By Lou Phillips ·
Men have held control of the world of wine for more than 4,000 years, and it has taken talented, creative and strong women to change that. And, the wines are better for it.
It is long overdue to recognize some of these Femme Fatales of the vine, so let’s remedy that. It took strong personalities to break through the fraternal order of wine, and these were just the women for the job. While this column is neither chronological nor comprehensive, it will introduce some great characters of the wine world.
Helen Turley ·
Helen Turley
A few years back, The Wine Spectator suggested that Helen Turley may be America’s Greatest Winemaker, citing that she is widely credited with creating the current perfectionist style of grape growing and winemaking employed at high-end wineries, and because her wines regularly garner 100 point ratings.
Her notoriety also stems from her history of smashing glass ceilings in the industry in her days as a consulting winemaker in Napa and Sonoma. She currently makes amazing Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays at her critically acclaimed Sonoma Coast winery, Marcassin.
Merry Edwards ·
Merry Edwards
Merry Edwards’ license plate reads “Riena de Pinot,” and she has truly earned the “Queen of Pinot” title through 40+ years of making great wines. In the late 1990s, she finally found the time to develop her own eponymous winery in the Russian River Valley, where she also makes one of America’s finest Sauvignon Blancs, from the tricky-to-work-with Musque clone. A rare SB that combines freshness with real complexity, and has the ability to age.
Kathleen Inman ·
Kathleen Inman
Fellow Russian River Valley star Kathleen Inman of Inman Family Wines refers to herself as “grape-grower, winemaker, salesperson, accountant and forklift driver.” Elegant versions of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris have been her calling card, but she has recently unleashed an amazing Rose of Pinot that been named in the Top 5 of all Roses worldwide by the Wall Street Journal.
Cathy Corison ·
Cathy Corison
Napa Valley’s Cathy Corison, began her career making wine for others, most famously at Chapellett. By the 1980s she had the resources to start the Corison Winery. Known for making restrained versions of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, her wines are renowned for their ability to improve over decades, and with a movement back toward classic styles in the wine world, she is finding a renewed appreciation and fame.
These women carved their own niches in the vineyard, in winemaking and in the business of wine. Their wines are distinctive, small production beauties, but lucky for us, some of our local purveyors such as The Pour House, Village Market, Incline Spirits and Uncorked carry these gems.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 (advanced) Sommelier and wine educator specializing in advising private collectors and businesses. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns.
