Stewarthill UK

Empowering Women in Wine

Seville Feria de Abril at night lights and entrance to the area with stewarthillukWomen in Wine: Female Leaders in Spain’s Wine Industry

The World of Wine is transforming and the inspiration is now shared by innovative and forward-thinking women who are not afraid to put their feet in the grapes.

Women in wine are not only shaping the future of vineyards and wineries but also redefining how wine is lived and experienced.

Focus on Spain

In regions like Seville, Jerez, and Andalusian wine-producing areas, we are exploring how women are fomenting new incentives and mould-breaking moves to blend, sip and crush the best from an aged and well-founded industry. They aim to create a future that is enriched with exquisite wines and in the promotion of wine growing and drinking lifestyles.

Here in Andalucia we celebrate the upcoming Semana Santa and Easter holidays.  A perfect time to highlight the role of women in this flourishing industry. Showcasing their work with native grape varieties and unique wine styles, such as the renowned Sherry wines from Jerez. It is not only about indulgence but also about health, self-care, and luxury living.

Women in Wine: Catalysts of Change

Historically this is an industry that has been male-dominated. This is changing rapidly, especially in regions throughout Spain.  Women are stepping into leadership roles in vineyards, wineries, and bodegas.

One of the most notable areas of this transformation has been Jerez, home to the famous Sherry wine.

Here, women are at the helm of some of the most prestigious wine estates. They are leading the charge in sustainability, quality, and innovation. These women are more than just wine producers—they are role models for women worldwide. Seeking to enhance their lives through entrepreneurship, wellness, and luxury.

The Women Making a Difference in Seville and Jerez

In Seville, the heart of Andalusia, women are crafting wines that speak to the soul of the region.

gonzalez byass landscape seville vineyards with stewarthillukgonzalez byass people and planet mission with stewarthilluk

Eva García

The owner of Bodega González Byass, a prominent winery in Jerez. Eva, alongside her family, has elevated Sherry wines by blending traditional and modern techniques.

Focusing on sustainable practices and a keen eye for health-conscious production. Eva and her team have put Jerez on the map as a luxury wine destination.

Sherry and Jerez

Now we know these are more than an aperitif or celebratory drink. Wines that complement wellness and a balanced lifestyle, thanks to lower alcohol content and rich antioxidants.

Similarly, in SevillaBodegas González Byass and their People plus Planet manifesto

An immersive wine experience that blends culture, health, and self-care. Wine is more than just a beverage; it is part of the Spanish lifestyle and can contribute to one’s mental and physical well-being.

Bringing innovation

Spain’s native grapes like PalominoPedro Ximénez, and Tintilla de Rota are grape varieties unique to Spain. They are key ingredients in many regional wines. These native varieties are essential for the iconic Sherry wines and the wine tourism that has become a luxury lifestyle in Seville and Jerez.

Native Grapes and Unique Wines: Luxury Lifestyle

Spain’s commitment to preserving its native grape varieties. This has led to the development of wines that are distinctly tied to the country’s culture, landscape, and history.

Palomino, the grape of Jerez, is integral to the production of Sherry. This light, versatile white wine pairs perfectly with the festive meals and tapas during the Semana Santa and Easter holidays.

Fino or Amontillado Sherry are present at any celebration. A taste of the region but also a connection to centuries of winemaking heritage.

Pedro Ximénez, which is used to make the sweet and rich PX Sherry, a wine celebrated for its deep flavours and complex sweetness.

gastroactitud.com 5 wines for the feria yellow polka dot dress wine glasses toast with stewarthilluk

Susana García

Bodegas Yuste, a bodega in Jerez dedicated to preserving the tradition of PX and Fino wines. These are key players in advancing the region’s reputation. They are pushing boundaries by integrating wellness practices into their wine production. They ensure that every bottle sold reflects both health-conscious practices and indulgence. This proposition offers the finest wines guilt-free.

In Seville, women entrepreneurs explore the intersection of self-care and indulgence. Wine tourism, coupled with the ability to buy direct from bodegas. This allows wine lovers to experience the best of Seville’s wine culture and enrich their lifestyle with health and wellness benefits.

Pairing Spanish Wine with Tradition

As Semana Santa and Easter approach, there is no better time to appreciate the role of wine in Spanish culture. These deeply rooted religious and cultural celebrations are steeped in tradition. Wine plays a pivotal role in the meals and the spiritual experience of the festivities. If you’re enjoying a traditional Andalusian tapas meal, savouring rich bacalao (salted cod), or celebrating with a roast lamb dish, a glass of Sherry is the perfect complement.

Seville and Jerez

In Semana Santa locals and visitors alike indulge in local wines as part of the celebratory atmosphere. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the diversity of Jerez Sherry.

