Part I: Inspiring Women in the Wine and Spirits Industry

As women continue to take on leading roles at wineries and distilleries across the world, they’re shaping the future of the beverage alcohol industry. We’re proud to work alongside several dedicated winemakers and businesswomen who have helped lead their respective brands to remarkable success and are creating legacies that will last long past their tenure.

Clair Stover: Saracina Vineyards

One of the newest members of the Saracina Vineyards team, Clair Stover became assistant winemaker in August 2024. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Clair never intended to work in the beverage alcohol industry, but a fateful trip to Tuscany sparked her passion for wine.

“I was taking a business sustainability class and for our field outing, we visited a small organic winery owned and operated by three brothers,” Clair recalls. “The most memorable part, for me, was seeing the passion and pride that they held for their craft. I felt inspired by that, to do something in my career that was rewarding and meaningful.”

Clair didn’t waste any time. Over the next several years, she earned her enology degree from Santa Rosa Junior College, secured a position at a tasting room, and worked 11 harvests (including one in New Zealand and one in Australia) before joining Saracina Vineyards, a Certified California Sustainable Winery in Hopland, Mendocino County.

After a decade, Clair remains inspired: “Winemaking, to me, is the perfect intersection of science, art, and agriculture,” she says. “On a deeper level, winemaking makes me feel more connected to the Earth, like I’m getting to work with Mother Nature to help create something beautiful and delicious to share with the world.”

We asked Clair to describe her experience as a talented woman in the beverage alcohol industry: “I truly believe some of my strongest skills in my work, like my attention to detail, organization, and communication skills stem from being a woman.”

Clair’s advice for other women looking to break into the industry? “There is definitely a place for you! If you are willing to work hard and put in the time it takes to advance in this industry, there’s nothing that can stop you.”

Roísín & Denise Rigney: The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney

Founded in 2015, The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, was the first distillery to open in western Ireland in over 100 years. And Roísín Rigney, daughter of founders PJ and Denise, had a front-row seat.

“A decade of distilling seems like a long time, but to me, it was just yesterday that Mum and Dad were telling us they were building a family-run distillery,” Roísín says. “As a student, I worked weekends and holidays with my parents and The Shed Distillery team, basically doing whatever I was asked … everything from in-store tastings to supporting the team at events. Best way to learn from the ground up as you really get a deep understanding of the end consumer and what’s involved in building a brand.”

Today, Roísín manages the Visitor Experience, special projects, and is part of the overseas marketing team. Denise has also worn several hats for the business.

“When we first founded The Shed Distillery, I was bookkeeper, logistics manager, HR, IT, chief coffeemaker — you name it,” Denise says. Today, she’s The Shed’s Director, or as she calls it, “the organizer behind the Curious Mind and the great brands he creates.”

These great brands? None other than Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin (the #1 Irish Gin by sales in the U.S.*), Drumshanbo Irish Whiskey, and Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka. Denise credits the explosive success of Gunpowder Gin to the curious journey it offers consumers.

“It’s a brand that you never have imagined before it existed — there’s a magic,” she says. “It immerses you in a powerful, multi-faceted story, a journey to the Far East to discover Gunpowder tea, back through Asia and Europe to discover many an exotic botanical along the way, and eventually you arrive in the heart of rural Ireland to meet the community of Drumshanbo and The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney.”

Gunpowder Gin’s journey is only beginning. “The overarching business goal is to become one of the top 10 gin brands in the world,” says Roísín. And the Rigney family knows that people are key to reaching it.

“At The Shed Distillery, the team is hired on attitude, and we all work extremely hard,” says Roísín. “You’re a spitfire pilot, whether you’re man, woman, or nobility — true story! Ask the Count of Hardenberg who was on work experience with us!”

Sarah Jessica Parker: Invivo X, SJP

Sarah Jessica Parker is an award-winning actor, producer, businesswoman, and the creative force by Invivo X, SJP. An authentic, world-class collaboration, the brand brings together the winemaking know-how of New Zealand’s Invivo Wines with Sarah Jessica’s iconic style.

“This partnership actually began when Tim and Rob reached out to me about collaborating via my agent. It came as a surprise at the time. Though I was definitely a wine consumer, I didn’t know a great deal about the wine business,” Sarah Jessica recalls. Invivo founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron “were great teachers, allowing me to be hands on in every aspect of the business ... It’s been a thrilling and creatively rich partnership.”

Her involvement goes way beyond the typical celebrity endorsement. Sarah Jessica was hugely instrumental in naming the wine and designing the label. The X and comma are an intentional, personal touch, referencing her signature email and Instagram post signoff: “X, SJ.” She even handpainted (with her pinky!) the X on the original label.

“It’s important to me to pay attention to the tiny details,” she says. “I’m a real atom splitter.”

As the team continues to build the Invivo X, SJP brand, Sarah Jessica is conscious of how wine intersects with culture and fashion. “I think it’s an interesting space where sensory experiences, style, and tradition all meet and play an important role. These elements play off of one another, influencing aesthetics, status, and even behavior.

“Tim, Rob, and I are always discussing ways to expand the business to meet consumer needs and industry expectations,” she adds. “We want our wines to be unique in taste and style, offering customers something new and exciting.”

Come back later this month for Part II, featuring four inspiring women from Trimbach, Rocca delle Macìe, Planeta, and Yealands.

*Circana Last 52 Weeks Thru 11/10/24 Gin Category US MULO + ComLiq