A Toast to Women Who Shaped the World of Wine

March brings International Women’s Day, and in true Saint fashion, I love to reflect on the

individuals who shape the industries we value. In wine, women have played a defining role in

advancing technique, strengthening sustainability practices, and elevating hospitality across

generations and continents.

One of the most recognized historical figures is Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known

as Madame Clicquot. In the early 1800s, she assumed leadership of her Champagne house and

refined the process of riddling, a technique that allows sediment to collect in the neck of the

bottle for removal. This advancement helped define the clarity and brilliance that became

synonymous with Champagne and she is credited with producing the first iteration of rosé

Champagne as well. Her focus on export markets and brand building also positioned her house

as an international benchmark, demonstrating both technical skill and commercial foresight.

In Burgundy, Lalou Bize-Leroy has shaped conversations around biodynamic viticulture and

terroir expression. Through Domaine Leroy, she has emphasized meticulous vineyard

management, low yields, and minimal intervention in the cellar, influencing fine wine

production far beyond France.

Canada’s modern wine identity has also been guided by remarkable women. In the Okanagan

Valley, Heidi Noble of JoieFarm has built a portfolio known for precision and thoughtful

blending. Drawing inspiration from Alsace and the Rhône, her wines demonstrate balance,

aromatic clarity, and a European sensibility adapted to Canadian terroir. JoieFarm has become a

reference point for how Canadian wineries can express both place and polish.

Ann Sperling of Sperling Vineyards has long been a leader in organic and biodynamic farming in

Canada. Her work emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, and site transparency. Over the course

of her career, she has helped multiple estates transition toward sustainable viticulture,

contributing to a broader national conversation about responsible farming and long term

vineyard stewardship.

Beyond individual estates, women across Canada now lead winemaking teams, manage

vineyards, direct quality control programs, and shape export strategy. In regions such as

Niagara, the Okanagan, and the Similkameen Valley, their influence can be seen in the rise of

cool climate varietals, refined sparkling wine programs, and an increasing focus on site specific

expression.

Globally and domestically, the contributions of women in wine are technical as much as

creative. They have advanced fermentation practices, improved vineyard management,

strengthened sustainability initiatives, and elevated how wine is presented and shared. As we

mark International Women’s Day this March, exploring the stories behind the bottles we enjoy

adds another layer of appreciation. Understanding who guides the vineyard decisions, oversees

harvest, crafts the blend, and leads the business brings depth to every glass.

The history of wine is long and continually evolving. Women have been instrumental in shaping

that evolution, contributing expertise, innovation, and thoughtful leadership that continue to

define the industry today.

As someone working in the wine industry, I feel fortunate to experience these wines firsthand

and to witness the care behind them. Tas[ng through por\olios, visi[ng vineyards, and sharing

bo]les with guests and clients connects me directly to the people who cra^ them. Being a

woman in wine today means par[cipa[ng in a community built on knowledge, curiosity, and

collabora[on. It is a privilege to pour wines shaped by such though\ul leadership and to

contribute, in my own way, to the evolving story of this industry.

Cheers!

Steph