Women in Wine: Agroecological Wines by Sara Pérez at Mas Martinet in Spain’s Priorat DOC with Duck a la Espagnole, Eggplant Importancia, Couscous to Celebrate Women’s History Month

Sara Pérez (in jeans jacket) in a seminar at WINeFare; founder Pamela Busch on far left seated

At just 17 years old, Catalonian Sara Pérez learned how to make wine at her family winery and started the the small family vineyard on a path toward organic viticulture in northeastern Spain, she said during Women’s History Month at last year’s WINeFare in San Francisco, California. Cheers to Women’s History Month, to International Women’s Day March 8, and to trailblazing winemakers like Sara Pérez!

As a fan of natural and organic wines and on the lookout for those made by women winemakers and from women owners, I was in heaven a year ago when I attended WINeFare— Women In Natural Wine— held in San Francisco at the Haight Street Art Center, and I can’t wait for the next one scheduled for June 7. In 2018, a non-profit organization focused on social justice in the wine industry called The Vinguard founded by Pamela Busch started WINeFare to provide a platform for women who make and import natural wine. In 2025, 50 winemakers from five countries will pour on Saturday; purchase tickets here. This is also one of the more affordable and important wine tasting events that I know! 

WINeFare logo

In 2024, WINeFare was a two day event with seminars both days and a dinner in between gathering 75 wineries with women who work in natural wine from all over the world to share their wares and stories with the public. Each day of the event last year featured different women pouring their wines in, around, and among art combining two of my favorite things! So many fascinating wines and people too including wines from Spain’s Mas Martinet made by Sara Pérez who attended and participated in a Sunday seminar and women in wine in Spain.

2022 Mas Martine PESSEROLES BRISAT, Priorat DOC

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Fall for #MerlotMe by Women Wine Makers With Winter Squash Menu

Napa Merlot made by women paired with gluten free, vegetarian squash dishes

Fall is prime pumpkin season, and we’re there for it with four fun holiday dishes that place pumpkin and other winter squash front and center. And we’re pairing them with three Napa Merlot wines made by women. Just what you want for your next gathering of gals or family– and just in time to celebrate Merlot Day Nov. 7!

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Women’s History Month: Cheers to Jenny Wagner, Emmolo Winemaker

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I haunt wine sales, bin ends, mark downs, price changes — I’m not proud. I like a good deal.

So when I found Emmolo Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc on clearance at my local grocery store for around $10 instead of $30, I picked up a bottle, and gave it a swirl.

I liked it so much I went back and bought more. And then I went back and bought the rest of it.

And then when I broke my wrist at Thanksgiving and couldn’t open a bottle of wine with a corkscrew to save my life, I was really really grateful to have this reliable, delicious, flexible wine at my fingertips. Continue reading