in marketing, hospitality, and business operations, ensuring the winery’s smooth day-to-day management. Her attention to detail and customer-focused approach have been key in developing Saint Clair’s internationally recognised brand. Under her guidance, the winery has expanded its presence across more than 70 global markets.
Family remains at the heart of Saint Clair. Judy and Neal’s three children—Tony, Sarina, and Julie—have all taken on roles within the business, continuing the legacy that their parents built.
Judy’s influence extends beyond her own winery. Through her work, she has contributed to Marlborough’s global reputation as a premier wine-growing region.
Awarded 15 medals in 2024, including one Platinum, one Gold, eight Silver and five Bronze medals at DWWA, Saint Clair wines clearly put their mark on last year’s competition.
Saint Clair Family Estate, Reserve Chardonnay, Omaka, Marlborough 2022
Platinum, 97 points
Brimming with fleshy white peach and sweet grapefruit with a spine-tingling crushed stone mineral frame which teases across the palate. Creamy and rounded with an appetising lemon curd acidity and a warming toasted bread finish. Alc 13%
Saint Clair Family Estate, Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Chardonnay, Omaka, Marlborough, 2022
Gold, 95 points
The epitome of poise and elegance with ample stony mineral notes and a flourish of honeyed nuts. Intense and structured with a chalky acid crunch and energising length. Alc 13%
Turkey
Ceylan Ertörer Diaz Leon
Winemaker at Urla Şarapçılık
Ceylan Ertörer Diaz Leon is the lead winemaker at Urla Şarapçılık, a winery in Turkey’s Aegean region focused on indigenous grape varieties and sustainable viticulture. With expertise in oenology and viticulture, she produces wines that reflect the characteristics of the local terroir.
The winery received two Platinum, eight Silver and two Bronze medals in last year’s competition. Her Suss 2022 was awarded 97 points (Platinum) for its aromatic complexity and balanced expression of the region’s white varietals. The Boğazkere 2022, was also awarded 97 points showcasing the structure and depth of this native Turkish red grape.
Urla Sarapcilik, Suss, Urla, Aegean Coast Region 2022
Platinum, 97 points
Intoxicating notes of dark berry fruit, coffee beans and caramel chocolate melt together with a whisper of cedar wood laced through the middle. Soft and billowing with velvety tannins and sleek acidity. Incredibly long and absolutely stunning. Alc 15%
Urla Sarapcilik, Boğazkere, Urla, Aegean Coast Region 2022
Platinum, 97 points
Smouldering dark berry, bitter cherry and inky charcoal notes enrapture and enfold into the silky, ripe tannins and crunchy, juicy texture. Profoundly pure and concentrated with swirls of creamy vanilla rustling towards the lengthy finish. Alc 14%
Portugal
Marta Pereira
Head Winemaker at Herdade Dos Lagos
As head winemaker at Herdade Dos Lagos, Marta Pereira plays a key role in shaping the wines of this 1,000-hectare organic estate in Mértola, Alentejo. Working alongside agricultural engineer Helena Manuel, she oversees the 25 hectares of vineyards, where Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Alvarinho, and Arinto are cultivated on schist soils.
Herdade Dos Lagos is certified Organic and Vegan, ensuring that no animal-derived substances are used in production. The estate is self-sufficient in water and energy, relying on photovoltaic systems and five artificial lakes to manage irrigation—crucial in the region’s hot, dry climate.
Marta creates aromatic whites and rosés alongside structured reds, highlighting the potential of Alentejo’s terroir and producing wines that reflect both the land and the expertise of the women leading its production.
Herdade Dos Lagos, Organic Touriga Nacional, Alentejano 2022
Platinum, 97 points
Finely-tuned, silky tannins frame the flamboyant red and black berry fruit which sets the tone. Beautifully pure with a delectable fruit-driven acidity and resplendent with lively granitic minerals which breeze towards the long finish. Immaculate! Alc 14%
