Jancis Robinson on Women in Wine for International Women’s Day 2025

Join us as we sit down with the one and only Jancis Robinson OBE, ComMA, MW - world-renowned wine expert and the woman we all trust with a great glass of wine. 

In celebration of International Women's Day, we're talking all things Women in Wine, from breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry to how we can continue to champion the incredible women shaping the future of wine. 

It’s been seven years since we launched our Jancis Robinson Wine Collection, and we remain as proud as ever of this collaboration. Discover the full collection, here.

Jancis, as one of the most respected voices in the wine world, how do you think the role of women in the industry has evolved over the years, and where do you see it going in the future?

I think it’s now widely acknowledged that, generally speaking, women tend to have more sensitive palates than men. We’re also seeing more and more female winemakers gaining the recognition they deserve, with many leading some of the most admired wineries in the world. 

You’ve been a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry. What were some of the challenges you faced early in your career, and what motivated you to keep pushing forward?

I have to confess that, since I have never been employed in the wine trade and have been self-employed since 1980, I have been blissfully free of prejudice. Except for the young man who asked me, at a tasting just after I was employed on a wine trade magazine by Haymarket (1975-1980), whether I’d come to the wine tasting we were both at ‘to taste for your boss.’

Tell us about a woman in the wine industry who has recently stood out to you for driving innovation and making a difference in the field?

Queena Wong in London is doing incredible work to push for greater equity in the UK wine industry. She’s been a real force in advocating for fair opportunities and recognition for women in the field.

Are you able to give us a wine recommendation of the moment from a female-led producer, brand or restaurant?

We had a great experience recently at Sune restaurant in nether Hackney, run by Honey Spencer, author of ‘Natural Wine, No Drama’ and her partner. One of the female wine producers I most admire is Samantha O’Keefe of Lismore in South Africa who has had to overcome all manner of hurdles and makes truly great wine.

How can the wine industry continue to foster a more inclusive environment for women, both in terms of career opportunities and recognition? What steps can be taken to create a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive?

I used to think all was fine and dandy because I saw women being promoted to very senior roles in the wine business but I now realise that life can be very difficult for young female employees, especially those in sales roles, when there is alcohol around and expectations differ. There is now a pan-drinks industry initiative to educate everyone to behave better.

Find the Jancis Robinson Collection Universal Wine Glass, here.

Our collaboration with you on the Jancis Robinson Collection Glassware has been a defining moment for the Richard Brendon brand. Could you share your most memorable highlight from us working together?

We all had a great time launching the Glassware in New York - it was an unforgettable experience for all of us! It was incredible to see so many wine lovers, industry professionals, and friends of the brand come together to celebrate the collection. Sharing the story behind the design and seeing the glassware in action at such a fantastic event was definitely a highlight of our collaboration.

The Universal Wine Glass was born out of the everyday frustration that the perfect wine glass did not exist. What makes this glass so ideal for tasting all styles of wine?

The perfect wine glass had to meet a strict key criteria: gossamer-thin glass to enhance contact with the wine, a tall stem for comfortable swirling without affecting temperature, a bowl shape to maximise oxygen contact while capturing aromas, and a large opening for a full nose experience. Plus, it had to be dishwasher safe. We made it happen, and the glass is as functional as it gets—especially our machine-made form.

On International Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with women around the world who are working to leave their mark in the wine industry?

Look straight ahead, be humble–never supine, and let your work speak for itself. The wine industry, like so many others, can be challenging, but there’s huge respect for those who bring knowledge, skill, and passion to the table. Work hard and back yourself–you absolutely belong here!