Women In Wine
Celebrating The Wine Industry’s Female Trailblazers
Women of Winemaking
Celebrating The Wine Industry’s Female Trailblazers
At The Wine Flyer, our business sits at the intersection of two traditionally male-dominated industries: aviation and winemaking. But just as our friends at British Airways are seeing a growing number of female pilots take the controls, the wine world too is experiencing an influx of trailblazing women into some of its most influential positions. The wine industry is one where tradition often intertwines with innovation, and these female winemakers have been carving out their niche, breaking barriers, and reshaping perceptions.
We’re proud to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional women who have brought their unique perspectives to the forefront, crafting wines that stand out for their quality and character. Their stories of resilience, creativity, and passion are as inspiring as the wines they create. By highlighting these trailblazers, we aim to illuminate the path they are forging for future generations in their field, proving that the world of wine is enriched and strengthened by the prominent presence of women.
In The Spotlight
Linda Trotta - Bread & Butter Wines, USA
Linda Trotta’s journey in winemaking stretches over three decades across four continents, influenced by her Italian-American heritage and the winemaking traditions she observed in her family. As a winemaker for Bread & Butter Wines in California, Linda focuses on creating unpretentious wines that put the drinker’s enjoyment front and centre. The products of her philosophy that "A good wine is a wine you like" have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2018 North Bay Business Journal Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year. Linda herself credits pioneering female winemakers including MaryAnn Graff and Zelma Long with inspiring her to forge a career in the industry—and if the Bread & Butter wines we’ve tasted are anything to go by, their legacy is in fantastic hands.
Natalie Christensen – Yealands, New Zealand
Over the course of a 17-year career, Natalie Christensen has combined her scientific expertise and creative spirit to make an indelible mark on the New Zealand wine scene. Before joining Yealands, Natalie enhanced her skills globally, working with prominent wineries across France and Spain. Her background as a classically trained musician parallels her winemaking style—full of harmony and precision, and focused on rich, complex textures. Recognised as one of the most influential women in wine by Drinks Business Magazine in 2018, and winner of the International Wine Challenge’s White Winemaker of the Year trophy in 2023, Natalie continues to innovate and inspire through her work at Yealands.
Catherine Marshall – Catherine Marshall Wines, South Africa
Catherine Marshall, a stalwart of South African wine trade, has turned her profound understanding of winemaking into an array of celebrated wines. Graduating from Elsenburg in 1991, Catherine’s expertise was honed by global experience, from the vineyards of France and the USA to the terroirs of Australia. At the helm of the winery that bears her name, she crafts exceptional varietals that consistently earn big accolades, such as Tim Atkin’s 95 points for her Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc and multiple 5-star ratings in the Platter Wine Guide. Unsurprisingly, Catherine’s adventurous spirit is not confined to winemaking— Catherine is also an avid mountain hiker, having tackled Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna circuit.
Linda Trotta - Bread & Butter Wines, USA
Linda Trotta’s journey in winemaking stretches over three decades across four continents, influenced by her Italian-American heritage and the winemaking traditions she observed in her family. As a winemaker for Bread & Butter Wines in California, Linda focuses on creating unpretentious wines that put the drinker’s enjoyment front and centre. The products of her philosophy that "A good wine is a wine you like" have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2018 North Bay Business Journal Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year. Linda herself credits pioneering female winemakers including MaryAnn Graff and Zelma Long with inspiring her to forge a career in the industry—and if the Bread & Butter wines we’ve tasted are anything to go by, their legacy is in fantastic hands.
Natalie Christensen – Yealands, New Zealand
Over the course of a 17-year career, Natalie Christensen has combined her scientific expertise and creative spirit to make an indelible mark on the New Zealand wine scene. Before joining Yealands, Natalie enhanced her skills globally, working with prominent wineries across France and Spain. Her background as a classically trained musician parallels her winemaking style—full of harmony and precision, and focused on rich, complex textures. Recognised as one of the most influential women in wine by Drinks Business Magazine in 2018, and winner of the International Wine Challenge’s White Winemaker of the Year trophy in 2023, Natalie continues to innovate and inspire through her work at Yealands.
Catherine Marshall – Catherine Marshall Wines, South Africa
Catherine Marshall, a stalwart of South African viticulture, has turned her profound understanding of winemaking into an array of celebrated wines. Graduating from Elsenburg in 1991, Catherine’s expertise was honed by global experience, from the vineyards of France and the USA to the terroirs of Australia. At the helm of the winery that bears her name, she crafts exceptional varietals that consistently earn big accolades, such as Tim Atkin’s 95 points for her Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc and multiple 5-star ratings in the Platter Wine Guide. Unsurprisingly, Catherine’s adventurous spirit is not confined to winemaking— Catherine is also an avid mountain hiker, having tackled Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna circuit.
Linda Trotta - Bread & Butter Wines, USA
Linda Trotta’s journey in winemaking stretches over three decades across four continents, influenced by her Italian-American heritage and the winemaking traditions she observed in her family. As a winemaker for Bread & Butter Wines in California, Linda focuses on creating unpretentious wines that put the drinker’s enjoyment front and centre. The products of her philosophy that "A good wine is a wine you like" have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2018 North Bay Business Journal Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year. Linda herself credits pioneering female winemakers including MaryAnn Graff and Zelma Long with inspiring her to forge a career in the industry—and if the Bread & Butter wines we’ve tasted are anything to go by, their legacy is in fantastic hands.
Natalie Christensen – Yealands, New Zealand
Over the course of a 17-year career, Natalie Christensen has combined her scientific expertise and creative spirit to make an indelible mark on the New Zealand wine scene. Before joining Yealands, Natalie enhanced her skills globally, working with prominent wineries across France and Spain. Her background as a classically trained musician parallels her winemaking style—full of harmony and precision, and focused on rich, complex textures. Recognised as one of the most influential women in wine by Drinks Business Magazine in 2018, and winner of the International Wine Challenge’s White Winemaker of the Year trophy in 2023, Natalie continues to innovate and inspire through her work at Yealands.
Catherine Marshall – Catherine Marshall Wines, South Africa
Catherine Marshall, a stalwart of South African viticulture, has turned her profound understanding of winemaking into an array of celebrated wines. Graduating from Elsenburg in 1991, Catherine’s expertise was honed by global experience, from the vineyards of France and the USA to the terroirs of Australia. At the helm of the winery that bears her name, she crafts exceptional varietals that consistently earn big accolades, such as Tim Atkin’s 95 points for her Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc and multiple 5-star ratings in the Platter Wine Guide. Unsurprisingly, Catherine’s adventurous spirit is not confined to winemaking— Catherine is also an avid mountain hiker, having tackled Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna circuit.
And that’s just three of the innumerable inspiring women who are making big waves across the wine world. Each of them bring a unique perspective to winemaking, driven by their backgrounds, experiences, and personal philosophies. Their stories remind us of the diversity and dynamism that women bring to the wine industry—and to the exceptional wines they make. Here's to many more vintages and ventures to come.
Wines Crafted by Women
We've put together a selection of wines that support, celebrate or are created by women