Tag: Women in Wine

G.H. Mumm Appoints Trina Smith as Terroirs Pacific Winemaker, Strengthening Sparkling Wine Excellence Across Australasia

G.H. Mumm has appointed award-winning winemaker Trina Smith as Mumm Terroirs Pacific Winemaker, overseeing production across Australia and New Zealand. Recognized as one of Australia’s foremost sparkling wine specialists, Smith brings over two decades of global experience spanning California, South Africa, and Italy.

Based in the Barossa Valley, she will lead winemaking for the Mumm Terroirs Collection, including Marlborough Prestige Brut, Brut Rosé, Central Otago Blanc de Noirs, and Tasmania Prestige Brut, while collaborating with the Maison’s Chef de Cave and regional growers.

Smith’s appointment reinforces Mumm’s commitment to crafting wines that express the unique terroirs of Marlborough, Central Otago, and Tasmania, three of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading cool-climate regions. Her leadership follows the successful launch of the Mumm Tasmania Prestige Brut (2022), a benchmark for Tasmanian sparkling wines and a reflection of the region’s growing significance, now accounting for over 40% of Tasmania’s total wine production.

Trina Smith states: “I’m thrilled to step into this role and continue building on Mumm’s legacy in Australasia. My focus will be on crafting wines that truly express the character of our region. Marlborough, Central Otago and Tasmania are world-renowned cool-climate regions, producing sparkling wines of exceptional finesse, energy and character and I look forward to shining an international light on our sparkling wines.”

Carol Duval-Leroy Named Officer of the Legion of Honour for Her Pioneering Role in Champagne

In a momentous acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to viticulture and French cultural heritage, Carol Duval-Leroy, President of Maison Duval-Leroy, has been named Officer of the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest civilian accolades.

This prestigious distinction not only honours her unwavering dedication to the Champagne region but also recognizes over three decades of exemplary leadership, innovation, and advocacy within the global wine industry. Under her stewardship, Maison Duval-Leroy has become a paragon of quality and sustainability, balancing tradition with progressive viticultural practices.

Carol Duval-Leroy’s accolade is a powerful testament to her role as a trailblazer, championing excellence, empowering women in wine, and preserving the cultural legacy of Champagne for future generations.

Her journey continues to inspire both industry peers and aspiring professionals around the world.

A Historic Milestone for DOCa Rioja: Raquel Pérez Cuevas Becomes First Female President

In a landmark moment coinciding with its centennial, the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Council has appointed Raquel Pérez Cuevas as its first female president. Her election, supported by 99% of the council, signals a transformative step in Spain’s most prestigious wine appellation.

Pérez Cuevas brings decades of leadership as CEO of Bodegas Ontañón and former vice-president of Grupo Rioja. Her presidency comes at a time of significant challenges, including market contraction, generational decline in viticulture, and tensions between large and small producers.

She has pledged to foster inclusivity and dialogue across all sectors of Rioja’s wine community, emphasizing unity over uniformity. With a background in agricultural engineering, oenology, and business management, her vision aims to steer Rioja through economic, generational, and institutional renewal.

“This is a new era for Rioja, one rooted in listening, collaboration, and respect for our shared legacy,” Pérez Cuevas affirmed.

Liz Palmer’s Exclusive Interview with Andrea Perez Castillo of Flatrock Cellars + Wine Tasting Notes

Andrea Perez Castillo holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Mexico, and a Master’s in Viticulture and Oenology from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain.

Her winemaking career began in 2012 as an assistant winemaker at Tierra Adentro Winery in Zacatecas. Following this, she pursued her master’s studies in Spain, which marked the start of her professional journey. Upon completing her degree, Andrea joined Casa Madero Winery in the Parras de la Fuente Valley, Coahuila, Mexico, where she served as a winemaker from 2016 to 2020. During her tenure, she distinguished herself as the youngest winemaker at the winery. She gained valuable international experience by participating in southern hemisphere harvests at renowned wineries, including Ventisquero in Chile, Cederberg in South Africa, and Oyster Bay (Delegat) in New Zealand.

In 2023, Andrea embarked on her Ontario wine journey, contributing to her first harvest at Hidden Bench. There, she met Marlize Beyers, a highly respected consulting winemaker in the Niagara region, who offered her the position of Winemaker at Flat Rock Cellars. Andrea officially began her new role at Flat Rock Cellars in December 2023.

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Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Andrea Perez Castillo: There have been many women winemakers in my career, right now I would name Marlize Beyers. From the early beginning she has been my mentor in Ontario wines. She has guided me and share everything she know about the area, I love her attitude, nothing stops her, and I know I am fortunate to now call her a friend.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement in your illustrious career?

Andrea Perez Castillo: I think having the experience of making wine in other countries, my favorite harvest so far has been the one in South Africa. Such a lovely and proud people in a beautiful country. A big highlight was reviving the long-dormant sparkling wine program at Casa Madero, one of Mexico’s most storied wineries.

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Andrea Perez Castillo: I’m relatively new at Flat Rock Cellars, I took over at the end of 2023. In 2024, I focused on identifying the blocks with special characteristics and starting to give destination to the grapes from the field to the bottle, during 2024 harvest we got back to the fundamentals in the cellar focusing on good clean happy fermentations

Liz Palmer: How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Andrea Perez Castillo: The 2024 harvest, we start by paying more attention to cultural practices, applications, etc. in the vineyard, this is to have a better control of what is happening in the vineyard and return all the good that the vineyard gives us year after year. As for the cellar, we have a new barrel steamer, which helps us to preserve water, also we have new cleaning practices in the cellar, we track water use daily, this gives us more awareness of the use of water and how to take better care of it.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Andrea Perez Castillo: There is a market for everything, and we must be prepared for it. The wine suffers a lot when it is dealcoholized, it is a harsh process on the wine. I know that there are other alternatives such as some selected yeasts that help produce less alcohol, I worked with some in Mexico, where the results were good but there is still more work to be done on that.

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Andrea Perez Castillo: When you are dedicated to making wine, or you are in the wine industry, it is something that I have found in all of us who are dedicated to this is that we love to know what is new and to experiment, for us at FRC, we never stop learning, learning is part of our development and that of the winery, we are always aware of new technologies, visiting fairs and reading magazines about new technologies and having conversations with our external consultant winemaker.

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the wine industry?

Andrea Perez Castillo: She should prepare herself, study, read, know herself. Winemaking is making decisions under pressure, especially during harvest. Opportunities always come, but you must be prepared to take the reins with confidence.

Wine Tasting Notes

Flat Rock Cellars “Foundation Series” Chardonnay 2023

On the nose, aromas of ripe yellow plum and nectarine, intertwined with hints of vanilla and toast – a subtle nod to its careful oak aging. The palate bursts with vibrant notes of tropical fruit with hints of citrus, balanced by the refreshing minerality with crisp acidity, with an enduring finish.

90 Points
Liz Palmer


Flat Rock Cellars “Foundation Series” Pinot Noir 2023

This complex Pinot displays an enticing bouquet of dark cherry, blackberry and cranberry, accented by earthy undertones with subtle spices. On the palate, it delivers vibrant red fruit nicely balanced with hints of spice and oak. The wine’s silky tannins and refreshing acidity create a harmonious profile, culminating in an elegant, lingering finish.

Score 92
Liz Palmer

Liz Palmer’s Exclusive Interview with Jamie Williams of Nederburg Wines, SA + Wine Tasting Notes

Jamie Williams’s career in winemaking began a decade ago with an internship in the laboratory and cellar at Die Bergkelder, the home of Fleur du Cap Wines in Stellenbosch. This opportunity followed her graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Stellenbosch University. Her passion for viticulture and oenology deepened in 2016 during a harvest season in Napa, California, where she gained valuable international experience. Williams further honed her skills through multiple harvests across the Stellenbosch District while also working in wine tasting rooms and sales to broaden her industry knowledge. In 2018, her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as assistant winemaker at Nederburg Wines , marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.  Jamie is now Winemaker of White and Rose wines at Nederburg Wines.

Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Jamie Williams: I am very blessed to have worked with mostly women winemakers for the past 10 years! Andrea Freeborough who is the Head of winemaking for Heineken Beverages and Elmarie Botes who was the winemaker at Nederburg Wines when I started at Nederburg as an assistant, and both of whom I still work very closely with, has molded me into the winemaker I am today. Shaina Harding, winemaker at Hunnicutt Wines where I worked at in Napa Valley has shown me how tough women can be when working physically in the cellar and nothing is ever too heavy or difficult to do as a woman in the cellar, working with mostly men.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement in your illustrious career?

Jamie Williams: My most recent achievement winning Gold at the Drinks Business Global Sauvignon blanc Masters for the Nederburg Winemaster’s Sauvignon blanc 2024. Only one of 2 South African Wines to achieve Gold in that category.

Liz Palmer:  Congratulations !!

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Jamie Williams: At Nederburg, we have always tried to maintain being a leader in innovative winemaking techniques. My approach this year, however, was taking it back to the past. We played around with some skin contact old vine Chenin Blanc in Amphorae clay pots that we have imported from Italy. On the analytical side we are sending our wines for sensory analysis and benchmarking how we are faring vs our competitors and what the consumer wants. Most of our wines are also vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

Liz Palmer: How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Jamie Williams: Nederburg Wines is IPW (Integrated Production of Wines) compliant, meaning we are fully traceable with production integrity of our wines we craft. We have also earned WWF Conservation Champion status, thanks to our water and energy conservation measures. On the farm we have also planted Grenache and Carignan which are drought-resistant varieties to combat climate change. Our delicate and sophisticated Winemaster’s Grenache Carignan Rose is made from these grapes.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Jamie Williams: As a winemaker, No and Low alcohol wine is not much used in my vocabulary as there is so much, chemically and sensorially, that alcohol brings to wine and to strip that away makes the wine not as beautiful as what you initially crafted. However, being a mom to currently 2 toddler boys, it is difficult for me to consume a bottle of wine with an alcohol of 13.5% or higher as my boys keep me on my toes. After 2 glasses I am done! This is why I understand the need for lower alcohol wines for enjoyment that will last longer. At Nederburg we have experimented with low alcohol wines in the cellar, but nothing in the bottle.

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Jamie Williams: We do constant benchmark tastings to ensure that we are abreast of our competitors. I also love to attend seminars where suppliers will offer their latest technology and hearing from other winemakers what has worked for them. The South African wine industry is very tight knit!

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the wine industry?

Jamie Williams: Be prepared to face challenges in this male dominated industry. I have been blessed enough to work with mostly women which made it easier for me to delve in, but I still faced challenges. Always work hard and believe in yourself. I have been told by another winemaker whom I looked up to that I will never be a winemaker. Those words just motivated me even more to prove them wrong. Always have God at the center and a good support system at home.

Wine Tasting Notes

Nederburg Heritage Heroes “The Brew Master” 2020

This is a wine of remarkable depth and refinement. Its dark ruby hue sets the stage for a sensory journey, with aromas of ripe blueberries and luscious black cherries intertwined with nuances of tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, with hints of spice. On the palate, the wine reveals a harmonious tannin structure, offering complexity and layers that unfold elegantly with every sip. Its long, enduring finish leaves an indelible impression of sophistication.

Crafted from a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Petit Verdot (18%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Merlot (4%), and Malbec (3%), this wine is matured for 29 months in French and American oak, delivering a robust, fruit-forward character. With its powerful presence and rich fruit profile, Nederburg “The Brew Master” is a true expression of excellence.

Liz Palmer
92 Points

 

“Winemasters” Chardonnay Nederburg 2022

This wine is a testament to Nederburg’s dedication to crafting elegant and expressive wines. This Chardonnay showcases a vibrant and lively character, with aromas of honeyed apples and crisp citrus zest that leap from the glass. On the palate, it reveals a refreshing steely acidity, beautifully balanced by a creamy texture and subtle citrus and apricot. The wine’s texture is both clean and rounded, offering a harmonious interplay of freshness and richness.

Liz Palmer
91 Points