Spotlight on Women In Wine
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a curated selection of exceptional wines crafted by three talented female winemakers. This month, we showcase the artistry and innovation of women in the wine industry, presenting a collection that reflects their unique perspective and dedication. From a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to a bold and rich Cabernet Sauvignon, each bottle tells a story of passion and expertise. Cheers to the extraordinary women who have shaped the world of wine, one exquisite bottle at a time.
Master Sommelier Sara Floyd
SARAH FLOYD - LULI SAUVIGNON BLANC, ARROYO SECO, CALIFORNIA 2022
My dear friend Sara Floyd has had a varied and colorful career in the wine business, launching her wine career working as an assistant to Larry Stone, the "dean" of American sommeliers, at Rubicon restaurant in San Francisco. Looking to make her own mark in the wine world, in 2001, Sara launched Swirl Wine Brokers in San Francisco. Her success as a business woman should be sufficient enough to establish her credibility. But in addition to all she has done, Sara Floyd is a Master Sommelier, the tenth woman in the world to have earned the title. Sara and I actually passed our Master Sommelier exams just minutes apart. In 2007 Sara and the Pisoni Family launched Luli Wines, specializing in high quality wines at a comfortable price point from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Luli produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rose, with an annual production of fifteen thousand cases. In 2010 at the young age of forty, Sara and her husband Jim became parents to fraternal twin boys which along with co-running two companies keeps Sara on her tiptoes. We’re so excited to feature her Sauvignon Blanc!
Oenologist Olga Fusari
OLGA FUSARI - LE VOLTE DELL’ ORNELLAIA, TOSCANA ROSSO, ITALY 2021
Nestled in the prestigious Bolgheri appellation on Tuscany's coastal region, Ornellaia Winery stands tall as one of the most distinguished producers in the area. For the past 18 years, visionary winemaker Olga Fusari has been an integral part of Ornellaia's success. A graduate in Viticulture and Oenology from the esteemed University of Florence, Olga's passion for experimentation has sparked a fruitful collaboration between the university and the estate. Her risk-taking approach aligns perfectly with the Bolgheri philosophy, rooted in the Super Tuscan movement. Starting as an intern in 2005, Olga's dedication and talent have propelled her to become the driving force behind Ornellaia's exceptional wine production. In 2023, she was lured away from Ornellaia to oversee a new project by Ruffino. She’s definitely a woman in high demand!
Winemaker Michelle Shafrir
MICHELLE SHAFRIR - MINER ‘EMILY’S’ CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY 2018
Michelle Shafrir brings a strong background in science to her winemaking skills. She first earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2005. After completing her master’s degree, Michelle returned to California and worked the 2010 harvest at Cuvaison Estate Wines in Calistoga. This internship was followed by one at Arista Winery in Healdsburg in 2011 and then a position as enologist at Hall and Walt Wines in St. Helena in early 2012. In 2017, Michelle was named assistant winemaker at Miner Family Winery and was promoted to winemaker in mid-2022. Prior to Michelle, Stacy Vogel served as head winemaker.
Emily’s is an eponymous wine made in remembrance of Emily Miner, co-founder of Miner Family Winery who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2011. As a tribute to Emily and to continue the fight against cancer, a portion of the proceeds of Emily's will go to their long-time partner, The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
