Virginia Women in Wine Releases Groundbreaking White Paper: “Closing the Gender Gap in Winemaking”
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Virginia Women in Wine has announced the release of its new white paper, “Closing the Gender Gap in Winemaking,” a compelling exploration of gender equity in Virginia’s wine industry. Women fill a large majority of the jobs in Virginia’s wine country — including roles such as owner, general manager, and other leadership positions. But in the starring role of head winemaker, women fall significantly behind: only 17% of Virginia’s winemakers are women.
“Closing the Gender Gap in Winemaking” examines the systemic, cultural, and practical barriers that continue to hold women back and offers a vision for a more inclusive, dynamic industry.
“Virginia’s wine industry thrives because of the women who’ve shaped it,” said Nancy Bauer, founder and president of Virginia Women in Wine. “But in the cellar — the heart of winemaking — too many doors remain closed.”
The report, based on extensive interviews with winemakers, winery owners, and industry leaders, reveals that:
- Of approximately 225 full-time winemaker roles in Virginia, only 38 are held by women.
- Despite 80 Virginia wineries opening since 2020, only 10 winemaking jobs went to women — and only two to women with no ownership stake.
- Many women still face outdated assumptions about their physical abilities and leadership potential.
In the report, AJ Greely, winemaker at Hark Vineyards and president of the Virginia Vineyards Association, says, “It’s a hard growth market because we’re not given the opportunities that males are. We get questions like, ‘Can you handle the physical labor?’ and, ‘Are you going to disappear if you get pregnant?’”
The report also sheds light on the quieter but pervasive forces shaping women’s experiences, from women being underrepresented as spokespeople for the industry to the still pervasive sexism from tradesmen who supply winery products and services. Unequal pay also remains a problem.
In the report, Joy Ting, research enologist at the Winemakers Research Exchange, said that women are less likely to ask for raises. “We’re less likely to do the negotiation at the time of hire. So sometimes we end up being paid less because we’re not asking for as much, and sometimes we end up being paid less because we’re not perceived as being as [valuable].”
Yet amid these challenges, the report highlights the unique value women bring to the cellar, including collaboration, sensory skill, creativity, and long-term thinking.
“There’s a difference between the way women and men work,” the report quotes Rick Tagg, head winemaker at Delaplane Cellars. “And I would prefer, most of the time, working with women — because there’s less drama.”
The white paper calls for meaningful action by industry leaders, including:
- Transparent hiring and promotion practices
- Workplace benefits such as health care and paid leave
- Mentorship and sponsorship programs for aspiring women winemakers
- Increased visibility for women at industry events and in leadership roles
“This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about the future of Virginia wine,” Bauer said. “To compete nationally and globally, we need to harness the full potential of our talent. That means opening up more opportunities for women in the wine cellar.”
“Closing the Gender Gap in Winemaking” is available for download on the Virginia Women in Wine website at virginiawomeninwine.com.
Posted on: May 5, 2025