Ahead of International Women’s Day, Brown Family Wine Group (BFWG) is taking the opportunity to honour the extraordinary women shaping the future of the Australian wine industry.
Each year on 8 March, International Women’s Day celebrates the voices and stories of women across the world as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. Recognising the achievements of the women within the organisation and the broader winemaking community, BFWG is shining a spotlight on the talent and passion they contribute to the industry.
Amplifying the voices of these women, the family-owned winery asked them to reflect on their position as women in wine, the power of their female mentors and just how much they have influenced their careers.
From vineyard management to winemaking and marketing, women play crucial roles in the wine industry. According to Emma Brown, Head of Innovation and fourth-generation Brown Family member, by empowering its female team members, BFWG has fostered an inclusive environment that thrives on collaboration and creativity.
“Women in wine bring unique perspectives and creativity that drive innovation. At Brown Family Wine Group, we believe that diverse voices lead to better wines and a more vibrant industry. It’s essential that we not only celebrate the achievements of women but also ensure we create opportunities for emerging female leaders in this field,” she explains.
Lisa Beck, who joined the wine industry 30 years ago in a casual position and now holds the position of Cellar Supervisor, says: “We are very proud of the fact that we have so many women represented in our vintage crew for 2025.”
Cate Looney, Senior Winemaker, echoes this sentiment. “Our female cellar team members are superwomen in our company, working in what can be very male-dominated roles,” she stated.
A legacy of female leaders
Among the women at BFWG, it’s clear that the powerful mentorship of other women in the organisation and industry have had a lasting impact on their careers.
Angela Brown, Board Director and fourth-generation Brown family member, says: “Within our family group, there is always the belief that anything is achievable. My grandmothers, mother, sister, aunties and female cousins have been incredibly impactful in shaping my career.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by strong and supportive women who consistently encouraged me to pursue my goals and believed in my abilities. They taught me valuable lessons in work ethic, resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-confidence.”
Melissa Wells, Area Manager, and Tara Byrne, State Sales Manager, agree that the culture at BFWG is collaborative.
“The women here consistently lift each other up, offering support, encouragement, and shared wisdom,” says Wells.
Byrne added: “There’s no competition here, only women supporting each other to be the best they can be.”
And for Amy van Bekkum, Global PR and Communications Manager, it is this collaborative nature that has defined her career in wine.
“One of my proudest achievements has been the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring and talented women, from designers to influencers, to bring our brands to life,” she explains.
Georgia Bruton, Chief Marketing Executive, also reflects on the impact strong female mentors have had on her career.
“I’ve been fortunate to grow up surrounded by incredibly strong women who have always believed in me and encouraged me to think big. From my grandmother and mother, who instilled in me the value of education and lifelong learning, to friends who’ve reminded me that it’s okay to have a bad day but never let it spill over into the next, I’ve learned invaluable lessons in resilience and ambition,” she stated.
The guidance of other women has been instrumental in shaping the careers of the women at BFWG, and as they look to the future, they offer their own advice for women aspiring to enter the wine industry.
“Pull another woman up,” says Emma. “Always be an advocate for other women as you would want someone to be for you. Shamelessly promote the strengths of others and have their back when it matters.”
Rebecca Taylor, Vintage Cellar Hand, encourages women to “just go for it – never stop learning”, while Sally Ritchens, also from the cellar team, says: “Give it a go, there are so many opportunities for different jobs.”
Katherine Brown, Luxury Portfolio Manager and fourth generation of the Brown family, added: “Every day, I’m motivated to continue our family’s legacy, working towards excellence and contributing to the growth and success of Australian wine on the global stage and hopefully pass this passion on to the next generation.”
Honouring a pivotal figure
Furthering its commitment to women in the wine industry, in March, BFWG will donate 10 per cent of all online sales of its Patricia range to an Austalian female-led charity to support women.
Katherine says: “The Brown Brothers Patricia range embodies elegance and sophistication. It reflects a legacy of over 135 years in winemaking excellence. Named after Nana – Patricia Brown, a pivotal figure in the Brown family’s history, these wines are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.”
Throughout March, Brown Brothers will also host a series of events across Melbourne, Milawa, Brisbane and Sydney to celebrate the 22nd release of the Patricia range. Inviting consumers to discover the stories and generations behind each bottle, the events will be hosted by members of the Brown family and include treasure back vintages.