Women have always played a significant role in shaping society as we know it. Working together and side-by-side with their male counterparts, women have helped pave the way for a better future for people of all identities and demographics &mdash; though, as history would have it, more often than not, their tireless efforts go unrecognized.&nbsp;

However, that is changing. Across all industries, women are breaking barriers, pushing the boundaries, and showing people worldwide all they can achieve. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of wine.&nbsp;

The wine industry has been slow to change, but that hasn&rsquo;t stopped women from entering the fold anyway. Though the percentage of women in executive roles remains relatively low, there&rsquo;s no denying that the number of women working in wine has steadily increased. A <a href="https://webpages.scu.edu/womenwinemakers/20112020progress.php">2020 study</a> by Santa Clara University found that the number of lead women winemakers in California increased from 10 percent in 2011 to 14 percent in 2020. Total figures for women in wine internationally are harder to come by. Still, there are some indications that progression is occurring globally. For instance, <a href="https://www.winemag.com/2021/02/16/rias-baixas-home-to-real-albarino/">50 percent</a> of winemakers in Spain are women, while in Italy, women run more than <a href="https://www.winemag.com/2019/03/20/women-winemakers-brunello-italy/">25 percent</a> of wineries.&nbsp;

Now it&rsquo;s become common to find bottles made by women or wines owned by women on retail shelves, and there are plenty of women-made wines to choose from online. With Women&rsquo;s History Month in full swing, there&rsquo;s no better time than now to enjoy a bottle of something delicious made or owned by a history-making woman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

See CorkRules&rsquo; list of top women-made and women-owned wines to try below.

<a href="https://shop.aslinawines.com/aslina-sauvignon-blanc-2021">Aslina Sauvignon Blanc 2021</a>

<a href="https://www.aslinawines.com/ntsiki-biyela/">Ntsiki Biyela</a> set out to become a winemaker at a crucial time in South Africa&rsquo;s history &mdash; just two years post-apartheid, when Black people were only beginning to be allowed to work in certain industries &mdash; like winemaking &mdash; long upheld by White South Africans. Not without facing much adversity, Biyela graduated with a winemaking degree from Stellenbosch University in 2003. She established Aslina Wines in 2016 and has since become one of South Africa&rsquo;s premier winemakers, receiving numerous awards for wines, including Biyela&rsquo;s bright and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Full of lemon zest and citrus character, the wine is complex and balanced with tropical fruit nuances and vibrant acidity noticeable through the long, mouthwatering finish.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.bodegasmontecillo.com/en/wine/montecillo-gran-reserva-copia/">Bodegas Montecillo Gran Reserva 2016</a>

The third winery to establish itself in Spain&rsquo;s Rioja region, Bodegas Montecillo has produced sought-after wines for more than 150 years. <a href="https://www.bodegasmontecillo.com/en/our-team/">Mercedes Garc&iacute;a Rup&eacute;rez</a> has only worked with the Bodega for the last 15 years but has successfully revamped Montecillo&rsquo;s look and production as the chief winemaker. Perhaps the most remarkable example of her work is in a bottle of Bodegas Montecillo&rsquo;s Gran Reserva that displays signature aromas and tastes, all while feeling updated and polished. Made with 92 percent Tempranillo and 8 percent Graciano, the ruby red wine features candied fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg fragrances. The palate is clean with refined tannins and tingling acidity that extends well into the long finish.&nbsp;

<a href="https://camins2dreams.com/our-wines">Camins to Dream Spear Vineyards Syrah 2021</a>

<a href="https://camins2dreams.com/">Camins to Dream</a> is the lovechild winery of winemakers and wives Catalunya-born Mireia Tarib&oacute; and California native Tara Gomez. The pair launched the California winery in 2017, working with fruit from Santa Barbara&rsquo;s Sta. Rita Hills region. They produce wines with elegance, freshness, and depth. The couple&rsquo;s Spear Vineyard&rsquo;s Syrah stands out in their collection, displaying ample spicy and peppery aromas with a palate drenched with black fruit, earthy nuances, silky tannins, and a long-lasting finish.

