Women in Wine: International Women’s Day

Join us as we raise a glass and celebrate the talented and passionate women helping shape Australia’s wine landscape this International Women’s Day. 

Journey through the vineyards and cellar doors of Australia’s 65 unique and diverse wine-growing regions, and you’ll discover a multitude of dedicated women who are shaping the narrative of today’s wine scene. 

Whether nurturing vines, skilfully crafting fine wines, mastering the intricacies and challenges of wine marketing and sales, or donning multiple hats, women in wine epitomise creativity and inspiration. Their impact reverberates across the industry, and they are invaluable role models, quietly lighting the way for emerging talents and those aspiring to join this dynamic industry.

Traditionally a male-dominated domain, today the Australian wine industry undoubtedly benefits from the contributions of these talented women. And while the gender balance in roles across the industry may not yet have reached parity, their influence is unmistakable and transformative. 

So, how many women are in the wine industry? Female employment in winemaking itself, and in a variety of other roles including sales and marketing, has slowly increased over the past decade, according to the most recent census information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The decade spanning 2011 to 2021, witnessed a notable surge in female employees within the wine manufacturing sector—a 15 percent rise to nearly 6,000. This transformation underscores the fact that women now constitute a substantial 38 percent of the industry's total workforce.

Here, on International Women’s Day 2024, we explore the stories of some of the extraordinary women weaving their stories into the tapestry of Australian wine. 

Cheers to the trailblazing and inspiring women who contribute to every bottle of Australian wine!

 

LISA MARGAN – MANAGING DIRECTOR / HOSPITALITY OPERATIONS

MARGAN ESTATE

While Lisa Margan’s entry into the wine world might seem like a simple tale of marrying a winemaker, the reality is far richer. 

It’s true, she did marry winemaker Andrew Margan and relocate from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, but this was merely a catalyst for what was to come. A former high school teacher, chef and nutritionist, Lisa has been a pivotal force in the creation and evolution of Margan, an award-winning winery, cellar door and restaurant located in the picturesque Broke Fordwich sub-region of NSW’s Hunter Valley.

Amidst many challenges they’ve faced over the decades – from floods, fires and hail wipe-outs to Covid and economic ups and downs – growing the business and steering it to success stands out as a significant career highlight for Lisa. 

Looking ahead, Lisa is optimistic and excited about the future. The outstanding quality of Australian wine and the burgeoning talent of the next generation of winemakers fuel her excitement.

‘The other great thing happening is that ‘Generation Next’ are levelling up, innovating, challenging the norms and making interesting and excellent contemporary wines across all regions. That bodes well for the next generation of winemakers and wine drinkers.’

Lisa’s passion for the industry and her business is abundantly clear.

Read more of our Q&A with Lisa Margan

 

EMMA RAIDIS – CO-OWNER / GLOBAL SALES & EVENTS MANAGER

RAIDIS ESTATE

Emma Raidis’ initiation into the world of wine wasn't scripted but emerged organically from her background in sales and travel. Love, in the form of her husband Steven and the vineyards he was cultivating, led her to where she is today, wearing many hats at Raidis Estate. 

What began as a desire to spend more quality time with Steven evolved into a genuine passion for the intricacies of winemaking—a blend of science, craftsmanship, and artistry that captivated her.

Today, as challenges dot the landscape of the Australian wine industry, Emma's anticipation is not just for the upcoming vintage but for the resilience of the sector.

‘Despite the difficulties in selling wine, there is optimism surrounding this vintage due to favourable weather conditions, including a series of warm ripening days. This positive outlook for the grape harvest in 2024 could potentially contribute to the industry's resilience and provide an opportunity for producers to showcase exceptional wines, adding a hopeful note to the current challenges faced by the Australian wine market.’

While juggling various roles, from vineyard care to marketing, Emma cherishes the connections made with customers. For her, the true highlight lies in the shared experiences and the positive impact their wines bring to the moments of joy and celebration in people’s lives.

Read more of our Q&A with Emma Raidis for International Women’s Day 2024 below.

