Celebrating Women in Wine: International Women’s Day, 8th March
On Sunday 8th March, we raise a glass to the remarkable women shaping the global wine industry. International Women's Day is a moment not only to celebrate achievement, but to recognise leadership, creativity, and resilience across every corner of the wine world.
This year we are delighted to spotlight two exceptional figures: Cecilia Pasqua of Pasqua Wines and Esperanza Elias, the award-winning winemaker behind the Senorial Rioja range. Two women whose passion and expertise continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
Cecilia Pasqua: A Global Vision Rooted in Verona
As Export Manager for Northern Europe, Australia, and Latin America at Pasqua Wines, Cecilia represents a new generation of dynamic, internationally minded wine leadership. Her journey began not in Verona, but in London.
"My journey in wine began in London, where I first immersed myself in the industry and developed a deep appreciation for its global culture and energy. It was there that I started studying wine and earned my qualification with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), an experience that gave me both technical foundation and confidence. London's dynamic, international wine scene shaped my perspective early on and sparked my ambition to build a meaningful career in this world."
That early exposure to London's vibrant wine culture laid the groundwork for a career defined by international ambition and strategic vision. At Pasqua, her role has continually evolved.
"At Pasqua Wines, my role has evolved in different ways. I initially focused on strengthening our presence in key international markets and nurturing long-term partnerships. Over time, my responsibilities have expanded to shaping brand strategy, championing innovation, and helping articulate Pasqua's identity as a contemporary, forward-thinking winery deeply rooted in Verona's heritage, while also opening new markets."
Cecilia has played a key role in transforming Pasqua into a standard-bearer for modern Italian winemaking — balancing innovation with heritage, launching wines into competitive global markets, and seeing them embraced by critics and consumers alike.
"As a woman in the wine industry, I am proud to represent a generation of leadership that values collaboration, creativity, and vision. Being part of this evolving landscape, and helping Pasqua grow internationally, continues to be both a privilege and a passion."
Her story reflects the increasingly global, collaborative nature of wine today — where heritage meets forward-thinking ambition. Explore our range of Pasqua wines →
Esperanza Elias: Crafting the Future of Rioja
In Spain's most iconic wine region, Esperanza Elias has become a defining voice in modern Rioja winemaking. The winemaker behind the Senorial Rioja range, she has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Master Winemakers by The Drinks Business — an honour received three times in five years. Such consistent recognition speaks not only to technical excellence, but to sustained impact.
Born in Logroño, the heart of Rioja, Esperanza's path into wine was built on scientific foundations. She studied Chemistry at university before dedicating herself fully to Oenology in Rioja. Her analytical precision, combined with an intuitive understanding of terroir, has defined her approach ever since.
She began her career at a small family-owned winery, gaining hands-on experience before spending more than a decade with Berberana. In 2008, she joined Rioja Vega as Head Winemaker, where she has been instrumental in redefining the winery's direction.
Under her guidance, the focus shifted from primarily producing youthful styles to crafting more complex, age-worthy expressions — Reserva and Gran Reserva wines that showcase structure, depth, and longevity. This strategic evolution reflects both confidence in Rioja's potential and a commitment to elevating quality.
Esperanza's work demonstrates how tradition can be honoured while still embracing change — a philosophy that mirrors the broader transformation happening across the Spanish wine landscape. Explore our Senorial wines →
Raising a Glass to Leadership, Passion, and Progress
International Women's Day is about more than recognition; it is about momentum. The wine industry has long been shaped by tradition, yet women like Cecilia Pasqua and Esperanza Elias show how innovation, global vision, scientific expertise, and collaborative leadership are redefining its future.
From Verona to Rioja, from export strategy to cellar mastery, their stories remind us that wine is not only about terroir and technique — it is about people. Those who champion excellence, who open new markets, who refine styles, and who inspire the next generation.
This 8th March, we celebrate the women whose dedication enriches our glasses and our industry alike.