<a href="https://www.lafite.com/en/chateau-lafite-rothschild/the-wines/chateau-lafite-rothschild/">Ch&acirc;teau Lafite Rothschild Premier Grand Cru Class&eacute; Pauillac 2018</a>

Sixth-generation family member <a href="https://www.lafite.com/en/the-lafite-spirit/a-tradition-of-excellence/">Saskia de Rothschild</a> is the first woman (and youngest person) to chair and lead Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite as CEO. The winery was the first ch&acirc;teau acquired by the Rothschild family in 1868. Saskia de Rothschild succeeded her father, Baron Eric de Rothschild, in 2018 and has only amplified the Domaines&rsquo; penchant for precision in winemaking in Bordeaux and beyond. Ch&acirc;teau Lafite Rothschild Premier Grand Cru Class&eacute; is just one example of excellence in the bottle. Produced with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot, the dark reddish-purple wine displays plenty of depth in the aroma and palate. Black and red fruit shine while undertones of cedar shine through mid-palate. Ever complex, the wine is well-integrated with fine tannins, fruit and spice, acid and oak, resulting in an elegant, long-lasting, fresh finish.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dallavallevineyards.com/wines/">Dalla Valle Vineyards &ldquo;Collina Dalla Valle&rdquo; Red Blend 2019</a>

Japan native Naoko Dalla Valle and her late husband Gustav Dalla Valle established their <a href="https://www.dallavallevineyards.com/">winery</a> in the heart of Napa Valley in 1986. The iconic winery has remained family-owned and operated. Following Gustav&rsquo;s death in the mid-1990s, Naoko Dalla Valle oversaw production and helped bring Dalla Valle the critical acclaim it&rsquo;s known for today. In 2017, Naoko Dalla Valle&rsquo;s daughter Maya Dalla Valla joined the winemaking team and was appointed the estate&rsquo;s head winemaker in 2021. The intro wine to the Dalla Valle portfolio is a harmonious blend of 50 percent Cabernet Franc, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10 percent Petit Verdot. The wine is fragrant with spice, chocolate, and strawberry compote notes, while the palate is balanced with rich, dark fruit and savory nuances. The finish lingers with silky tannins.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.donnafugata.it/usa/en/product/sul-vulcano-etna-rosso-doc/2019/">Donnafugata &ldquo;Sul Vulcano&rdquo; Etna Rosso Doc 2019</a>

The Rallo family has practiced winemaking in the heart of Italy&rsquo;s southern island Sicily for five generations. In the early 1990s, Jos&eacute; Rallo, the daughter of <a href="https://www.donnafugata.it/us">Donnafugata&rsquo;s</a> founder, joined the family winemaker and has since become the company&rsquo;s CEO. The winery&rsquo;s medium-bodied and fresh &ldquo;Sul Vulcano&rdquo; is made predominantly with Italy&rsquo;s indigenous grape Nerello Mascalese, though a small amount of Nerello Cappuccio is added to the final blend. Silky, with elegant aromas of raspberries and cherries, the palate is soaked with fruity freshness and a hint of spicy mint, while soft tannins provide structure.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.patowouters.com/en/vinhos/info/our-expression-of-the-region_26/">Filipa Pato &amp; Williams Wouters D.N.M.C. Bical &amp; Arinto 2021</a>

Winemaker <a href="http://www.patowouters.com/en/sobre/">Filipa Pato</a> is at the forefront of wine production for this Portuguese winery, which was launched in 2001. However, she co-owns the project with her husband, sommelier and restaurateur William Wouters. Pato makes wines from grapes grown across the Bairrada appellation of Portugal. This particular bottle is made with a blend of Portuguese native grapes Bical and Arinto. The straw-yellow wine displays fleshy pear and apple aromas with a hint of crushed herbs, while the palate is creamy and smooth with fruit-driven flavors and a depth of minerality. The finish lingers with fresh acidity.

<a href="https://merryedwards.com/product/SV-30020-28">Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020</a>

<a href="https://merryedwards.com/">Merry Edwards Wines</a>, a trailblazer in the U.S. wine industry, embodies the essence of progress regarding women in wine. Not only is the company founded by a woman, but women run the whole show, from winemaking to business. Winemaker Merry Edwards started dipping into winemaking in the 1970s with her Merry Vitners label. She went on to work at various prestigious wine estates throughout California before launching her namesake winery in 1997. Though Edwards retired in 2020, she appointed Sonoma native Heidi Von Der Mehden as her successor, while Nicole Carter serves as the winery&rsquo;s president. This highly acclaimed Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is smooth and ripe with red berry flavors that become juicer and silkier on the palate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Women have always played a significant role in shaping society as we know it. Working together and side-by-side with their male counterparts, women have helped pave the way for a better future for people of all identities and demographics — though, as history would have it, more often than not, their tireless efforts go unrecognized.