Read more of our Q&A with Emma Raidis

 

SUZANNE LITTLE – CO-OWNER AND WINEMAKER

THE LITTLE WINE COMPANY

Suzanne Little's foray into winemaking wasn't just a career choice; it was inspired by family ties and the allure of her cousin Jan McIntosh, a winemaker at Wynn’s in Coonawarra. At just 16, Suzanne was captivated by her cousin's cool factor and decided to follow in her footsteps. By 17, she had left school and embarked on her winemaking career at Katnook Estate in Coonawarra.

A love for winemaking saw Suzanne complete a degree in Wine Science at Charles Sturt University and settle in the Hunter Valley, eventually holding the position of Senior Winemaker at Rosemount Estate. Her departure from Rosemount in 2000 marked the beginning of a collaborative venture with her winemaker husband, Ian. Establishing and building The Little Wine Company stands out as a crowning achievement in her professional journey.

Navigating the current challenges in the industry, Suzanne remains an optimist. 
‘As an industry, we are a very resilient and innovative lot and believe that quality and the greater emphasis on regionality and sustainability will see us through. There will be some big adjustments over the next few years, but the industry will come out the other side in much better shape.’

Read more of Suzanne’s insights into her career as a woman in the Australian wine industry below.

Read more of our Q&A with Suzanne Little

 

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2023 Women in Wine 

The women we spoke with for 2023’s International Women’s Day come from a range of backgrounds within the Australian wine industry and, along with their hard work and talent, are innovating and inspiring others. While they are likely too humble to admit it, they are fantastic role models for the young women coming up through the ranks and those who are looking to start a career in the industry.

We chatted to Liz Silkman, Vanya Cullen, Kate Sturgess, Leanne De Bortoli and Kate Webber, Lorrae St Vincent, and Rachel Boyd, seven super-talented women from diverse wine regions around Australia who grow, craft and market world-class wine. In our Q&A with them, we asked about how they got their start in the industry, standout achievements and highlights, what they’re excited for next, and more. 

 

LIZ SILKMAN – CHIEF WINEMAKER

FIRST CREEK WINES AND SILKMAN WINES, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Liz Silkman is one of Australia’s most highly awarded winemakers. A legend in the Hunter Valley, she has won Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year not once but three times and has a stellar reputation in the industry. She’s also often referred to as the Queen of Hunter Chardonnay, a title well-deserved given her many accolades.

How did you get started in the industry and what inspired you to become a winemaker?

I started in cellar door sales at Pepper Trees Wines while finishing my Bachelor of Science at Newcastle University. I then joined Brokenwood as the Laboratory Technician but loved the look and feel of the winery more, so off I went. During my time at Brokenwood I travelled and worked vintages overseas. Winemaking wasn’t something I thought about as a young person while going through school, but I definitely fell in love with it once I was in the industry. The ability to work outside as well as use my creative side and science background is perfect for me.

In your career, which of your achievements stand out to you?

A few highlights would be winning Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year three times, and being the only person, not just female, to achieve that. Being awarded Best Chardonnay in Australia for the 2014 Silkman Reserve Chardonnay at the Halliday Chardonnay Challenge, getting 2006 Dux at the Len Evans Tutorial, and at the 2022 Hunter Valley Wine Show, First Creek Winery made all the Gold medal-winners across First Creek, Silkman, and Boydell’s Wines.

What qualities do you think it takes to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

Sadly, I think it’s being stronger than anyone around you and also staying your own path. It isn’t easy, (it is getting better), but you have to love what you do as the hours are long, the sacrifice over the summer months is hard, but at the end of the day to watch something you made being enjoyed by people is very rewarding.

What is your favourite wine to make, and your favourite wine to drink?

That’s an easy one! CHARDONNAY!!! And HUNTER VALLEY CHARDONNAY at that! I love that it is so diverse and giving. It tells a story not only of the vineyard that we hear lots about, but also about the winemaker and her passion.

