By Christine Salins.
Olivia Evans winner of an Organic Wine Awards scholarship
As International Women’s Day draws closer, it’s worth reflecting on the great strides that women have made in the world of wine and spirits. Once very much the domain of men, the Australian wine industry boasts many wonderful winemakers and wine professionals.
But there is still room for improvement. According to the Australian Women in Wine Awards (AWIWA), women represent just under 30 per cent of professionals across the wine industry, and at senior levels this drops to less than 10%.
The awards were founded in 2015 to acknowledge and reward the work of women in the industry, as well as industry leaders who champion equality and fairness in the workplace. To raise money for scholarships, mentoring programs and professional development for women, AWIWA late last year released a gin called Hear Me Roar.
Made by AWIWA board member, Rebekah (Beck) Richardson, a respected winemaker and owner and distiller of Lucid Distilling, the gin followed the release of a Hear Me Roar Shiraz in 2019 that raised almost $40,000.
Houghton CW Ferguson
The recipe for the gin was determined by a vote after women across the industry were asked to submit what ingredients they thought should be included. The winning recipe for a gin infused with blackcurrant leaf, native finger lime and Tasmanian pepperberry, came from Tracy Taylor of Tasmania’s Southwood Vineyards.
The Hear Me Roar gin is out of stock on AWIWA’s website, although the Qantas Wine store appears to still have some availability if you have points to spare.
Another initiative for women in the industry is the Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship supported by Australian Organic Limited (AOL). Applications for the 2023 scholarship opened on Friday. The recipient will be given a range of development and learning opportunities over a year-long journey, including mentoring from industry leaders.
Last year’s inaugural recipient, sommelier and wine writer Olivia Evans, found the whole experience to be very empowering. “If anyone wants to gain an understanding of the governing body for organics in Australia, meet some fantastic people and learn to judge wine professionally, this is the time,” she said.
Croser NV bottle
“(The scholarship) brings women into the judging space, where there are certainly more males, and provides a space to gain a better understanding of the importance of organic agriculture.”
Nat Cleghorn is one example of Aussie women who are flying high in the world of wine. An experienced wine show judge and two-time finalist for Winemaker of the Year at the Australian Women in Wine Awards, Cleghorn was senior winemaker at Katnook Estate before taking up a role earlier this year as senior vintner at Mitchelton. An earlier stint at Yalumba saw her taking charge of Yalumba Menzies in 2017, and she was first female winemaker of the iconic label. As custodian of the historic Mitchelton brand, she’s looking forward to championing not just Mitchelton but also the Strathbogie region in which it sits.
Accolade Wines, the company behind leading brands such as St Hallett, Petaluma, Hardys and Houghton, is justly proud of its female winemakers. Helen McCarthy is the first female to hold the title of Accolade’s Global Director of Wine, a position she was appointed to in mid-2022.
Houghton’s senior winemaker Courtney Treacher worked her way up from starting as a cellar hand at Houghton in 2004. She succeeded Ross Pamment as senior winemaker in 2020 and relishes the challenge of making a range of styles, from the stalwart Houghton White Classic to the Houghton icons.
Ella Hoban brings experience in South Australia, California and Spain to her role as sparkling winemaker for House of Arras & Croser. She says that while there is growing representation of women in the industry, she’d love to see “broader diversity” in the years to come.
Croser NV Sparkling, $30: Made in the traditional method from premium cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills. Bright strawberry notes from the Pinot Noir and stonefruit, honey and brioche notes from the Chardonnay. Dry with a delicate mousse, it is crisp and classy and perfect for a special occasion.
Houghton 2019 CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec, $79.99: Named in honour of an early Houghton winemaker and often referred to as ‘Baby Jack’ because it’s made with fruit similar to that which goes into the flagship Jack Mann. Rich and brooding with notes of blackberry, plum, spice, and hints of chocolate and coffee. A big, bold wine to savour with the finest steak, or cellar for a few years if you can wait.