From the dry and crisp Manzanilla to the rich, raisiny sweetness of Pedro Ximénez. Women leaders in the region are ensuring that the wines of Andalusia are celebrated year-round. They are a part of a lifestyle that emphasises enjoyment, luxury, and health.

Women Winery Owners: Inspiring Global Change

As the role of women in the wine industry continues to grow, the work of female winery and bodega owners is inspiration for others seeking to make a difference. These women work to uphold traditional winemaking methods. They are also leading the charge in promoting sustainable farming practices, wellness, and luxurious living. They show us that wine can be part of a lifestyle of self-care. Mindfulness, and enjoyment, health benefits and for indulgence of the experience.

The Luxury Market 

The influence of women in the Spanish wine industry is a testament to how the world of wine is evolving. In the historic streets of Seville to the sun-soaked vineyards of Jerez.  Women are revolutionising the wine world while enhancing lifestyles worldwide. Through the rich complexity of Sherry wines or the indulgence of sweet Pedro Ximénez, these wines have become not only a means of celebrating and enhancing one’s life. They present wellness, luxury, and a rich cultural experience that reflects the passion and dedication of women.

Exploring women in wineSemana Santa celebrations, or the finest wines from Seville and Jerez this is the season to indulge in Spain’s luxury wine offerings.

More than just a drink they are part of he rich tradition, wellness, and high-standard of living in Spain.

andalucia.com feria seville and jerez with stewarthilluk

References:

By embracing the traditions of Semana Santa and Easter with Sherry wines, you are not only partaking in a centuries-old practice but also aligning yourself with the women who are shaping the future of luxury living and self-care through their dedication to winemaking excellence.

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Ben Salisbury

Ben Salisbury, Founder and President of Salisbury Creative Group is a consultant, coach, content creator, public speaker, thought leader, subject matter expert, and entrepreneur for the wine and spirits industry.

His expertise in sales and marketing strategy has accumulated over four decades of work with some of the largest adult beverage companies in the world, including Ste Michelle Wine Estates and Constellation Brands.

Ben’s approach is to disrupt the status quo of how wines and spirits are marketed and sold, to challenge outdated practices, and to provide innovative solutions to help wineries and distilleries sell more products.

Ben frequently speaks at industry conferences, creates original content on his blog and YouTube channel, and has contributed articles to Wine Business Monthly.

Visit his website here.

Manuel Urcelay

Manuel has over ten years of experience in international business, in which he has developed a strong expertise in sales, business development, marketing and business strategy across diverse industries and regions, including wine and food. He has advised more than 30 companies on joint business plans, marketing implementations and supply chain management strategies in Asia, USA and Latin America, generating consistent revenue growth for all parties involved.

Manuel has recently completed his MBA at Imperial College Business School, where he expanded his knowledge and skills in innovation, marketing, operations, strategy and leadership. Manuel has made invaluable contributions to Stewart Hill’s Business Strategy and Planning”.

Rick Anderson

Rick is our Edinburgh-based Digital Design consultant, working remotely on everything from branding and label design to web and motion graphics.

Visit his portfolio site here.

Veronica King

Veronica is a Social Media Strategist and Business Consultant based in London.

Andrea Midas

Born in London, based in Spain with over 20 years of experience in Marketing and CRM for business development.

Graduate from LSE London with Branding, Sustainability and research qualifications in UK and Spain.

Bilingual English and Spanish.

Patricia Harvey

Patricia is a former, credit controller and worked for 15 years for one of the UK’s leading financial handling insurance including freight.

She has always had a passion for wine and have been for the past 4 years worked with us learning the wine trade. Pat recently participated in our exhibition at USATT Chicago.

Her role at Stewart Hill is to handle and develop our logistics.

Lucilda Stewart

Managing Director & Founder

Lucilda is the managing director and founder of Stewart-Hill Wines.  She manages general day to day running of the business, as well as key relationships with both key personnel and a dedicated team of consultants.  Lucilda also travels to overseas destinations to meet with distributors, wholesalers and retailers.  She commends the evolution of her wine journey, to her dedicated team of professionals and strong family ties.  The accolades by the US Wine Ratings 2023, which led to silver awards for their Orchida Negra (Crianza), Malbec labels and a silver award for their Rose by London Wine Competition, demonstrates the integrity of their wines and Lucilda’s indomitable will to succeed.

Lucilda studied at the Inns of Court School of Law and graduated from UCL London University in 1992.   She is a former lawyer,  who created her own legal niche company, working as an intermediary in accordance with the Bar Council’s direct public access to barristers scheme.  Her interest in wine, began many years earlier from casual tastings, training culminated in a Department of International Trade visit to Rioja Spain where she commenced discussions with wineries and honing her skills in wine exporting.

In 2014, Lucilda developed her own private label wine brand, working and investing in award winning wineries in Argentina and Spain.  Her dedication over the last 10 years, has led to award-winning varietals for B2B exports.