New “Heathcote women in wine” collective trailblazing through COVID

With 2020 being a challenging year for winemakers nationwide, following bushfires and pandemic lockdowns, a group of Heathcote wineries joined forces together to launch a trailblazing regional Victorian winery collective – the Heathcote Women in Wine collective.

Heathcote Women in Wine was formed in May 2020 by six dynamic women from the region’s renowned wineries; women who initially joined forces for an online session as part of Sanguine Estate’s virtual wine tastings on Facebook Live and Zoom.

“With our cellar doors closed, it was a powerful way to reconnect and find positives during lockdown and more importantly to inspire and empower women – both young and old to succeed in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry – not because we are better – but because we can,” said CEO of Sanguine Estate, Jodi Marsh.

Flourishing from each other’s support, the collective decided to continue their collaboration and formed the Heathcote Women in Wine Winery Trail.

Celebrating the Heathcote region, the collective strives to support and celebrate the wider Heathcote region through collaborative projects, themselves and other women in the wine industry.

 

The group comprises of six local Heathcote wineries and the women behind them:

  • Sanguine Estate: Jodi Marsh
  • Silver Spoon Estate: Tracie Young
  • Munari Wines: India Munari
  • Vinea Marson: Maddie Marson
  • Farmer & the Scientist: Jess Dwyer
  • Armstead: Emily Kinsman

 

“Not only has the coronavirus instilled a strong sense of community spirit among us, but in our case developed some lifelong business associations and friendships,” said Marsh.

“I have absolutely loved working with these women who are like minded, energetic, innovative, entrepreneurial, prepared to do anything and get their hands dirty.”

 

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