Read more of Liz Silkman’s Q&A with us here

 

VANYA CULLEN – CHIEF WINEMAKER

CULLEN WINES, MARGARET RIVER, WA

Vanya Cullen has been winemaking at her family's Wilyabrup estate since 1983. Vanya’s parents Diana and Kevin Cullen were pioneers in establishing the Margaret River wine region about 50 years ago, along with a handful of others, and she has built on this legacy through her passion for the land and its connection to her wine. A trailblazing winemaker, Vanya has been practising sustainability for years and Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic and carbon positive winery. Vanya’s zeal is to make great wine in harmony with ‘mother earth’ and in rhythm with nature. 

Do you have any role models or mentors who have been an important part of your career journey?

My mother Diana Madeline who would have turned 100 this year. She was a real visionary, matriarch and environmentalist who cared deeply about the world – its land and its peoples.

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

The possibility of authentic land care and hence the making of great wine, which is connected in a caring way, so what you take you give back to country. They are the best wines, and they connect to experience, land and people.

In your career, which of your achievements stand out to you?

Becoming certified biodynamic and carbon positive – running a sustainable wine business that can mitigate climate change. However small the input!

What are some of your favourite highlights throughout your career in wine?

Drinking and tasting a Château Lafite 1865 double magnum with a Len Evans tasting group.

Read more of Vanya Cullen's Q&A with us here

 

KATE STURGESS – WINEMAKER

BROKENWOOD WINES, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Kate Sturgess joined Brokenwood Wines in 2015 as Assistant Winemaker and was promoted to Winemaker in 2019. She has experience winemaking in several Australian wine regions as well as in Okanagan Valley, Canada, and has been involved in wine judging at local and national wine shows. A young gun, Kate was in the 2021 cohort of Wine Australia’s Future Leaders program and was nominated for Winemaker of the Year at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards 2021.

How did you get started in the industry and what inspired you to work in the wine industry?

I decided in Year 10 at school that I was going to be a winemaker – which is a bit wild for a girl from Brisbane! My parents both liked wine and I loved science and the idea of working outdoors. When I looked into winemaking and saw that people were still in the industry and so passionate about what they were doing well into old age it seemed like something I couldn’t say no to.

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

I am loving the focus on sustainability through vineyards and wineries – ensuring the industry is in the best place it can be to keep making top quality wines. Lorrae, our lab supervisor, has organised certification for all of our Hunter Valley vineyards and it has been a huge job but also so worthwhile!

There also seems to be a lot of opportunity for young people making their own brand and having the opportunity to develop their own style and show their interpretation of the vineyards.

What qualities do you think it takes to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

I think you need to have faith in yourself and maybe even a naïve confidence in your abilities in the beginning, and then quickly learn to be humbled and resilient from any mistakes along the way.  Most of all you have to be willing to just muck in and have a go.  I think those are the same qualities you need to be successful in any industry though.

What advice would you give to young women just starting out or considering a career in winemaking?

Do a vintage. If you don’t love vintage – which is the most exciting and action-packed time of the year for any winery – you won’t love the rest of the year in the winery. Vintage is what energises and refreshes the best winemakers I know – a new season, new grapes, a new chance to make the perfect wine. And it comes about every year!

Read more of Kate Sturgess's Q&A with us here

 

LEANNE DE BORTOLI AND KATE WEBBER – THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION PRODUCERS

DE BORTOLI WINES, YARRA VALLEY, VICTORIA

As third and fourth generation members of a renowned Australian wine family, Leanne De Bortoli and Kate Webber have wine in their blood. Leanne is the Manager of De Bortoli’s Yarra Valley Estate and her daughter Kate is the first of the fourth generation to come back into the family business as a winemaker at their Yarra Valley winery.

Do you have any role models or mentors who have been an important part of your career journey?

Leanne

I look at my mother and how she managed to be part of the business but also raise four children amidst a busily expanding winery. I only got sense of that commitment myself when I was raising two daughters and still working actively in the business.

