It’s International Women’s Day—a day to recognise the achievements of women worldwide, whether social, economic, cultural, or political. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of gender inequalities that still exist in society and work towards bridging those gaps. Women have been trailblazers in the world of food, wine, and spirits for years, and many of your favorites likely wouldn’t reach tables if not for the incredible women behind them.
Having just opened our onsite restaurant and tasting room, we’ve built an amazing roster of suppliers that we love to celebrate. This year, we asked our team about their favorites.
Lauren Rose, Brand Manager
"I love Nc'nean Whisky—a female-led distillery on the west coast of Scotland, founded in 2017 with sustainability at its core. Their practices create a high-quality product while respecting their beautiful surroundings. They use only unpeated Scottish barley in a renewable-energy-powered distillery, recycle wastewater to minimize energy and chemical usage, and bottle their whisky in 100% recycled glass (which is also beautifully designed). They strive to innovate by experimenting with different yeast cultures and focusing on the importance of time in their process. Nc’nean proves that you can do things the hard way and still create an outstanding product with a great brand attached."
Find Nc’nean Whisky at our bar at Hambledon Wine Estate.
Nick Edgar, Head Chef
"I love the produce we get from Lusso Leaf—a local microgreens farm that supplies The Restaurant with greens for our menu. Not only do they add beauty to a dish, but they also have a distinct flavor compared to mature greens. The heat of radish and mustard, for example, is much more pronounced!"
Lusso Leaf is based in Stockbridge, Hampshire.
Grace Bowler, Head of Marketing
"I’m a big fan of our flower supplier for The Restaurant, Millie—owner of Stone and Stem. She has a unique style and really embraces what’s available in each season, giving everything a natural and beautifully curated feel. The fact that she works alongside her mum to grow the flowers she uses in her work adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to it all."
Stone and Stem is based in Hambledon, Hampshire.
Hannah Marks, Community and Retail Manager
"Au Bon Climat is a favorite of mine. The business was started by Californian wine pioneer Jim Clendenen and has since passed to the second generation, now owned by his daughter and son. Isabelle Clendenen has played a key role in expanding ABC’s reach, particularly in Japan and the wider Asian market. It’s also great to see that one of their winemakers, Sarah Atwood, is female! Sarah has worked at wineries in Sonoma, Napa, and Italy and even helped develop a treatment for Pierce’s Disease in grapevines before joining the ABC team.
The wines produced at Au Bon Climat need no introduction—elegant, Burgundian-style wines that focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their ability to produce such refined wines in a region known for bold, oak-forward bottles is a true testament to skill and finesse."
Find Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir at The Restaurant.
Caron Fanshawe, Tours & Education Manager
Why is International Women’s Day Important?
In our industry, this day is more important than ever. The wine industry is gradually becoming more progressive, with women leading in roles that were once male-dominated. However, there is still progress to be made.
A 2023 survey by Curious Vines, based on responses from 726 women working in the UK wine trade, revealed:
- 78% feel that sexism, gender bias, and harassment remain serious issues in the industry.
- 44% have considered leaving the trade as a result.
- 92% believe that wine culture is still male-dominated.
- 54% feel that discriminatory pay and working conditions are problems in the UK wine industry.
This survey helped launch the UK’s first drinks-industry program dedicated to tackling equity, diversity, and inclusion: Drinks United. Visit their website to learn more.
