California’s winemaking region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines, has long been recognized as a premier destination. Behind the success of many of these prestigious wineries are remarkable women, who have made significant contributions to the region’s viticulture. Here, we celebrate California’s top female-owned winemakers and wineries, their achievements, dedication, and outstanding craftsmanship. From their entrepreneurial spirit to their commitment to sustainability, these women have reshaped the landscape of the California wine industry, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s vinicultural heritage.
1Cathy Corison: Corison Winery
Cathy Corison, a visionary winemaker, established Corison Winery in 1987. Her dedication to producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon has earned her numerous accolades. Located in St. Helena, Corison Winery focuses on crafting wines that showcase the unique character of the region’s terroir. Cathy’s meticulous attention to detail, commitment to organic farming practices, and minimal intervention winemaking techniques are evident in each bottle, creating wines that exude finesse and grace.
2Robin Lail: Lail Vineyards
Stephanie, the owner of Honig Vineyard & Winery in Rutherford, has played a vital role in shaping the winery’s reputation for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Honig Vineyard & Winery is a leader in sustainable farming practices and is certified Napa Green. Stephanie’s passion for environmental stewardship and her expertise in crafting vibrant, terroir-driven wines have solidified Honig’s place among the top wineries in the region.
3Stephanie Honig: Honig Vineyard & Winery
Stephanie, the owner of Honig Vineyard & Winery in Rutherford, has played a vital role in shaping the winery’s reputation for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Honig Vineyard & Winery is a leader in sustainable farming practices and is certified Napa Green. Stephanie’s passion for environmental stewardship and her expertise in crafting vibrant, terroir-driven wines have solidified Honig’s place among the top wineries in the region.
4Janet Trefethen: Trefethen Family Vineyards
Janet Trefethen, co-founder of Trefethen Family Vineyards, has played a pivotal role in establishing the winery’s reputation for producing world-class wines. Janet and her husband, John, have been at the forefront of sustainable vineyard practices in the Napa Valley. Trefethen Family Vineyards is known for its exceptional Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with each bottle reflecting the family’s unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.
5Heidi Peterson Barrett: La Sirena
Goat Rock area along Northern California’s rugged coast, Sonoma CountyHeidi Peterson Barrett, a legendary winemaker, showcases her talent and artistry at La Sirena. Known for her expertise in crafting powerful yet balanced wines, Heidi’s creations have received critical acclaim. La Sirena produces a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a unique Moscato Azul. Heidi’s unwavering commitment to quality and her ability to capture the essence of the fruit in her wines have made La Sirena a sought-after winery in the Napa Valley.
6Hope Goldie & Shahpar Khaledi: Darioush
Hope Goldie is the master of a thousand decisions of Darioush. She oversees all enology and wine production operations and carries on the meticulous attention paid in the vineyard into the cellar, laboratory, and crush pad. Her work is in fine-tuning – lot by lot, she applies her vast knowledge of fermentation science, sensory chemistry, viticulture, and enology. Hope joined Darioush as their Enologist in 2005 and continued her contributions as Winemaker alongside Darioush’s founding Winemaker, Steve Devitt, for ten years before being promoted to Director of Winemaking beginning with the 2018 vintage. Today, Hope continues to oversee all aspects of winemaking at Darioush and extends her expertise as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Society of Enology and Viticulture.
Shahpar Khaledi is the proprietor of Darioush and her founding vision for the wine combines her experience in fashion and boutique retail, as well as her trendsetting sensibility cultivated over decades as founder and creative director of Echelon, an influential women’s boutique that offered niche European designers. Treating her clients and guests well is more than a cultural tradition for Shahpar, it is a way of life – one she has added to the hospitality experience at Darioush. Taarof is the Persian art of social etiquette, the art of politeness, a way to make your guest feel more at home than home itself. Shahpar’s welcoming philosophy has defined the Darioush experience of today.
7Chantal Forthun Flowers Vineyards & Winery
Chantal Forthun has led the winemaking team at Flowers Vineyards & Winery since 2012. Crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from estate vineyards on the true Sonoma Coast, Chantal captures the purity and spirit of the rugged, coastal terroir in the wines she makes at Flowers. Striving to highlight only the intrinsic character of the vineyard, Chantal practices minimal intervention in the cellar. Chantal has a deep understanding and appreciation for the vineyard sites at Flowers and considers it a privilege to work with the estate’s 30-year-old vines. She takes pride in expressing Sonoma Coast terroir and organic estate vineyard sites in every bottle.
8Meghan Zobeck: Burgess Cellars
Meghan Zobeck is passionate about crafting wines of elegance, practicing low intervention winemaking methods, and caring for the environment. Over the past few years, she has been actively transitioning all of our vineyards to regenerative farming. This helps the vineyard function as a system designed by nature and includes diverse cover crops, pollinator gardens, and the use of animals instead of tilling. A Colorado native, Meghan fell in love with wine and winemaking while she was negotiating contracts for the NFL. She shifted careers and fully immersed herself in the wine industry, participating in harvests around the world including Colchagua Valley, Chile, Piedmont, Italy, Bordeaux, France, as well as experience at Screaming Eagle and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa Valley.
California’s winemaking region stands as a testament to the vision, talent, and perseverance of its female winemakers. Through their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and the art of winemaking, these women have redefined the landscape of California wines. From Cathy Corison’s elegant Cabernet Sauvignons to Robin Lail’s Bordeaux-style blends, each winery on this list showcases the distinctive character of the Napa Valley. As we raise our glasses to these exceptional female winemakers, let us also toast to their collective achievements and the strides they have made in an industry historically dominated by men. Their passion, creativity, and determination continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in the world of winemaking. Cheers to their enduring success and the remarkable wines that bear their imprint, dedication to sustainable practices, mastery of winemaking techniques, and their ability to express the unique character of the region’s terroir. As we raise our glasses to celebrate their achievements, let us also acknowledge the barriers they have overcome and the doors they have opened for future generations of women.
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