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

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Michaela Quinlan

Blue Hill Farm

Blue Hills

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where&nbsp;(in each episode)&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT:

Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list&rsquo;s 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:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Blue Hill at Stone Barns, which is located within the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in the Pocantico Hills of NY. Your multi-course tasting selections are sourced from local farms.&nbsp; Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: We have discussed many extensive wine lists, however, this list truly takes you around the world.

This list begins with an extensive assortment of half bottles and large format bottles. No matter the size of your party or varying palates, this wine list is sure to please.

I also find the variety of vintages within this wine list to be quite special, especially if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special year, there is most likely a vintage to match.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Since the menu is locally sourced, let&rsquo;s begin with a local wine selection. I would consider the Forge Cellars &ldquo;Sunrise Hill Vineyard&rdquo; Riesling 2018 from the Finger Lakes of NY. Riesling is a versatile grape that can produce wines from dry to sweet. In this case, we have a beautiful, bone dry, Riesling with bright acidity and features notes of citrus, tangerine, pear, with a hint of minerality on the finish. A beautiful local selection.

RT: That is for sure unique.

So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

&nbsp;MQ: You know how much I love a visit to Burgundy. Domaine Darviot-Perrin &lsquo;Genevrieres&rsquo; 1er Cru Burgundy 2018. Here we have some of the best of the best when it comes to un-oaked Chardonnay form the Genevrieres vineyard site in Burgundy. Aromas and flavors of green apple, pear, melon, along with its medium body, truly make this wine a classic. Herbal dishes, along with medium weight sauces make wonderful pairings. &nbsp;

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Staying local, I would consider the Macari Cabernet Franc 2015 from the North Fork of Long Island. Cabernet Franc, originally a blending grape in Bordeaux, is a tremendous wine on its own. Ripe blackberries and cassis blend with rich tannins, earth, nutmeg, and a hint of violets on the finish. This is an excellent selection should your tasting menu feature roasted vegetables and herbs. All for an excellent price.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Another local favorite to consider would be the Ravines Chardonnay 2013 from the Finger Lakes of NY. Here you have all of the coveted green apple, pear, and citrus with a light bit of oak and vaNULLla, all with a mineral finish. This is an excellent selection, as it is a food-friendly white wine. No matter the local selection, this wine is sure to please.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: A true stand out is the Biondi Santi Annata Brunello di&rsquo;Montalcino 2013. Rated 98 points from the Wine Enthusiast, this Brunello exudes floral aromas of violet and lavender, along with cherries, ripe blackberries, smoke, leather, and rich smooth tannins. Biondi Santi produced the first Brunello di Montalcino in 1888 and continue to produce renowned Sangiovese of great elegance and superior longevity. A wonderful addition to any event.

RT: That sounds fantastic. What if I am looking to take it up a notch after dinner? Do you have any suggestions for a dessert wine?

MQ: Chateau Massereau Barsac 2006 from Bordeaux. Barsac is a subregion of Bordeaux that neighbors Sauternes. This lighter, sweet white wine consists of sauvignon blanc and semillion. The sweetness of the wine is the result of Noble Rot which occurs in regions with high humidity. Noble Rot adds flavors of honey, ginger, and apricot. This is a beautiful dessert wine if you are looking to continue the celebration and conversation.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Blue Hill at Stone Barn&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

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: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.com">Info@corkrules.com</a> 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.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

&nbsp;

End

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Masia J is a small, family-owned winery located in the heart of La Mancha. The winery is dedicated to producing natural wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Masia J uses organic and biodynamic farming practices to cultivate their grapes, and minimal intervention winemaking techniques to create wines that are pure and expressive. The winery is committed to sustainability and preserving the natural environment of La Mancha.

28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen

28-50

Bleu Provence

KOCHINYC

Kochi

Wally's

Hav & Mar

Bern's Steakhouse

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Vino Bono Enoteca Osteria

La Magnolia

Pinot Nero 2020

Pinot Nero

Colli Orientali del Friuli

Girlan Laurin Lagrein - Merlot Alto Adige - Sudtirol 2020

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Collina San Ponzio Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018

Piedmont, Italy

Peter Zemmer, Lagrein Selection R, Alto Adige 2020

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Poderi di Enrico II

Muller Thurgau 2020

Muller-Thurgau

Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Italy

Ottella

Bianco, Lugana 2020

Lugana, Italy

Elena Walch

Pinot Grigio (Selezione) 2020

Pinot Gris

Italy

Sentieri Siciliani Bianco Etna, Sicily 2017

Sicily, Italy

Bastianich

Orsone Friulano 2020

Friulano

Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Sentieri Siciliani Etna Rosso, Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC 2016

Nerello Blend

Sicily, Italy

Fontefico

Cocca di Casa 2017

Montepulciano

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy

Morellino di Scansano

Terenzi, Purosangue Riserva 2017

Tuscany, Italy

Conti d'Arco

Nicolo d'Arco Riserva 2012

Blend

Trentino, Italy

Arnaldo-Caprai

Montefalco Rosso 2018

Miscela

Umbria, Italy

Zanotelli

Pinot Nero, Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trentino 2018

Pinot Nero

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy