Women in Wine, Raise Your Glass Higher!

International Women’s Day is this Saturday 8th March 2025 and in the wine trade, we are aiming to ACCELERATE ACTION to stop harassment and sexism in the wine trade. 

It's true that the wine industry has a lots to celebrate. Many of us will recognise the strides that we have made in terms of progressive attitudes and for the most part, the wine-sphere is an exciting, passionate, friendly place to be. But, there is still a way to go - in some respects, a long way to go - before everyone can feel equally included, valued and, above all, safe.

The UK Women in Wine Survey 2023, initiated by Queena Wong at Curious Vines, flagged that discrimination, sexism and harassment are key issues that women face in the wine industry. Of survey respondents:

·       92% feel that wine culture is still male dominated 

·       78% feel that sexism, gender bias and harassment were serious issues 

·       76% feel women are underrepresented in leadership roles 

·       54% of women feel they're discriminated against in terms of pay & conditions 

·       44% had considered leaving the trade as a result of issues faced

We’ve seen the data, but what can we do to encourage real change and Accelerate Action? 

The International Women’s Day Co-ordinated Campaign Against Harassment aims to embrace all of our individual platforms and voices to show unity across our community. As well as a celebration of the talent and power of the women in the wine industry, we seek to raise awareness of real issues faced and share information about what we can do to change things for the better.

 Here's how everyone can get involved - that means men too!

The Suzy Lampugh Trust have rolled out FREE anti-harassment training, with a focus on what to do as a bystander if you witness harassment. With the frequency of late-night events in our industry, harassment could be something you might experience or witness at these events or travelling to and from them, although - of course - harassment can happen anywhere. Showing active support powered by knowing what to do in these situations could make all the difference for everyone. There is more information about the Stand Up Against Harassment Bystander Training sessions here. Instagram: @live_life_safe

The White Ribbon UK charity works to engage men and boys to end violence against women and girls. ALLYSHIP is a central message of the White Ribbon; it represents men taking responsibility to challenge this issue and being allies, every day, to stop violence against women and girls before it starts. You can shine a spotlight on the importance of Allyship in the wine industry by sharing this with friends, family or colleagues who might be interested in joining the White Ribbon Movement. Instagram: @whiteribbonuk

So, get involved, show your support and lets raise our glasses higher!

Thank you to Queena Wong, Effi Tsournava and Sophia Longhi for shining a light on this important campaign.