Kate

I’d have to say my mum and dad! My father (Steve Webber) has always been an inquisitive winemaker and interested in trying different wines. He and Mum would travel overseas and come back all enthused about some new wine and Mum would say to Dad “Can’t we make something like this?” I remember staying with them in the south of France and they got all excited about pale dry Rosé. Mum was saying that she couldn’t understand why more people weren’t drinking that style of wine in Australia. They came back, decided to make a pale dry Rosé under our La Bohème range and then started a campaign called Rosé Revolution with a lot of other wineries to push the interest in this style of wine.

I also have the opportunity to work with Sarah Fagan, one of our Yarra Valley winemakers and she has provided lots of insights as well as advice along the way.

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

Leanne

I love seeing the experimentation happening now whether it is new varieties, new techniques and the amount of young people giving it a go. The emphasis is certainly on and in the vineyard where a lot of this experimentation starts and then continues through to the winery. Most wineries are looking at their sustainable practices, starting in the vineyard and then pulling it through to their winery practices too.

Kate

Lots of new varieties and wine styles. Anything goes. Young people are coming in and keen to try something different.

What are some of your favourite highlights throughout your career in wine?

Leanne

So many highlights!

When we won the Jimmy Watson trophy in 1997 that was a pretty exciting time for us. For whatever anyone may think of the actual award it helped to cement that recognition of what De Bortoli were doing here in the Yarra Valley. 

Kate

I had the opportunity to work overseas doing a vintage at Artesa in the Napa Valley and another vintage at Domaine Vincent Girardin in Burgundy, France. I also did a vintage at Mac Forbes here in the Yarra Valley. Working at these various wineries of different sizes has given me valuable cellar experience.

What qualities do you think it takes to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

Leanne 

Be prepared to work hard and stick to your guns.

Kate

It has probably been easier for me because there are quite a few women in our business. My nonna, Emeri De Bortoli is chairperson of the company, and my mum manages the Yarra Valley arm of the business. Julie Mortlock and Sarah Fagan are a couple of our senior winemakers. In the winery cellar there are still more men than women but hopefully that will change as more women see winemaking and/or viticulture as a career. I already see that now with the number of female winemakers and viticulturists in the Yarra Valley.

Read more of Leanne and Kate's Q&A with us here

 

LORRAE ST VINCENT, LABORATORY SUPERVISOR & SUSTAINABILITY CO-ORDINATOR

BROKENWOOD WINES, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

As Laboratory Supervisor, Lorrae St Vincent is at the frontline of wine production at Brokenwood. A passion for sustainability has also seen her take a leading role in moving the business and other Hunter Valley vineyards towards a more sustainable future.

Do you have any role models or mentors who have been an important part of your career journey?

When I started in the industry there were not many women in winemaking jobs, but I was lucky that my first lab supervisor was a female who readily shared her experience, knowledge and passion for the industry which ended up keeping me interested and wanting to know more about wine.

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

The direction the industry is taking in regard to sustainability. It seems to be gaining momentum and companies are looking at ensuring their green credentials are credible and transparent which puts the industry on the pathway to being around for generations to come.

Also exciting is that the number of younger women coming through as Oenology graduates and applying to be vintage casuals has definitely increased over the years here at Brokenwood which is really encouraging to see.

In your career, have you had any standout achievements? What was that experience like?

One of my most recent achievements has been to be involved in being one of the first Hunter Valley wineries to become a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. At the time, it was probably more relief than anything, but it also ended up being a proud moment knowing that we had achieved certification after a company-wide commitment to improve our sustainability credentials was endorsed by management and embraced by all staff back in 2013.

What are some of your favourite highlights throughout your career in wine?

We’ve recently launched a new range called Twenty70, “The Wild Child of Brokenwood” which is all about using sustainable packaging, minimal intervention in winemaking and fruit sourced from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Certified Vineyards.

