The wine industry has many celebrated women winemakers, sommeliers, and visionary industry leaders; however, women still hold only 10 to 20 per cent of lead winemaking positions globally. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry, Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international philanthropic organization, has a strong BC Chapter, and provides scholarships and mentorship for women in both wine and culinary. You should also visit the Vancouver International Wine Festival where several prominent women winemakers will be sampling their wines on the tasting floor and in seminars and satellite events now till March 2, 2025. Stop by and let them pour you a taste and if the table’s not too crowded why not ask about both their wine, and their individual journeys. —Cassandra Anderton, Good Life Vancouver
Andrea Card, Director of Winemaking, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sonoma Country
Andrea Card is a fourth-generation Sonoma County native with deep viticultural roots. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in sustainable winemaking, emphasizing vineyard expression and ecological balance. Her leadership has been key in crafting award-winning wines that showcase Sonoma County’s unique terroir. Wines at the table include Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay 2022, Diamond Collection Claret 2021, and Diamond Collection Appellation Series Sonoma County Chardonnay 2022.
Kailee Frasch, Winemaker, Quail’s Gate Winery, West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley
A Kelowna native, Kailee graduated from UBC Okanagan with a Microbiology Degree and gained experience as a Cellar Hand, before travelling east to study Oenology and Viticulture at Brock University. Starting as a lab technician at Quails’ Gate Winery, she was quickly promoted to Oenologist, Assistant and Associate Winemaker, honing her skills with a stint making cool-climate Pinot Noir in Central Otago, New Zealand. Don’t miss the Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2022 Quails’ Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2022, Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir 2022, Field & Flight Pinot Gris 2023, Field & Flight Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Stacy Hornemann, Winemaker, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island
Stacy Hornemann joined Vancouver Island’s Blue Grouse Winery on May of 2024 after a distinguished tenure at Stonestreet Estate Vineyards in Sonoma County. Beginning her career in 2012 at Trefethen Family Vineyards and Mumm Napa, she gained experience in viticulture, enology, and sustainability through roles at St. Supéry, Materra, and Jackson Family Wines. Now leading winemaking at Blue Grouse, Stacy blends tradition with modern techniques to create exceptional wines of distinction. Wines to try include the Blue Grouse Charme de l’île and Charme de l’île Rosé Non-Vintage, the Chardonnay 2023, Pinot Noir 2022 and Reserve Pinot Gris 2023.
Corrie Krehbiel, Chief Winemaker, Frind Winery, West Kelowna
Corrie Krehbiel, Chief Winemaker at Frind Winery, brings over 25 years of experience in Okanagan Valley winemaking. With a background in Food Science and postgraduate studies at Lincoln University, she has honed her expertise in fermentation, wine production, and sensory evaluation. Her global experience in France, Italy, California, and New Zealand have shaped her versatile approach, blending tradition with innovation. Additionally, her MBA in strategic management enhances her leadership in the wine industry. Try Frind Winery’s Sparkling Brut Non-Vintage, Midnight 2022, 50895 Big White 2023 and Big Red 2022. For more on Corrie Krehbiel check out Vita’s 2022 interview with her here.
Alice Lugli, Winemaker, Road 13 Winery, Oliver, B.C.
Alice Lugli spent time at Romania’s Cramele Recas, her native Italy at Cantina Cinti Floriano, Portugal at Casa de Cello and Australia at Kirrihill Wines, before coming to British Columbia’s wine country. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Bologna. At the tasting table you’ll find the Road 13 Winery Select Harvest Seventy-Four K 2021 Select Harvest Syrah 2020, Jackpot Chardonnay 2020, John Oliver Syrah 2021, and the John Oliver 5TH Element 2020.
Amber Pratt, Winemaker, Moraine Winery, Naramata Bench
A background in Horticulture led Amber Pratt to the Okanagan more than 10 years ago. She rose through the ranks with vintages at Road 13 and Black Hills wineries in the South Okanagan and garnered several prestigious awards with CC Jentsch Cellars for her work with Syrah, Malbec, and Bordeaux varietals. Amber has been at Moraine Estate Winery for several years now, specializing in Pinot Noir, and becoming a part of the ongoing legacy of the Naramata Bench wine community. Be sure to try the Moraine Winery Riesling 2024, Cliffhanger Red 2023, Pinot Noir 202, Syrah 2021 and the Meritage 2021.
Margo Van Staaveren, Director of Luxury Winemaking, Treasury Wine Estates, representing Beaulieu Vineyards, Napa Valley
Margo Van Saaveren is a UC Davis-trained expert known for crafting premium, terroir-driven wines. With decades of experience, she honed her skills at Chateau St. Jean before shaping some of California’s most acclaimed luxury wines. Renowned for her precision and commitment to quality, she balances innovation with tradition while mentoring the next generation of vintners. Don’t miss the Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and the Napa Valley Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.
Olivia Wright, Winemaker, Rodney Strong, Sonoma Country
Olivia Wright, winemaker at Rodney Strong Vineyards, crafts expressive wines that showcase Sonoma County’s diversity. A UC Davis graduate in Viticulture and Enology, she gained experience at Mumm Napa and Isabel Estate in New Zealand before joining Rodney Strong in 2018. Committed to innovation and sustainability, she blends traditional and modern techniques to create balanced, elegant wines that reflect their unique vineyard sites. Sample Rodney Strong’s Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2020, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and Russian River Pinot Noir 2020.
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