Australia has a wealth of female talent across every facet of the wine industry. Today, thanks to the determination of many, and a growing acknowledgment of the lack of gender equality across the board, we are seeing more women step into top roles, led by those who continue to advocate for greater representation.
A report published by Wine Australia in 2024 found that women in winemaking roles account for 16.7%, marking an increase of 7.9% from previous findings. While this is encouraging, there is still ample room for more multitasking, trailblazing women to step into the creative shoes of winemaking.
Studies have shown that women possess more neurons in their olfactory bulbs and exhibit greater brain activation in response to aromas—an advantage well suited to the art of winemaking. Then again, is there anything we can’t, or won’t, master when we set our minds to it?
At the Good Food and Wine Show, my role within the Riedel Drinks Lab is to host engaging and encouraging conversations with those who grow, make, sell, and steward wine. Championing a diversity of voices and faces is a priority of mine.
While many individuals come to mind, the following women consistently inspire leadership and innovation in every face-to-face exchange:
Anita Goode – Wangolina, Mount Benson, South Australia
Anita Goode does things her own way, undeterred by challenges, inherited advice, or convention. Her artistic approach to lesser-known varieties, grown in the quietly promising region of Mount Benson, is nothing short of inspiring. Her stand at the Good Food and Wine Show is a must-visit—arrive with an open mind and let your palate decide. Anita knows her craft and, importantly, has a great deal of fun doing it. Hats off to you.
Try: 2023 A Series Mencia for a wine that takes your through you aromas of garden, soil, fruit and spice in perfect attitude and harmony.
Jane Richards and Claire Davis – Eight at the Gate Wines, Wrattonbully South Australia
Two sisters, two distinct skill sets. Claire Davis, the vigneron, is devoted to the vineyard—tending to site and overseeing winemaking. Her sister, Jane Richards, as she succinctly puts it, handles “everything else”: production, sales, export, and marketing. Together, they have built a thriving, family-founded wine brand from premium Wrattonbully fruit. And before you nod along in admiration, consider this—they each have four children. Hence, Eight at the Gate. Remarkable doesn’t quite cover it.
Try: 2022 Jillian Pearl Blanc de Blanc for a méthode traditionnelle sparkling, in honour of their wonderful mum. A legacy of women power and love.
Nadja Wallington – Chalou Wines, Orange, New South Wales
Alongside her husband, Steve Mobbs, Nadja Wallington has carved out a small but mighty patch of paradise in the Orange wine region of New South Wales. With six hectares planted in 2021, this young vineyard is already making a significant impact. Named Dark Horse Winery of the Year in the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion and a finalist for Rising Star in The Real Review 2026, Nadja’s meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of excellence mark her as a formidable force in her craft.
Try: 2024 Chalou Sauvignon Blanc and have your mind blown.
These women are just a few of the reasons I chose a career in wine communication. I am continually energised by their resilience, dedication, and willingness to forge new ground across a landscape shaped by tradition. Sharing their stories—and bringing their personalities to life on stage for festivalgoers—is what makes this industry so deeply rewarding.
To borrow the words of Dan Sims, President of Wine Victoria: “The future isn’t just female—it is now.”
These winemakers are all exhibiting at the Good Food and Wine Show, taking place in four cities on the following dates.
Melbourne: 29-31 May, 2026 at the MCEC
Sydney: 19-21 June 2026 at the ICC
Perth: 17-19 July 2026 at the PCEC
Brisbane: 23-25 October 2026 at the BCEC
Sydney Christmas Markets: 20 – 22 November 2026 at the ICC
Melbourne Christmas Markets: 4 – 6 December 2026 at the MCEC
Tickets for the Melbourne, Sydney and Perth shows are now available at goodfoodshow.com.au.