Read more of Lorrae's Q&A with us here

 

RACHEL BOYD, MARKETING MANAGER

KREGLINGER WINES ESTATES, TASMANIA

Rachel Boyd is passionate about produce and agritourism in Tasmania. As Marketing Manager at Kreglinger Wines Estate, she promotes the company’s portfolio of wine brands including Piper’s Brook Estate, Kreglinger Sparkling, Piper’s Tasmania and Ninth Island.

How did you get started in the industry and what inspired you to become a marketing manager and work in the wine industry?

I was working full time within a marketing role but started slinging wines on the side for a small local vineyard in 2016 and instantly fell in love with the industry, the product, the people and the stories that started to emerge before me. I was hooked, instantly! And not just on the delicious wine. So I just kept showing up until they finally relented and offered me a full time position to move into.  

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

I’m excited to see Tasmania constantly becoming more recognised as the place to watch when it comes to incredibly premium cool climate wine. The quality of fruit and the winemaking, the stories of our producers and the experiences that are created for visitors to the state are incredible – and a secret I’m happy to share with anyone who will listen.

What are some of your favourite highlights throughout your career in wine?

I am always thrilled to get my hands dirty during vintage and be a part of the process in the winery. There’s something so satisfying about contributing in a really hands on way to the finished product that you spend all year showing off at every opportunity. It’s so immersive to be a part of that process, from vineyard to winery to bottling line and beyond – and it makes it so easy to market that product when you experience the labour and the passion that goes into every drop firsthand. 

What advice would you give to young women just starting out or considering a career in the wine industry?

To go for it, and to connect with like-minded people within the industry at any opportunity.

Read more of Rachel's Q&A with us here

 

AWESOME AND INSPIRING

It is an honour to celebrate International Women’s Day by sharing the stories and insights of Liz, Vanya, Kate, Leanne and Kate, Lorrae, and Rachel. The best part is, they’re not alone – they represent an ever-increasing and impressive female community of winemakers and businesswomen who are pursuing their dreams and accomplishing greatness in the world of wine. The future sure is looking bright!

Read about our inspiring women in Australian wine from 2022 below.

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2022 Women in Wine 

The women we spoke with for 2022’s International Women’s Day are not only leaders in their field, they’re bringing innovation and inspiration to the wine industry. And while they are probably too humble to admit it, they also happen to be fantastic role models for the young women coming up through the ranks and those looking to start a career in the Australian wine industry.

We chatted to Sarah Crowe, Gwyn Olsen, Virginia Willcock, and Rebecca and Lucy Willson, five super-talented ladies who make and market world-class wine from diverse regions around Australia. In our Q&A with them, we spoke about getting their start in the industry, standout achievements and highlights, what they’re excited for next, and more.

 

SARAH CROWE – WINEMAKER AND GENERAL MANAGER 

YARRA YERING VINEYARD, YARRA VALLEY, VICTORIA

Photographer credit: James Broadway

Sarah is the award-winning winemaker and GM of Yarra Yering, one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in the Yarra Valley. She was awarded Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year 2021, and James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year 2016, Winery of the Year 2022, and Wine of the Year 2022. Talk about impressive!

How did you get started in the wine industry?

“I started with a career in horticulture, and so viticulture wasn’t too much of a leap of faith. After travelling through France and seeing my first vineyard in all its autumn glory, I thought it might be a nice career side-step.

After a few months working in the vineyard, I transferred into the winery for the harvest and somehow never returned to work in the vineyard. I guess I accidently became a Winemaker and will blame being surrounded by passionate people during this all important and super exciting time. Watching and tasting juice transform into wine was fascinating to me – I was learning new things every day and loved it.”

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

“I think we’re in a discovery phase of what else is out there in the wide world of wine that is particularly suitable to the Australian climate. We’re looking past traditional French varieties, which have served us very well up to now, and wondering what might actually be better suited to our climate and therefore require less inputs in the vineyard, less wine additions to adjust harvest chemistry, and to suit our way of life.”

What qualities do you think it takes to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

“It is labour intensive work and I naturally have a strong work ethic, so I think that helped me. Even though I wasn’t physically as strong as the blokes, I would still work as hard as I could. Also, it means that I’m quite good at working out better ways to do something that doesn’t just use physical strength – “work smart, not hard” is a mantra I once had on a t-shirt.” 