Celebrate Women Winemakers During Women’s History Month

For something light and giggly, consider the Rossini Royale, a delicious combination of Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, strawberry, and "Sant Ambroeus" Prosecco. If a refreshing pick-me-up is what you need, the Summer in the ends is a light blend of Bombay Dry Gin, cucumber water, and spring herbs cordial and it will not disappoint. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more weight, try the Carta Bianca with Glenmorangie X, Amaro Lucano, pineapple, and almond orgeat may offer what you want.

Cocktails and Wine at Casa Lever

1803 is a Cajun restaurant that brings a little of New Orleans’ eclectic culture to the streets of New York. It’s a sexy, sultry space with a penchant for Deep South decadence and jazz. For a memorable culinary experience, this is the place to bring a date.

Pairing Wine with Cajun Food at 1803

Drops of God, the popular manga series by Tadashi Agi and Shu Okimoto, has been adapted into a television series by AppleTV and has some buzz in the wine world. The AppleTV series tells a story about a competition between Camille's (Fleur Geffrier) estranged daughter and Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita), the protégé after the death of Camille's father, a famous wine collector, to win his world-renowned wine collection valued at $100M+.

Drops of God: The AppleTV Series That Could Save the Wine Industry

Certified sommelier and CorkRules’ resident Somm, Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise on the wine list of il Buco. il Buco’s wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-known, artisan wines from Europe. This restaurant has been called "one of the best and most exciting in America" by Gourmet magazine and the wine list has won Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" several times.

Artisan Wines at Il Buco

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but the skin stays in contact with the juice longer during the maceration period, which increases the tannins and turns the normally white wine a more golden hue. The longer the contact,  the darker the hue, which increases the tannins and a stronger intensity. Pinot gris and malvasia are two common grape varieties used to make orange wine, but if you dig a little deeper, explore a little further, you can find some delightful orange wines along the border between northeastern Italy and Slovenia where orange wines are madefrom indigenous grapes on the region, including sauvignon vert (friulano), ribolla gialla, and pinot grigio.

Pairing Orange Wines at Pasquale Jones

The Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City is a Japanese Brasserie that is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi, and what’s even more exciting is that it has an extensive wine list.

Fine Wines at The Lobster Club

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

CorkRules has been presented with the BMMA ‘Best New Mobile App” Platinum award, the highest award achievement in category.

CorkRules Wins the 2023 BMMA Platinum Award for "Best New Mobile App"

Pairing wine with Asian food is a common dilemma. Just what should you order with the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng or the Mongolian Lamb Chops? How do we make palatable choices that cross cultures and bring out the best in each location’s use of herbs and spices?

Pairing Wine with Asian Food at Buddakan

Whitney Grant

Cafe Champagne

Caf&eacute; Champagne

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a Wine List from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Whitney Grant, wine educator, and certified sommelier.

Hello Whitney, it&rsquo;s great to have you back on with CorkRules.

WG: Hi Robert! Thanks for having me! I&rsquo;m excited to share these wine selections with you and the CorkRules listeners.

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Cafe Champagne. Established in 1994, A classic Parisian cafe in the heart of Pike Place Market, Caf&eacute; Campagne has been cultivating regulars and pleasing out-of-town guests since its doors opened. Located on the charming Post Alley, it is the perfect spot to watch the world go by. We offer a dining experience that is exceptional in traditional food &amp; wine, and comfortable in ambiance and service.

Whitney I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their vast wine list.

WG: Well, Robert with a name like Cafe Champagne we might as well start with the namesake and chat about bubbles.

RT: Sounds like a great place to start!

&nbsp;I would recommend a bottle of the Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs La-lee-eh(Lallier). This wine is made from 100% chardonnay and is a beautiful pale lemon color. On the nose, you&rsquo;ll get lovely floral aromas of acacia with the signature secondary notes of pastry and butter. On the palate, the freshness and acidity of chardonnay will dominate with a vibrant citrus finish.

RT: Is there anything you&rsquo;d recommend if you are only looking to enjoy a glass?&nbsp;

WG: I would suggest the NV CR&Eacute;MANT DE SAVOIE. This wine is a blend and is 30% Chardonnay along with 50% Jacquere and 20% Altesse. It has bright acidity and packed with flavors of lemon, apple, and minerals.

RT: Cr&eacute;mant is another form of sparkling wine, could you explain to our listeners what the difference is between Cr&eacute;mant and Champagne?

