Women-Owned Wineries in California: Pouring Passion into Every Bottle
California’s wine country is not only rich in rolling vineyards and world-class varietals—it's also home to a growing number of innovative and trailblazing women who are reshaping the industry. From Napa to Paso Robles, women-owned wineries are proving that excellence in winemaking is as much about vision and dedication as it is about terroir.
🌿 Rooted in Resilience
Historically male-dominated, the wine industry has seen a remarkable shift in recent decades as more women step into leadership roles—not just as winemakers, but as vineyard owners, marketers, and sustainability advocates. These women are blending tradition with innovation, producing wines that are as bold and unique as the stories behind them.
🍇 Notable Women-Owned Wineries in California
1. Merry Edwards Winery – Russian River Valley
Founded by Merry Edwards in 1997, this winery is one of the most iconic in Sonoma County. Often called the “Queen of Pinot,” Merry was one of the first women to graduate from UC Davis’s Viticulture and Enology program and became a pioneer in sustainable vineyard practices. Her legacy continues with beautifully balanced, site-specific Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs.
2. Camins 2 Dreams – Lompoc, Santa Barbara County
Run by winemakers Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó, Camins 2 Dreams blends Indigenous wisdom and old-world influence. Tara is the first Native American woman winemaker in the U.S., and their small production wines emphasize natural winemaking and biodiversity.
3. Woman-Owned Wineries Collective
While not a single winery, this growing network highlights female winemakers and winery owners across California. Founded by Amy Bess Cook, the initiative is both a directory and an advocacy platform that connects consumers to women-driven wine businesses—encouraging visibility and support within the wine-loving community.
4. Kelley & Young Wines – Alexander Valley
This boutique winery is run by Kathleen Kelley Young, who balances the art of winemaking with family legacy. Their wines are made in small lots, focusing on Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, and the tasting room is located in a charming 1900s farmhouse.
5. Tessier Winery – Santa Cruz Mountains and Sierra Foothills
Kristie Tacey, a molecular biologist turned winemaker, brings a scientific edge to winemaking. Tessier produces natural, terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention and expressive character—especially her Gamay Noir and Pinot Gris.
🍷 A Glass Half Full—for the Future
These women aren't just making great wine; they’re also redefining leadership and sustainability in viticulture. Many are certified organic, biodynamic, or use regenerative farming techniques. They’re mentoring new generations, fighting for equity in the industry, and proving that women belong at every table—from vineyard rows to boardrooms.
As wine lovers, supporting women-owned wineries is a way to celebrate craftsmanship, diversity, and progress—one pour at a time.