 

Read more of Sarah Crowe’s Q&A with us here

 

GWYN OLSEN – HEAD WINEMAKER

PEPPER TREE WINES, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Pepper Tree’s award-winning head winemaker, Gwyn Olsen, has international experience and a raft of medals and awards to her name, which she has earnt throughout her impressive career crafting diverse, high-quality wines.

What are some memorable highlights in your career in the wine industry?

“There have been many fun times on the highlight reel. A vintage in Burgundy, making Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was exceptional. The owner and winemaker was a young woman, but her elderly father still pottered around in the winery during vintage, stopping for morning tea every day at 10am without fail, complete with salami. The old boys would crack open a bottle or two – always museum wines of great age – and share them around, keen for the younger ones to understand the history and development of the vineyard blocks.”

Do you have any role models or mentors who have been an important part of your career journey?

“Sue Bell, of Bellwether Wines, has been a guiding force for me with great advice and is always available for a chat. She’s a remarkable person. Liz Silkman of Silkman Wines is irreplaceable as the “tell it like it is” voice of reason on the end of the phone. She is always happy to lend a hand and has helped me get out of a few sticky situations in the winery before! She once let me borrow her press at 2am when we had a power failure and I had single vineyard Chardonnay on the crush pad waiting to be processed. Liz Riley from Vitibit Viticulture is another great straight-talking mentor. Her wisdom and knowledge across wine, viticulture, wine industry politics and wine business is always helpful.”

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

“I think the way the wine industry handles the changing drinking habits of younger drinkers will be fascinating to watch. The move towards no or less alcohol in lifestyles is a trend that cannot be ignored, and I hope the wine industry doesn’t get left behind from a health and wellbeing of drinkers’ point of view. Will we see an excess of cheap wine reduced to nothing and a more conscious drink buyer emerge? One that is interested in where the wine came from and how it is made, and is happy to pay a bit more for it knowing that it isn’t from a faceless, overcropped vineyard? Let’s hope so.

I personally would also like to see more wine in cans, and better technology to allow better shelf life in cans. My ultimate would be to have Champagne in cans. Imagine being able to drink a single serve of a great Champagne whenever you wanted, without feeling you had to open and drink the entire bottle!”

 

Read more of Gwyn Olsen's Q&A with us here

 

VIRGINIA WILLCOCK – CHIEF WINEMAKER

VASSE FELIX, MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

One of Australia’s most awarded female winemakers, Virginia Willcock crafts wine for Margaret River’s founding wine estate, Vasse Felix. She was named Gourmet Traveller WINE Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2012 and Winemaker of the Year by The West Australian Good Wine Guide in 2013.

A respected authority on Margaret River winemaking and a sought-after regional wine show judge, she aims to express the regionality and unique characteristics of this pristine, world-class region in the wines she makes.

What are some achievements that have been really important to you in your career?

“Getting the job at Vasse Felix is definitely right up there. I never thought I’d be able to get a job at such an incredible estate with such amazing vineyards – you don’t become a great winemaker without great vineyards! You have to either plant that vineyard or wait for an opportunity with a special vineyard, and those opportunities don’t open up often.”

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

“Australians are drinking more premium wine. Their palates and understanding of winemaking has become more sophisticated than ever, and this is really exciting as a winemaker.”

What are some memorable career highlights throughout your career so far?

“I had a lot of fun working in Italy as a young winemaker in Trentino, Sicily and Abruzzo, it was a great experience. Two wines that I feel are the most exciting achievements for me are the Heytesbury Chardonnay, to see it develop since 2009 into what that wine has become, and creating the Tom Cullity from Margaret River’s oldest vines.”

What advice would you give to young women just starting out or considering a career in winemaking?

“Be ready to sacrifice three months of your life every year for vintage, but with that, comes the creation of beautiful wine – a raw product from the land – so the rewards are absolutely worth it!”

