Women have become a powerful force in the world of wine-making. Around the world women are garnering deserved attention, in what was once a male-dominated environment. Today we salute the women making waves in the wine world and the wonderful wines they are creating. The 4 ladies pictured above are pioneering women in the wine world in Idaho. Here in Nova Scotia we don’t see many wines from Idaho but when I travel, I will be sure and look for them. All around the world, these talented ladies are making names for themselves.
Meet Genevieve Janssens – Robert Mondavi Winery – Napa Valley
Robert Mondavi Winery has reached almost legendary status, not only in the Napa Valley but around the world. This is Genevieve Janssens, winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley. She is carrying on the quality of care that her mentor, Robert Mondavi had for great wine, because she believes he had the same wine-making style as her father. She was raised in France and moved to California in 1978 to work with Mondavi, and loves the Napa Valley for its innovation and creativity.
Robert Mondavi Winery has a long tradition of making great Cabernet Sauvignon, in a variety of price ranges. This one won’t break the wallet, as it is priced under $20. A great compliment to lamb or steak, this full-bodied wine is easy to drink and easy on the pocket book.
Meet Marlize Beyers – Hidden Bench Winery = Niagara Region Canada
When my sister went to visit her daughter in the Niagara region a couple of years ago, she bought me a bottle of Hidden Bench wine and I loved it. Sadly, we can’t buy it here in Nova Scotia, but it is fantastic wine, and made by this lady, Marlize Beyers. She is a graduate of the prestigious University of Stellenbosch Viticulture and Oenology program and is a perfect choice to carry on the tradition of creating terroir-based wines right here in Canada. Like this Pinot Noir.
This is the wine my sister bought home to me and it sells for about $32 in Ontario. It features gorgeous flavors of sweet ripe cherries and has a marvelous lingering finish. This is an organic Pinot Noir and it’s very tasty and food friendly.
Meet Gina Haverstock – Gaspereau Vineyards – Nova Scotia
Last but not least, it’s impossible for me to do a wine blog about women in wine, and not talk about Gina Haverstock from Gaspereau Vineyards in the Anapolis Valley in the province I call home, Nova Scotia. She worked at Jost Vineyards and became a Certified Sommelier, and then went to Brock University to study Oenology. She then worked in the Rheingau region of Germany as well as Burgundy France. She has a soft spot for cool climate wines and is considered the mother of Nova Scotia Rieslings.
My regular readers know how much I love Riesling, especially with Thai food and anything with a little spice. Riesling is a great food wine. I love the apple and pear flavors in a Riesling, and this crisp beauty from Gaspereau doesn’t disappoint. For readers that are able to pick up a bottle, I think you’ll love it. It sells for about $22 here in Nova Scotia.
There are women in every wine region in the world making incredible wines, and today we salute all of them.
Till next week, Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 