South Africa's Women in Wine

Since ancient times viticulture and winemaking, like farming in general, has been dominated by men: According to the biblical narrative the first vintner was Noah who planted a vine after the flood waters receded. Yet in recent years, both in South Africa and globally, with a blend of determination, passion, a keen palate and an ability to think creatively many women have succeeded in closing the gender gap in the world of wine.

Despite these advances however, the subject of Women in Wine often comes up in the media only at predictable times, usually before International Women’s Day, for example.