In recent years, women have been taking the wine world by storm and I’m totally here for it. I am always on the hunt for the perfect bottle to pop open when kicking back and relaxing with my favorite guilty pleasure reality TV shows, and I can feel a little bit less guilty when what’s in my glass has been produced by inspiring women who are reshaping the wine world as we know it. From women who have carved out space from themselves by founding their own wineries to women who have taken over the winemaking operation at historic vineyards, there are so many incredible wines to try that celebrate some badass ladies!
ZAFA Wines’ Founder Krista Scruggs
Krista Scruggs started ZAFA Wines in Vermont in 2018 and has quickly made a name for herself with her unique, organic, biodynamic wines. ZAFA not only creates delicious, fizzy, natural wines, but they also produce ciders and exciting co-fermentations that incorporate both wild apples and locally-grown grapes. If you’re on the hunt for a funky and fun wine that is like nothing you’ve tried before, ZAFA’s got the goods for you!
ZAFA is 100% woman-owned and has intentionally maintained a staff of at least 85% women in order to provide opportunities to folks who have historically been left out of the wine industry.
Since Krista isn’t afraid to mix things up in the wine world with her innovative approach to winemaking, ZAFA wines are best paired with a BootayBag’s Mix It Up bag - which one are you wearing?
Domaine Chandon’s Winemaker Pauline Lhote
Best known for their bubbles, Domaine Chandon is a well-regarded institution in California winemaking. Founded in 1973, Chandon was one of the first French-owned sparkling wine producers in the United States. They’ve channeled traditional French winemaking practices for over 40 years, and with Pauline Lhote at the helm they continue to produce delicate bottles that capture the sparkling essence of the California sunshine!
Pauline Lhote grew up in Champagne, France and expanded her love for sparkling wines while working at Moët & Chandon. She has found terrific success as a winemaker, but even so she recognizes that “As a woman, I feel that you need to be a lot more convincing and persuasive to have people adhere to your ideas and vision, so it just takes a little more effort." Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as the wines at Domaine Chandon are always celebrated as some of California’s best!
Domaine Chandon is a wine institution steeped in tradition and legacy— aka the equivalent to BootayBag’s Always Thong bag. We’re rocking ours now with a full glass ;)
Maivino produces vegan-friendly wines in unique sustainable pouch packaging that is designed to keep wine fresh for 30 days! Maivino’s founder, Mai Vu, believes that adhering too strictly to tradition can make wine boring. Maivino is here to shake things up and make great wines more accessible to everyone!
Mai spent the majority career working her way up the corporate ladder in the advertising industry, but in 2018 she made the bold decision to leave her job to create Maivino. Mai saw how much waste was happening in the wine industry and started crunching the numbers: by reducing waste in the wine production and packaging processes, she could create fantastic wines with an unexpectedly approachable price tag. Awesome wine with an even more awesome price? Sign me up ASAP!
Affordable wine (check), affordable undies (check), the perfect pairing if you ask me ;)
Spade & Sparrows’ Founder Kaitlyn Bristowe
Kaitlyn Bristowe, everyone’s fave from Bachelor Nation, has teamed up with sommelier Samantha Capaldi to launch the Spade & Sparrows wine label. Their diverse line-up of wines was made with the vision of bringing people together to share in their love of what’s in their glass without some of the snobbery that can often be associated with the wine world.
Now that coming together IRL is a bit more difficult, you can also book virtual tastings with Samantha Capaldi to bring your friends and family together to share a great bottle of wine virtually while learning all about the magic that happens behind the scenes at Spade & Sparrows!
Spade & Sparrows leans into their sexy side with the slogan “Great legs, full body—and the wine’s not bad either.” We’re pairing a glass of the full body with a full bootay (our fave BB never thong style) Hbu?
Cakebread Cellars’ Winemaker Stephanie Jacobs
Cakebread Cellars is another historic institution in California winemaking that was founded by the Cakebread family in 1973. Because of their long-standing legacy of making beautiful wines, Cakebread Cellars takes their winemaking very seriously and has only had four different winemakers in their nearly 50-year history. Stephanie Jacobs joined the Cakebread team in 2017 and has been upholding their high standard for excellence ever since.
Having studied wine in both France and California, Stephanie has unparalleled expertise in the craft of winemaking, but that doesn’t mean these wines are to be taken too seriously! Stephanie believes that all of the wines she oversees at Cakebread Cellars are always best paired with good food and even better company.
Since everything’s better together, you bet we’re in this month’s matching set with a full pour ;)
