Cheers to Women Leading the Way in the Côtes du Rhône.

Women leading the wine industry in the Côtes du Rhône AOC and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC are passionate about wine, innovative, daring, and talented. They are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes since the wine industry has historically been male-dominated. The women leading the way in the Rhône Valley are winemakers, sommeliers, vineyard managers, and sales managers who are an integral part of the industry. They are shaping the future of wine not just in their local region but also around the world.

Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages is being led by woman

Women are increasingly taking up enology diploma courses in France, with almost half (47% in 2022) of all graduates being female. These women use their education to climb the ranks within and beyond the wine cellar. They are poised to assume leadership positions in the wine industry, not just in established wineries but also as entrepreneurs. Women-led wineries are rising, producing high-quality wines and challenging traditional industry norms.

Some of these women-led and made wineries in the Rhône Valley will be Domaine de la Mordorée, Domaine du Pegau, Maison Sinnae, Le Plan Vermeersch, Domaine Rouge-Bleu, Maison Ogier, Anne Collard. Hence, there is no better way of discovering the women who are making their mark in the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages appellations than tasting their wines to appreciate all their know-how. I was unfamiliar with some of them but recently tried some of their offerings.

Tasting Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages wines made by women

Maison Sinnae Elements Luna Blanc 2023
- This wine blends Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, and Roussanne. It is pale yellow with green reflections and notes of lemon, grapefruit, and acacia flowers. The palate is delicate and fresh, with a fruity almond, hazelnut, and pear taste.
Domaine de Sareval Côtes du Rhône Villages Valreas 2020
- Sareval wine is a blend of 65% Viognier and 35% Marsanne. It has intense floral aromas and a wide range of fruity notes. The wine has a rich and silky texture and pairs well with seafood and creamed poultry. It can also be enjoyed with mushrooms.
Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône 2022
- A blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 5% Carignan and 5% Counoise. It is deep red, with aromas of blackcurrant and violet. The tannins are fine and integrated, and it has a good finish.

The list of women-led wineries in the Rhône Valley is growing, and their wines are worth trying to appreciate all their know-how. As a wine enthusiast, I am excited to see women making their mark and bringing new perspectives to the industry.

Support Women in Wine in the Rhône Valley and beyond

Creating a space of inclusivity in winemaking will not only make way for future winemakers of every race and gender but also make wine a more accessible luxury to a group of consumers that have been overlooked for far too long. It is essential to support these remarkable women’s accomplishments by enjoying their wines and encouraging them as they continue to make strides in the wine industry in France and worldwide.