Celebrating Trailblazing Women in the Drinks Industry this International Women’s Day
Posted by Tamsin on 27th Feb 2025
International Women’s Day, on the 8th March, is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries, including the traditionally male-dominated alcohol and drinks sector. From winemaking to brewing and distilling, women have been making remarkable strides, reshaping the industry, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Today, we highlight four inspiring women leading the way in wine, beer, spirits, and mixers.
Cherie Spriggs – Mastering the Art of English Sparkling Wine at Nyetimber
Cherie Spriggs is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of English sparkling wine. As the head winemaker at Nyetimber, one of England’s most celebrated sparkling wine producers, Spriggs has played a crucial role in elevating the reputation of English wines on the global stage. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality have resulted in numerous accolades, including being the first non-Champenois winemaker to be awarded Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in 2018.
Originally from Canada, Spriggs and her husband, Brad Greatrix, moved to England after recognising the incredible potential of the region’s terroir. Her innovative approach and pursuit of perfection have helped Nyetimber produce some of the finest sparkling wines, rivaling even the best Champagne houses. Her leadership not only showcases the brilliance of English wine but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female winemakers worldwide.
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Becky Kean – Pioneering the Alcohol-Free Beer Movement with Nirvana Brewery
As the co-founder of Nirvana Brewery, Becky Kean is at the forefront of the alcohol-free beer revolution. Nirvana Brewery, based in London, is dedicated entirely to crafting exceptional alcohol-free beers, a sector that has seen rapid growth in recent years. With a vision to challenge the perception that non-alcoholic beer is dull or lacking in flavour, Kean has been instrumental in creating a diverse and exciting range of alcohol-free brews.
Kean’s journey in the beer industry was influenced by her family’s passion for brewing. She took over the reins of Nirvana Brewery with a mission to bring high-quality, flavourful alcohol-free options to the market. Under her leadership, Nirvana Brewery has become a leader in the sector, proving that alcohol-free beer can be just as complex and satisfying as its alcoholic counterparts. Her work is paving the way for greater inclusivity and choice in the beer world, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a great brew, regardless of alcohol content.
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Yadira Hernàndez Lozana – Crafting Excellence at Cazcabel Tequila
Yadira Hernàndez Lozana is the master distiller behind Cazcabel Tequila, a brand known for its exceptional quality and commitment to authentic Mexican tequila craftsmanship. As one of the few female master distillers in the tequila industry, Lozana has been breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a leader in this space.
Hailing from Jalisco, the heart of tequila production, Lozana has dedicated her career to perfecting the distillation process while honouring traditional methods. Her expertise in blending agave flavours with innovation has contributed to the success of Cazcabel, making it a sought-after brand among tequila enthusiasts worldwide. Her role not only highlights the skill and knowledge required in tequila-making but also serves as a testament to the growing presence and influence of women in the spirits industry.
Joyce and Raissa De Haas – Innovating the Mixer Market with Double Dutch
Twin sisters Joyce and Raissa De Haas are the dynamic duo behind Double Dutch, a premium mixer brand that has taken the drinks industry by storm. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality, innovative mixers to complement spirits, they launched Double Dutch in 2015. Their range of expertly crafted, flavourful mixers has quickly gained a reputation for elevating cocktails and spirits, winning multiple awards and garnering international acclaim.
With backgrounds in business and a passion for mixology, the De Haas sisters have built a brand that champions creativity and quality. Their success demonstrates the growing demand for premium mixers and the impact of women-led innovation in the drinks industry. Through Double Dutch, they continue to revolutionize the way people enjoy cocktails, ensuring that mixers are just as exciting and complex as the spirits they accompany.
Tina Warner – Redefining Craft Gin with Warner’s Gin
Tina Warner is the co-founder of Warner’s Gin, a brand that has helped revolutionise the craft gin movement in the UK. Alongside her husband Tom, Tina built Warner’s Gin from the ground up, with a strong focus on sustainability and farm-grown ingredients. Their mission was to create a gin that was deeply connected to the land, and they pioneered the use of fresh botanicals rather than dried, setting a new standard in the industry.
Under Tina’s leadership, Warner’s Gin has grown into one of the most respected names in craft spirits. Her passion for sustainability has led to initiatives such as rewilding projects, bee conservation efforts, and plastic-free packaging, making Warner’s Gin a leader in environmentally conscious distilling. Her dedication to quality and sustainability is not only shaping the future of gin but also inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs in the drinks industry.
Women Shaping the Future of Drinks
These contributions demonstrate that women are not just participating in the alcohol and drinks industry—they are leading it. Their passion, dedication, and expertise are driving change, inspiring the next generation, and proving that success in this field knows no gender.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s raise a glass to these trailblazing women and the many others making an impact across the industry. Their stories remind us that diversity and inclusion are not just essential for progress but are also key ingredients in crafting truly exceptional beverages.