Celebrating Women in Napa Valley Wine
March in Napa is more than the promise of budding vines. It is also a time to honor the remarkable women whose work has shaped the wine industry. During Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we raise our glasses to the visionary winemakers and proprietors who have left a lasting mark on Napa Valley.
Trailblazers in Innovation
Napa Valley is home to many female-led wineries that have redefined excellence in winemaking and proprietorship. From the legendary Merry Edwards to the innovative Kimberlee Nichols, these leaders inspire us through their passion, creativity, and dedication.
Pioneering Spirits
History remembers women like Hannah Weinberger and Zelma Long as true pioneers. Hannah Weinberger became California’s first recognized female winemaker when she took over her family’s winery in Napa Valley after her husband’s passing in 1882. She ran the winery until Prohibition forced its closure in 1920. Today, the Weinberger winery and homestead hold a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Zelma Long’s influence as a winemaker and mentor has also helped set new standards in the industry. Her career spans decades and includes leadership roles that have shaped modern Napa winemaking.
Innovative Proprietors
Entrepreneurs such as Mary Webber Novak and Cathy Corison have built female-owned wineries that reflect both skill and vision. Mary Webber Novak founded Spottswoode Estate, one of Napa’s most respected wineries. Cathy Corison, founder of Corison Winery, is known for her elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Their work has inspired many to follow in their footsteps.
A Legacy of Excellence
Many other women continue to lead, including Sandra Belcher, Julie Johnson, Barbara Lindblom, Elizabeth Vianna, Pam Starr, Elaine St. Clair, Elan Fayard, Lisa Redmon, and Helen Keplinger. Each brings her own style, perspective, and commitment to quality, creating a collective legacy that strengthens the wine community.
Raising a Glass to Progress
Celebrating women in wine means more than enjoying their wines. It means recognizing the progress toward equality and the importance of representation. Whether sipping Merry Edwards Pinot Noir or tasting at Handley Cellars, you are supporting the women who make these wines possible.
Discover and Support Female-Owned Wineries
March is the perfect time to explore female-owned wineries and those led by female winemakers. From small boutique vineyards to renowned estates, each offers something unique. Consider adding these to your list:
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Merry Edwards Winery – Exceptional Pinot Noir and a scenic Russian River Valley setting.
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Corison Winery – Age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Kronos Vineyard.
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Lail Vineyards – Bordeaux-inspired blends from Napa’s Howell Mountain.
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Crocker & Starr – Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in St. Helena.
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Azur Wines – Bordeaux varietals and blends in a vibrant downtown Napa tasting room.
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Tres Sabores – Organic and biodynamic wines in the Rutherford AVA.
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Redmon Wines – Small-lot Napa Valley wines from Lisa Redmon.
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St. Clair Brown – Urban winery in downtown Napa with a garden-to-table menu.
Supporting Women in Wine
When you choose wines from female-owned wineries, you are celebrating resilience, creativity, and talent. You are also helping to build a stronger, more inclusive wine industry. This month and every month, let’s continue to raise a glass to the women who make Napa Valley’s wine culture so extraordinary.