The world of wine has long been shaped by remarkable women whose passion, resilience, and creativity have helped redefine what great winemaking looks like today. From pioneering figures who carved out space in a historically male-dominated industry to a new generation bringing fresh perspectives to the vineyard and cellar, female winemakers continue to leave an indelible mark on the craft. This month at Cork & Stem, we’re celebrating some of these incredible women — highlighting the stories, philosophies, and personal journeys that inspire the wines we love to pour. Read on to learn about the talented winemakers behind the bottles and the paths that led them to this beautiful work.
Angela Osborne
A Tribute to Grace is more than a winery — it is a love letter. Founded by New Zealand–born winemaker Angela Osborne, the name is an homage to her beloved Nana Grace, whose warmth, generosity, and quiet strength deeply shaped Angela’s spirit. The concept for the name came while Angela was walking Moonlight Beach in Encinitas and drew the word grace in the sand. With a philosophy rooted in mindfulness, sustainability, and minimal intervention, Angela crafts wines that are elegant, transparent, and full of soul — each bottle a gentle reflection of the grace that inspired it.
Vanessa Wong
Vanessa Wong has built a reputation for quiet precision and integrity — crafting wines that are thoughtful, restrained, and deeply expressive of place. Cep reflects her belief that serious, beautifully made wine should still feel accessible and welcoming.
Alisa Jacobson
Alisa Jacobson launched Turning Tide with a clear intention: to honor the land & turn the tide toward more mindful farming & winemaking practices. She represents a new generation of winemakers who prioritize sustainability, balance, & transparency.
Pilar Pérez Albéniz
Pilar Pérez Albéniz is the matriarch and guiding force behind Finca Torremilanos, carrying forward a deep family legacy in Ribera del Duero. Under her leadership, the estate became an early and committed advocate for organic and biodynamic farming — prioritizing the health of the vineyard long before sustainability was widely embraced.
Anne Dashe
Anne Dashe has been a pioneering force in California winemaking since the 1990s, building her winery around authenticity and strong vineyard partnerships. Trained in Bordeaux, she blends technical precision with balance and approachability — a testament to both her talent and resilience in a historically male-dominated industry.
Kiara Boccia-Fenlason
In her own words, when it comes to wine, she has “no chill” and constantly pushes herself to succeed both as a Winemaker and student of wine. She is deeply proud to be making wine in San Diego and is passionate about showcasing its potential to both locals and visitors alike.
Jacqueline Person
“I love wines of distinction. Winemakers around the world are working to produce unique wines from their cellars, using their fruit. Wines of place and style. Making these wines is a noble pursuit, which we hope to accomplish at CARBONISTE.” - Jacqueline
Courtney Robinett Wagoner
Courtney Robinett Wagoner leads winemaking at Martinelli, one of Sonoma’s most historic family wineries, carrying forward a legacy of meticulous vineyard stewardship in the Russian River Valley. Her wines balance richness and elegance while honoring the traditions that have defined the Martinelli family for generations.
Whitney & Lauren Vau
Sisters Lauren and Whitney represent the next generation of Cox Family Vineyards in Mendocino County, carrying forward a family legacy rooted in the land. Raised on the ranch and working harvest alongside their father, they learned winemaking through hands-on experience, bringing fresh energy and perspective to the organically farmed vineyard their family has stewarded for generations.
As a female-owned business, supporting women in wine is something that feels especially meaningful to us at Cork & Stem. These winemakers represent the passion, dedication, and creativity that continue to shape the future of the industry, and we’re honored to share their stories with our community. We hope these bottles inspire you as much as the women behind them inspire us — and that the next time you raise a glass, you’ll think of the incredible hands and hearts that brought that wine to life.
