The wine industry has long been a boys’ club, but that’s changing fast. Across Canada, women are redefining what it means to be a winemaker – blending tradition with innovation, sustainability with artistry, and global influence with a deep respect for Canada’s terroir. They’re making incredible wines and they’re reshaping the industry itself.
These winemakers are proving that Canadian wine’s future is diverse, dynamic, and driven by bold new perspectives.
Honouring Tradition, Driving Sustainability
Jen Oishi is redefining what sustainability looks like in Canadian winemaking. With a background in microbiology, she took over as Gray Monk’s lead winemaker in 2020, bringing a science-backed approach to cool-climate varietals like pinot gris, riesling, and chardonnay. By balancing innovation with tradition, she’s proving that great wine and eco-conscious practices are the future.
Like Oishi, Kathy Malone of Hillside Winery has built her winemaking philosophy around small-batch fermentation and sustainability. Starting as a lab tech at Mission Hill, she now leads Hillside’s award-winning portfolio, showing that precision and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Amber Pratt is a rising star in the industry, where her passion for horticulture led her to the Okanagan Valley. Currently at Moraine Winery, she crafts exceptional pinot noir wines, showcasing the unique characteristics of the grape and the region.
From Global Influence to Local Impact
Bringing a world of experience to Canada’s wine scene, Andrea Perez Castillo has made wine across South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, and Mexico before landing at Flat Rock Cellars in Niagara. Her expertise in diverse climates and winemaking techniques is pushing Canadian wines into exciting new territory.
She’s not alone. Pénélope Roche of Roche Wines is also bridging the gap between old-world winemaking and Canada’s emerging identity. Coming from a six-generation Bordeaux winemaking family, she’s now helping shape the Okanagan’s reputation for world-class wines.
Breaking the Rules, Redefining Canadian Wine
Forget the old-school, buttoned-up image of wine. Yvonne Irvine is bringing rebellion, creativity, and raw authenticity to every bottle she produces at Maenad Wine Co. Inspired by the mythological Maenads – women devoted to wine and revelry – her wines break convention and celebrate joy.
Val Tait of Gold Hill Winery, a winemaker with a background in molecular genetics and biochemistry, is blending science and artistry. From experimenting with microclimates to producing top-tier cabernet franc, she’s pushing boundaries at every turn.
This International Women’s Day, celebrate the women who are shaping the future of Canadian wine. From sustainability champions to bold innovators, these trailblazing winemakers are redefining the industry with every bottle. Support their craft, explore their wines, and raise a glass to a more diverse, dynamic future in winemaking. Shop women-led wineries today and be part of the movement.
