As of 2025, according to winefolly.com, the United States has over 11,000 wineries with California holding the number one state spot with more than 4,700. Paso Robles accounts for about 300 of those and downtown has twenty nine within a four block radius.
Paving the Way
Hannah Weinberger is the first recognized woman winemaker in California. After her husband’s death in 1882, she became the first female winery owner and winemaker in Napa Valley. She ran the Weinberger winery until Prohibition laws closed it in 1920.
And for all you Sparkling lovers out there, the industry would not be the same without the Widow (veuve in French) Clicquot. Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin was a pioneering force in the Champagne industry. After becoming a widow at 27, she took over her late husband’s wine business and revolutionized Champagne production. Not only is she credited with inventing riddling, she also played a crucial role in the evolution of drier Champagnes.
During the early 19th century, most Champagnes were extremely sweet, (100 grams of sugar per liter). Madame Clicquot recognized a growing preference for drier wines, especially in the British market. While Perrier-Jouët is credited with releasing the first officially labeled Brut Champagne in 1846, Madame Clicquot helped pave the way for this shift by refining production methods that allowed for a cleaner, crisper, drier style.
Women in Wine Still Fighting for Their Pour
Only 14% of all California wineries are co-owned by a female. (makerwine.com) and only twenty percent of leadership positions in the California wine industry are held by females. This number is astonishingly low compared to other wine regions. In Australia, that percentage climbs to at least 38%. While in France, approximately 33% of management roles are female led and in Italy, the number hovers around 25%. Rias Baixas has the distinct honor of being the leading region for female winemakers and wine owners topping out at over 50%.(winebid.com)
Why Women May Have a Superior Sense of Taste
Science has shown that women make more sensitive tasters and more elegant wines. One study in 2014 by PlosOne noted that there was a significant difference found in the total number of cells in olfactory bulbs between the two sexes. Females have on average 16.2 million while males only had 9.2 million. (43% difference) Additionally, the number of neurons in females reached 6.9 million, while the greatest number found in males tallying 3.5 million; a difference of 49.3%.
There are some people that qualify as super-tasters. Typically these people are notably more sensitive to bitterness, which is tested using a compound called 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). About 25% of humans are believed to fall under this category and the trait is more common in women.
Why has this occurred evolutionary-wise? There are a few theories on this; but it basically comes down to survival of the fittest. It goes back to early human existence. Some believe this olfactory ability is essential for reproductive behaviors such as mate bonding and kin recognition. Having superior smelling abilities was/is a compelling mechanism for sniffing out the right mate.
Celebrate Female-Owned Wineries
As the wine industry continues to evolve, supporting women in wine is more important than ever. By choosing to visit female-owned wineries and small businesses, you’re not only enjoying incredible wines but also championing the talent and dedication of women who are shaping the future of the industry. So, next time you’re in the mood for a glass or two, raise a glass to the incredible female winemakers making their mark—one bottle at a time.
~Slàinte!
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