 

Read more of Virginia Wilcock's Q&A with us here

 

REBECCA WILLSON – WINEMAKER AND GENERAL MANAGER and LUCY WILLSON – MARKETING MANAGER 

BREMERTON WINES – LANGHORNE CREEK, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Rebecca and Lucy Willson are not only sisters, they’re the driving force behind family-owned Bremerton Wines. With a focus on high quality and individualistic wines, the highly-awarded duo have taken Bremerton to become one of the best-known brands from the Langhorne Creek region.

What are some achievements that really stand out in your careers?

Rebecca

“A particular ‘moment in time’ that has played a huge part in my winemaking and wine industry involvement was being given a scholarship to attend the Len Evans Tutorial in 2004 – this was a pivotal moment for me. I’d also count being a finalist in the GT winemaker of the year, what a fun and fabulous way to be recognised by the industry! Having our Old Adam poured on Qantas international flights and winning Producer of the year at our Local Langhorne Creek Wine Show are also right up there. There have been many achievements for Bremerton over the years, every one registers no matter how significant. I feel blessed to work in a family business.”

Lucy

“It would definitely be the success of the initial branding and repackaging launch we did to move Rebecca and I to be the faces of Bremerton. It was so exciting and nerve racking all at once. It was such a big investment for the business and we were so young, but it was the best thing we ever could have done!”

What are you most excited about in the Australian wine industry right now?

Rebecca

“I’m most excited about the diversity of wines, regions, and people. It’s a great industry to spend your life in. I’m loving the explosion of non-traditional varieties and wine styles into the market place and having the opportunity to work with them in Langhorne Creek.”

Lucy

“Wine is exciting in itself – yes, it is just a beverage, but the diversity of styles and the diversity of consumers means an ever-changing landscape that we get to explore!”

What are some memorable highlights from your career in the wine industry so far?

Rebecca

“I would say my overseas vintage in 1996 at Geyser Peak Winery, Sonoma Valley California is right up there as a highlight. I still have close friendships from that time away. Travel in general has been a highlight, often with my sister Lucy. We have been to all corners of the globe selling our wine and working with our wine distribution partners. I was always driver and she was navigator! Back in the day we did a road trip around the USA with a bus load of Aussie winery owners and winemakers… what a hoot. What happens on tour stays on tour!”

Lucy

“Travel! We have seen some amazing places, eaten mid-blowing food and met wonderful people on promotional wine trips. Another highlight would be our recent cellar door expansion. Having been in the pipeline on and off for about 12 years, it was amazing to see it come to fruition! And becoming the first sisters in Australia to own and run a winery was pretty fulfilling! The Bremerton team we have built – the team we have within our business are like family, we know we couldn’t do it without them and they make it all so much more enjoyable.”

What advice would you give to young women just starting out or considering a career in winemaking?

Rebecca

“I would suggest you get as much practical experience under your belt as you can. Get on the cellar floor, get in the vineyard, hands-on learning, absorbing what’s around you. Witnessing winemaking in action first-hand is the best education and gives an opportunity to really open your eyes to the diverseness of the industry. It’s Vast.”

Has there been any challenges that you’ve faced in your career that you’ve had to overcome? If so, how did you overcome these?

Lucy

“We, like most businesses, have had many challenges. The most recent being COVID-19. We took a big leap of faith in redeveloping our cellar door in 2020 in the face of the unknown, but it has paid off. We have had distributors go bankrupt, grape prices bottom out, and mother nature ruin crops. We have just knuckled down, made changes where we can and have kept putting one foot in front of the other.”

Read more of Rebecca and Lucy's Q&A with us here

 

AWESOME AND INSPIRING

It is an honour to celebrate International Women’s Day by sharing the stories and insights of Sarah, Gwyn, Virginia, Rebecca and Lucy. The best part is, they’re not alone – they represent an ever-increasing and impressive female community of winemakers and businesswomen who are pursuing their dreams and accomplishing greatness in the world of wine. The future sure is looking bright!