March is Women’s History Month—
—a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. While the wine industry has long been male-dominated, women have played a crucial role in shaping it from ancient to modern times. Some pioneered winemaking and vineyard management, while others revolutionized marketing and business strategies. Today, we raise a glass to some remarkable women who helped pave the way!
Madame Clicquot: The Grande Dame of Champagne
One of the most famous women in wine history is Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Madame Clicquot or “Veuve Clicquot” (meaning “Widow Clicquot”). In 1805, at just 27 years old, she took over her late husband’s struggling Champagne house and turned it into one of the most prestigious brands in the world. She pioneered the riddling process, which makes Champagne crystal clear by removing sediment from the bottle. Thanks to her innovations, Veuve Clicquot remains synonymous with quality Champagne today.
Louise Pommery: Inventing Brut Champagne
Before the 19th century, Champagne was typically very sweet. But Madame Pommery had a vision for a drier, more elegant style. She introduced the first Brut Champagne in 1874, catering to the evolving tastes of British wine drinkers. Today, her innovation is the global standard for fine Champagne.
Isabelle Simi: Defying Prohibition
During Prohibition in the U.S., many wineries shut down or were forced to sell. But Isabelle Simi, who took over California’s Simi Winery in 1904, refused to give up. She stored her wines in cellars for over a decade, waiting until Prohibition ended so she could sell them legally. Her resilience kept the winery alive, and it thrives to this day.
Maria Montessori: More Than Just Education
You may know Maria Montessori for her pioneering work in education, but did you know she also left her mark on wine? In the early 1900s, she developed a scientific approach to viticulture in Italy, advocating for careful vineyard management techniques still in use today.
Cathy Corison: Champion of Elegance in Napa Valley
In the 1980s, Cathy Corison broke barriers as one of the first female winemakers in Napa Valley to own and operate her own winery. While bold, high-alcohol wines dominated the era, she stuck to her vision, crafting balanced, elegant Cabernet Sauvignons that have stood the test of time.
Women Leading the Industry Today
Women continue to shape the wine world from Napa Valley to France, South America, and beyond. Icons like Lalou Bize-Leroy(Burgundy), Laura Catena (Argentina), and Eileen Crane (Domaine Carneros) have pushed the industry forward with their expertise and innovation. And, of course, right here at Scott Harvey Wines, women have played an integral role in crafting wines, running operations, and shaping the future of our business.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we toast the women who have transformed the wine world and those who continue to do so. The next time you raise a glass, take a moment to appreciate the woman behind the bottle.
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