Trailblazing Women in Winemaking: Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day is a time to reflect on the incredible progress made towards gender equality and recognize the extraordinary women who continue to break boundaries in their respective fields. In the world of winemaking, a traditionally male-dominated industry, a number of remarkable women have risen to the top, transforming the landscape with their talent, leadership, and vision. Today, we’re highlighting three trailblazing winemakers whose influence has shaped some of the most celebrated wines in the world: Stephanie Dutton of Penfolds, Alice Tétienne of Maison Henriot, and Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Winery.

Stephanie Dutton’s journey into the winemaking world is as vibrant as the wines she crafts. Raised in Melbourne, a city synonymous with a rich food and wine culture, Stephanie discovered her passion while working in some of Melbourne’s most renowned restaurants. Her natural curiosity for fine wine quickly evolved into a calling, leading her to join the prestigious Penfolds winemaking team in 2010.

As Penfolds’ Senior Winemaker, Stephanie’s influence spans across two hemispheres — an impressive feat in itself. She is a champion of the iconic Penfolds ‘House Style,’ a philosophy that has made the brand one of Australia’s most revered wine producers. Her expertise played a critical role in shaping Penfolds’ inaugural California Collection, bringing to life the cross-continental narrative between South Australia and California. From trial work to defining the 2018 vintage, Stephanie’s fingerprints are all over this groundbreaking portfolio.

Notable Wine to Try: Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 600 2019 – A quintessential example of Penfolds’ craftsmanship, this California version of the Great Australian Blend brings harmony on the palate with a melange of rich red, blue, and black fruit. 

In the storied region of Champagne, Alice Tétienne has emerged as a formidable force. Born and raised in the heart of Champagne, Alice developed a deep-rooted connection to the land from an early age. Her journey is a harmonious blend of destiny and determination, as her family’s vineyard lies near the birthplace of Apolline Henriot, the pioneering woman who founded Maison Henriot in 1808.

Alice’s rise through the ranks of Champagne’s top houses — including Krug and Nicolas Feuillatte — culminated in her becoming the Cellar Master at Champagne Henriot in 2020. This position places her at the helm of one of the few remaining independent, family-owned Champagne houses in France. Her energy and modern vision are balanced by a profound respect for tradition, allowing her to craft champagnes that are as elegant as they are expressive.

Notable Wine to Try: Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain – A sophisticated blend that epitomizes Alice’s finesse, showcasing vibrant notes of green apple with hints of fresh apricot balanced with a minerality and creaminess.

Theresa Heredia’s journey into winemaking is a perfect fusion of science and artistry. With a background in biochemistry and enology from U.C. Davis, Theresa’s academic prowess laid the foundation for a career defined by precision and an analytical approach to winemaking. However, it was her hands-on experiences in the cellar that truly shaped her craft. Leaving behind a Ph.D. program to fully immerse herself in winemaking, Theresa honed her skills at Freestone Vineyards, where her work with cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay earned her widespread acclaim.

In 2012, Theresa took on the role of Consulting Winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery, where she’s been practicing site-specific winemaking, a philosophy that prioritizes the unique characteristics of each vineyard. From the rolling hills of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley to the renowned sites like Rochioli and Bacigalupi, Theresa works closely with growers to ensure that every bottle of Gary Farrell wine speaks to the distinct qualities of its terroir.

Notable Wine to Try: Gary Farrell Chardonnay Russian River Selection 2021 – This wine is a pure expression of Theresa’s philosophy, offering layers of nectarine, ginger, honeydew and lemon finishing with a bright crispness and creamy texture.

These three extraordinary women exemplify the impact that passion, expertise, and leadership can have on the world of wine. This Women’s Equality Day, we honor their contributions and the contributions of all the women helping to shape our industry. Let’s raise a glass to the future — one filled with bold, expressive, and truly unforgettable wines. Cheers!