WG: As you know to be considered Champagne the wine must be made in the Champagne region of France. Cr&eacute;mant is a great alternative to Champagne and in sort, it is wine made in the same style as Champagne but in a different region. You can see the Cr&eacute;mant de Savoie is a Champagne-style wine made in the Savoie region, the Cr&eacute;mant d&rsquo;Alsace is a champagne-style wine made in Alsace.

RT: You can certainly save some money without sacrificing quality by drinking this style of sparkling wine. Taking a look at the rest of the by-the-glass menu, what would you suggest?

WG: 2019 SANCERRE - Sancerre AOC is located in the Lorie valley of France, and Sauvignon Blanc is the only white wine variety permitted in this region. This cool climate region produces dry wine with high acidity.

This wine is delicious, with flavors of citrus, chalky minerality, and subtle floral notes.

RT: Ok, how about a glass for the red wine drinkers?

2018 BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR - Wines labeled as such are a great choice for inexpensive French wines. With the Bordeaux Superieur designation, you&rsquo;ll typically get wines that are early drinking, medium-bodied with bright red and black fruit flavors.

This wine has aromas of coffee and toffee, while the palate bursts with fresh currant and blueberry flavors.

RT: Wow, sounds delicious. What about something to impress my guests?

WG: The wine that really caught my eye when I first looked at the list is the 2003 CONDRIEU.

RT: That&#39;s a great choice, what drew you to this wine?

WG: Viognier is one of my favorite white wines and Condrieu is the region located in the Northern Rhone Valley of France,&nbsp; producing some of the absolute best of the best of this varietal. This region produces 100% Viognier and the best wines come from low-yielding old vines giving the wines super concentrated flavors.&nbsp;

With this being a 2003 vintage the wine has really developed those lovely tertiary characteristics of toast and almonds with dried fruit notes.

RT: You can&rsquo;t go wrong with Condrieu, that region is certainly known for excellent wines. How about you tell us about a red that will impress as well.

WG: I would suggest the 2011 SAINT-JULIEN Ch&acirc;teau Gloria. Saint-Julien is a region located on the left bank of Bordeaux so a cabernet sauvignon-driven blend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2011 was an excellent vintage so this wine really caught my eye. This wine has a beautiful dense ruby color with flavors of tobacco and subtle oak influence with fruit flavors of plum, juicy blackberries, and blueberries. Medium plus body with velvety tannins and a nice long finish.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: We&rsquo;ve talked a lot about French wine today, before we go are there any domestic wines worth mentioning?

WG: Yes, there are some fantastic domestic wines offered here as well.

2016 Conner Lee Vineyard red blend is 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc. It has rich flavors of dark red currant, herbs, and blueberry with cherry jam on the finish. Conner Lee is a well-respected producer here in Washington state establishing their Columbia Valley vineyard way back in 1980.

And you know I love my Williamette Valley wines!

RT:&nbsp; Yes you do! What would you recommend for an Oregon wine?

WG: The 2015&nbsp; Big Table Farm Chardonnay. This wine was aged in French oak (10% new) on the lees. Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of butter, cream, and lemony custard, with subtle oak influences of sandalwood and spice. That richness is nicely balanced by acid leaving you with a mouthwatering finish.

RT: Whitney Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Champagne Cafe&rsquo;s wine List. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.

WG: Thanks for having me Robert, this was an exciting list to review and I hope you get the chance to enjoy some of these wines!

RT: To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End

&nbsp;

Meson

Dear Annie

Rossoblu

Lago

Le Farfalle

Petit Trois

The Red Dory

Audrey

Cowboy Star

Oberlin

Blu Ristorante

Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Hy's Steakhouse

Chiado

Harriet's Rooftop

Barberian's Steak House

Barberians

Canoe Restaurant & Bar

Canoe

Harbour 60 Toronto

Harbour 60

The Shore Club

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Join us each week as we pour a glass and share top restaurant ‘wine list’ picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the ‘wine list’ through somm recommendations, suggested food pairings and masterclass insights.

Pacifico

Available Wines
Total Wines - 5

Vera

White 2010

Vinho Verde, Portugal

C'est La Vie

Pinot Noir - Syrah NV

Vin de Pays, France

Mayu

Pedro Ximenez NV

Chile

Elqui Wines Carmenere - Syrah - Malbec NV

Chile

Barcino

Mas Vida Cava Brut 2013

Cava, Spain