Let’s debunk a myth: women in wine are increasingly well-qualified and present in the winemaking field. While they were once assigned the most humble jobs in the wine supply chain and given little consideration as consumers of the product, today the situation has changed profoundly: women hold managerial roles and consume wine in an informed and discerning way.
A look at the past, not so long ago
Until the 1970s, a young woman could be “labelled” as disreputable if she was seen drinking in public. Today, on the contrary, women are among the leading consumers of wine, with a clear preference for quality over quantity.
There are no wines for men and wines for women
The common belief that there are wines “for men” and wines “for women” is quite widespread, but it is not supported by the facts: an ISTAT survey shows that women favour still white wines, while also greatly appreciating fuller-bodied, more alcoholic wines. There are, however, some differences in the female approach to the world of wine and wine tourism: women often show greater sensitivity towards the overall experience, so much so that tasting is frequently experienced as a true artistic experience. They also pay close attention to the product’s value for money, looking beyond the label and brand to take an interest in the history and values of the company and its places of production.
Wine tourism for women
Wine tourism is becoming an increasingly important reality among women too, who, ever more knowledgeable and curious, set off on journeys for the pleasure of visiting, discovering and tasting. Our company also reflects this change: our winery is jointly led by Edoardo and Stella, confirming that the world of wine in Ossola is no exception to this transformation.
Le Donne del Vino, an association founded in 1988
In recognition of this change, women’s advancement in the wine world has developed over the years, supported by associations created to bring women and the world of winemaking together, such as “Le Donne del Vino”. This non-profit organisation was founded in 1988 by Elisabetta Tognana, a Tuscan producer, to promote wine culture and the role of women in this sector. It now has more than 900 members, representing every category in the wine supply chain, from production to communication.
There is still an uphill road ahead
Despite women’s successes in the world of winemaking, gender inequality can still be found in many areas of the sector, including lower salaries and difficulties in balancing private and working life. Women are not discouraged: this is also how the women in wine celebration came about, held every year on 4 March. Cheers, ladies!
To discover first-hand the role of women in our winery, we look forward to welcoming you for a wine tasting.
A change that continues
The growth journey of women in the wine world is far from over: more and more young women today choose to study winemaking or pursue careers in the sector, advancing a cultural change that, step by step, is reshaping the face of an industry traditionally regarded as male-dominated.
So let us raise a glass not only to wine, but to all the women who every day help make it special, both in the vineyard and in the winery.
A sector in transformation
More and more Italian wineries, including small businesses such as those in the Val d’Ossola, now have women in key roles: from winemaking to commercial management and the direct running of the company. This change is not merely a matter of fairness; it also brings new sensitivities to wine communication, winery hospitality and the attention to detail that makes up the wine tourism experience as a whole, which is increasingly central to the competitiveness of small local wine-growing businesses.
Simply, thank you.
Learn more
More stories related to the world of wine in Ossola: wine tasting and wine tourism, Among vineyards and poetry, the history of wine in Ossola.
