Cellarmasters and BWS have joined forces to celebrate International Women’s Day with Australia’s first drinks festival that will have an all-female line-up.
The inaugural Meet the Makers: Women in Beer, Wine & Spirits will take place in on Friday 8 March, International Women’s Day with further sessions taking place on Saturday 9 March. The festival will give attendees the opportunity to meet some of Australia and New Zealand’s finest female brewers, winemakers and distillers.
“We want to shine a well-deserved spotlight on women in winemaking, distilling and brewing, which are traditionally male dominated industries. But thanks to these trailblazing women, this is now changing, “said Christine Ricketts, Cellar Director at Cellarmasters.
While there are no official stats for the number of female brewers in Australia, the Australian Distillers Association says that women make up around 15 per cent of distillers in the industry. And while it is estimated that the number of women employed in wine making is 38 per cent, when it comes to leadership and senior roles, female representation is thought to be 10 per cent or less.
“Although the industry is changing, there’s still a long way to go. This event is all about celebrating women in beer, wine and spirits and giving customers an opportunity to meet these incredible women and try their products,” said Vanessa Rowed, BWS Head of Marketing.
Up to 30 winemakers, distillers and brewers will be serving samples during the festival.
Winemakers include Gwyn Olsen from Briar Ridge and Pepper Tree Wines, Sarah Pidgeon from Wynns Coonawarra and Elena Brooks from Dandelion. Brewers and distillers include Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen from Two Birds Brewing, Laura Carter from Applewood Distillery and Jaz Wearin from Modus Operandi.
Tickets range from $50 to $60 per session, and include complimentary tastings from all producers, a branded glass to keep, a booklet and entertainment. Masterclasses will also be available at an additional cost.