Ruchira Neotia is a dynamic force in the world of wine and spirits, blending her extensive marketing expertise with her passion for championing women in the industry. As the creator of the first 100% female winemaker wine list for a UK restaurant and a seasoned judge for prestigious competitions like the London Wine Competition and Global Spirits Masters Awards, Ruchira has become an advocate for underrepresented voices in winemaking. With qualifications spanning wine, saké, and spirits, Ruchira is redefining how we think about wine lists—making them tools of empowerment and storytelling. In this conversation, she shares her strategies for curating wine programs that celebrate female winemakers while keeping them commercially successful.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

What should sommeliers prioritize when building a wine list that highlights female winemakers?

The key is to avoid tokenism. A wine list should still meet the essential criteria of style, region, flavor pairing, and price points. These fundamentals ensure the list remains commercially viable, especially in a restaurant setting.

However, what sets a female-focused wine list apart is the story behind the wines. Look for winemakers with compelling narratives and diverse backgrounds. For instance, you could highlight regional female winemakers to align with the "support local" movement, helping consumers forge stronger connections to the wines and the women behind them.

Personally, when I host tastings, I include female winemakers whenever possible. It’s an excellent way to surprise and delight audiences while showcasing the incredible breadth of talent among women in the industry.

Are there specific regions or styles where female winemakers are particularly influential?

Female winemakers are making waves globally, representing less than 15% of the industry but redefining the landscape in bold and innovative ways. A common thread among many of these women is their commitment to ethical, sustainable winemaking.

Some standout examples include Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker, whose brand Aslina reflects her inspiring journey from scholarship to industry trailblazer. In Mendoza, Dr. Laura Catena has revolutionized Argentinian wine with her focus on elegance, lower alcohol, and high acidity—her White Stones Chardonnay is a must-try.

Closer to home, Veronique Drouhin represents Burgundy’s esteemed Maison Joseph Drouhin while crafting exceptional wines in Oregon, blending French finesse with American innovation. And in Champagne, Julie Cavil, the Chef de Cave at Krug, is pushing boundaries in one of the world’s most iconic wine regions.

Ruchira Neotia

How can sommeliers balance showcasing female winemakers while ensuring the list is commercially viable?

The basics of creating a strong wine list remain the same, regardless of the theme: diversity in styles, price points, and pairing potential. Female winemakers produce exceptional, commercially viable wines that deserve to be included on their merits.

The focus should be on storytelling, not gimmickry. Let the wine speak for itself while weaving the winemaker’s story into the guest experience. Consumers are increasingly open to exploring lesser-known producers, so featuring these wines as part of tasting flights or by-the-glass options is a great way to build familiarity.

How can sommeliers introduce lesser-known female winemakers to guests?

The best approach is to surprise and delight. If you know a guest’s preferences, recommend a wine from a female winemaker and share its origin story. Tasting flights, by-the-glass offerings, and food pairings are great ways to introduce unfamiliar names without asking for a full bottle commitment.

Above all, passion is contagious. If a sommelier is genuinely excited about a producer, that enthusiasm can inspire a guest to try something new.

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How important is storytelling in a wine list?

Storytelling transforms wine from a drink into an experience. It connects the guest with the winemaker’s journey, the land, and the passion behind the bottle. Sharing stories of women who have broken barriers in a male-dominated industry adds depth and meaning to every sip.

For example, when I curated the wine list for Darjeeling Express, I included descriptions like this for a South African Chenin Blanc by Jolandie Fouché:

“Wolf & Woman, Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa, 2021.

‘Some days I am more wolf than woman, and I am still learning to stop apologizing for my wild.’ – Nikita Gill.

Melons & ripe apples wrapped up with citrus and apricots. Full-bodied but crisp. Pairs beautifully with paneer or baingan. Winemaker: Jolandie Fouché.”

This level of storytelling sparks curiosity and creates a personal connection to the wine.

Do you recommend featuring female winemakers as a distinct section or integrating them throughout the menu?

I recommend integrating female winemakers throughout the menu to normalize their presence and drive parity. However, if the restaurant or bar has a strong female-centric ethos, a dedicated section can amplify the narrative.

For instance, at Darjeeling Express, we created an all-women winemaker list to align with the restaurant’s all-female kitchen, enhancing the connection between food and wine. Similarly, Lady of the Grapes in Covent Garden highlights female winemakers as part of its core identity.

What resources can sommeliers use to discover wines from female winemakers?

Many merchants now highlight female winemakers in their portfolios. Hallgarten’s Women with Bottle campaign and Swig’s focus on female producers are great examples. Industry tastings and organizations like GuildSomm, Decanter, and Women in Wine Expo also offer valuable insights.

Building personal connections is key—attend tastings, meet producers, and create your own “black book” of standout female winemakers.

Ruchira Neotia

What impact do female-focused wine lists have on the guest experience?

Guests appreciate wine lists with purpose and personality. At Darjeeling Express, the all-female wine list became a talking point, sparking conversations about winemaking and women’s contributions to the industry. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—guests felt they were supporting a meaningful cause while enjoying exceptional wines.

Ultimately, a female-powered wine list isn’t just about representation; it’s about creating a memorable, story-driven experience that leaves a lasting impression

Header image sourced from Ruchira Neotia.

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