International Women’s Day – Celebrating Women in Wine
8th March
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8th March, marking the social, economic and political achievements of women past, present and future. It’s a day to recognise progress, highlight inequality where it still exists, and celebrate the women shaping our world, including the world of wine.
At Butlers Wine Cellar, this day feels especially close to home. We’re proud to be a business with a predominantly female team, made up of passionate, knowledgeable people who shape everything from what’s on our shelves to how we connect with our customers. Wine has long been a male-dominated industry, but that is thankfully changing, and today we want to shine a light on some of the brilliant women whose work we admire and whose bottles we love to share.
Women Changing the Face of Wine
Across the globe, female winemakers are redefining regions, reviving forgotten grapes, and bringing fresh perspectives to traditional styles. Their wines are thoughtful, expressive and often deeply connected to where they originate which is proof that diversity only strengthens the world of wine.
Below are a few standout producers we’re celebrating this International Women’s Day.
Ntsiki Biyela
Aslina – Chenin Blanc Skin Contact 2024
Ntsiki Biyela is one of the most important and inspiring figures in South African wine today. As the first Black female winemaker in South Africa to own her own brand, she has helped reshape the narrative of the country’s wine industry, opening doors and creating visibility for a new generation of winemakers. Raised in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsiki’s journey into wine was far from conventional, but her determination, talent and deep respect for her homeland have made Aslina a name to watch on the global stage.
Named after her grandmother, Aslina is rooted in heritage and progress. Ntsiki works closely with carefully selected vineyards, focusing on sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking to allow each site to speak honestly. She has become particularly well known for her thoughtful, expressive takes on Chenin Blanc, a grape that has become synonymous with South Africa’s modern wine renaissance.
The 2024 Skin Contact Chenin Blanc shows her confidence and creativity beautifully. Fermentation on the skins adds texture, depth and gentle tannin, while still retaining freshness and clarity. Aromas of stone fruit, dried citrus peel and subtle spice lead into a palate that’s layered, savoury and quietly powerful. There’s a lovely balance between grip and brightness, making this a wine that’s both food-friendly and contemplative.
Ana Sugrue
Bee Tree Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
Ana Sugrue is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and thoughtful winemakers in England today. After years of working in fine wine, she set out to carve out her own winemaking story that truly reflected the landscape and climate of Sussex, which now includes Bee Tree Vineyard with a clear vision: small-scale, sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention in the cellar.
Bee Tree Vineyard is farmed with great care for biodiversity, encouraging healthy soils and a balanced ecosystem around the vines. Ana works with low yields and harvests by hand, allowing her to pick fruit at optimum ripeness while preserving freshness and finesse. In the winery, she takes a gentle, hands-off approach, letting the vineyard speak rather than relying on heavy winemaking techniques.
This Pinot Noir Rosé is a perfect example of her style, elegant, precise and quietly expressive. Notes of wild strawberry, redcurrant and rosehip are layered with subtle savoury undertones and bright acidity. It’s a rosé with depth and intention, offering far more than just summer refreshment, and a wonderful reflection of Ana’s commitment to quality, place and authenticity.
Sonia Geoffray
Château Thivin Utopia Vin de France 2022
At Château Thivin, Sonia Geoffray plays a key role in one of Beaujolais’ most respected estates. The Utopia cuvée is a freer, more experimental expression that still honours the estate’s long-standing traditions. These vines have never been sprayed with any chemical, organic or otherwise. Their natural disease resistance means they can be managed through manual methods alone, benefiting the soil health and biodiversity of the vineyard.
Juicy, vibrant and bursting with energy, this wine shows bright red fruit, floral notes and a lively freshness. It’s playful yet precise, a modern take on Gamay that reflects the next generation of Beaujolais leadership.
Sophie Cinier
Domaine Sophie Cinier – Mâcon-Fuissé 2021
Sophie Cinier is a highly respected figure in the Mâconnais and one of the quiet trailblazers of modern Burgundy. Having taken over her family Domaine in the late 1990s, Sophie brought a fresh perspective to the vineyards, focusing on expressing purity of fruit, site, and vintage rather than following heavy-handed winemaking trends. Today, she is widely admired for producing some of the most honest and characterful whites in southern Burgundy.
Her vineyards are farmed with great attention to detail, using sustainable practices and prioritising healthy soils and balanced vines. Yields are kept low, and harvesting is done with precision to capture Chardonnay at its most vibrant and expressive. In the cellar, Sophie favours minimal intervention, fermenting with native yeasts and using oak sparingly so it supports rather than dominates the wine.
The Mâcon-Fuissé 2021 is a beautiful example of her philosophy. Expect ripe orchard fruit, citrus zest and white blossom on the nose, followed by a textured yet fresh palate with gentle creaminess and a mineral backbone. It’s a wine that balances generosity with restraint, refined, food-friendly and deeply rooted in its terroir showcasing Sophie Cinier’s skill in letting great vineyards speak clearly and confidently.
Jennifer Snaider
While not wine, Emperatriz deserves a place in this celebration. Founded by Jennifer Snaider, Emperatriz is a small-batch Mexican spirit made with integrity, tradition and respect for its origins.
Bold, aromatic and beautifully structured, Emperatriz delivers earthy depth alongside clean, vibrant character. The 50ml format is a perfect introduction to a producer who embodies craftsmanship and independence.
Celebrating Women at Butlers
International Women’s Day is also a chance to celebrate closer to home. The women at Butlers Wine Cellar play an essential role in shaping our identity and your experience, from selecting the wines we stock to sharing their knowledge, hosting tastings and welcoming customers through the door. Their passion, curiosity and expertise are at the heart of everything we do.
Today, we raise a glass to women in wine, women in business, and women everywhere who continue to push boundaries and inspire change.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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