Pouring Progress intro image
Pouring Progress
Women-Led Wineries
quotes
If you believe in your idea of change and are willing to work hard, sooner or later that dream will be a reality.”
– Naomi Tulay Solanke

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

– Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), U.S. Congresswoman

In a perfect world, it might not be necessary to spotlight the accomplishments of women in the wine industry. Sadly, that is not the world we live in. At least not yet. In 2020, a Santa Clara University study of gender equality in the wine industry found that of the 4,200 bonded wineries in California, only 14% had a woman as their lead winemaker. In surveying women wine professionals, the study also found that two out of three women think hiring in the wine industry is biased, with both men and women agreeing that there are three key barriers to gender equality in the industry: Women are judged by different standards, women are less likely to be promoted to leadership roles, and women don’t receive as much mentorship.

While this news is sobering, there is cause for optimism and even some celebration. Today, just a few years later, as more and more wineries embrace the value of gender equality and the benefits of a more diverse workforce, the number of women winemakers in the US has grown to 18% with that number projected to continue to rise in the coming years.

“If you believe in your idea of change and are willing to work hard, sooner or later that dream will be a reality.”

– Naomi Tulay Solanke

Here at MacRostie, we are proud to be helping to move the needle towards creating a fair and equitable industry for a new generation of women wine professionals. At MacRostie, we are a Women-Led Winery guided by Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen, Assistant Winemaker Carolina Guerra, and Grower Relations Manager & Viticulturist Taylor Abudi. Recognized as some of the most talented professionals in the industry, these women lead by example, offering mentorship and quietly, but powerfully, acting as beacons of representation.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

This March, as we mark Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), we are excited to shine a spotlight on the women leaders here at MacRostie. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month is Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” At MacRostie, we are doing just that. By advocating for these deeply important issues and telling the stories of our women leaders, we are striving to create a more inclusive era for the wine industry by driving awareness, leading by example, and fostering impactful and lasting change.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we will be spotlighting Heidi, Carolina, and Taylor in the coming weeks. We invite you to learn more about their journeys, and how these remarkable women are helping to change the face of the wine industry.

March 15, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House
At the Estate House

Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House

Heidi Bridenhagen, Winemaker In 2011, when I joined MacRostie, we had less than 10 employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at […]

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February 14, 2025
10 Years Of Memories At The Estate House
At the Estate House

10 Years Of Memories At The Estate House

Dear Friends, When I joined MacRostie in 2011, we had just seven employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at their home […]

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10 Years Of Memories At The Estate House intro image
10 Years Of Memories At The Estate House
A Home Away From Home

Dear Friends,


When I joined MacRostie in 2011, we had just seven employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at their home for an annual pre-harvest celebration. Meals always began with a glass of sparkling wine on their patio followed by an intimate seated tasting, and no visit was complete without a tour of Thale’s beautiful garden! The MacRosties made us feel like a member of their family or a dear friend visiting from far away. When we designed the Estate House, we wanted to emulate what Steve and Thale did so flawlessly, including greeting guests with a glass of wine and providing beautiful spaces for people to relax and enjoy each other’s company.


This month marks ten years since we unveiled our stunning Estate House. I remember the excitement when we broke ground, the pride we all felt as we welcomed our first guests, and countless wonderful memories from events over the years. The Estate House changed everything for MacRostie. It gave us our Thale’s Estate Vineyard and a new small-lot winery exclusively for Pinot Noir. Most importantly, it gave us a home to share with our growing community. It made MacRostie more than a name on a label; it became us a place where wine lovers could come and explore our wines and share their passion with like-minded wine enthusiasts.


Thank you for a wonderful decade, and for making the Estate House your home away from home in wine country.

Best Wishes,

HEIDI BRIDENHAGEN
Winemaker – MacRostie Winery and Vineyards

March 15, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House
At the Estate House

Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House

Heidi Bridenhagen, Winemaker In 2011, when I joined MacRostie, we had less than 10 employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at […]

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December 23, 2024
2024 Holiday Letter
At the Estate House

2024 Holiday Letter

Warmest Holiday Wishes And Our Thanks for a Wonderful 2024! Dear Friends, As another year draws to a close and we prepare to make merry in the festive days ahead, […]

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March 20, 2025
MacRostie on the Decanter Website
Reviews & News

MacRostie on the Decanter Website

Clive Pursehouse recommended two MacRostie Nightwing Pinot Noirs on the Decanter website. Decanter.com March 2025 Clive Pursehouse 2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone Pinot Noir – 94 Points “The vineyard […]

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March 15, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House
At the Estate House

Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House

Heidi Bridenhagen, Winemaker In 2011, when I joined MacRostie, we had less than 10 employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at […]

read more Arrow
March 20, 2025
MacRostie on the Decanter Website
Reviews & News

MacRostie on the Decanter Website

Clive Pursehouse recommended two MacRostie Nightwing Pinot Noirs on the Decanter website. Decanter.com March 2025 Clive Pursehouse 2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone Pinot Noir – 94 Points “The vineyard […]

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March 15, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House
At the Estate House

Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House

Heidi Bridenhagen, Winemaker In 2011, when I joined MacRostie, we had less than 10 employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at […]

read more Arrow
March 20, 2025
MacRostie on the Decanter Website
Reviews & News

MacRostie on the Decanter Website

Clive Pursehouse recommended two MacRostie Nightwing Pinot Noirs on the Decanter website. Decanter.com March 2025 Clive Pursehouse 2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone Pinot Noir – 94 Points “The vineyard […]

read more Arrow
March 15, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House
At the Estate House

Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House

Heidi Bridenhagen, Winemaker In 2011, when I joined MacRostie, we had less than 10 employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at […]

read more Arrow
March 20, 2025
MacRostie on the Decanter Website
Reviews & News

MacRostie on the Decanter Website

Clive Pursehouse recommended two MacRostie Nightwing Pinot Noirs on the Decanter website. Decanter.com March 2025 Clive Pursehouse 2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone Pinot Noir – 94 Points “The vineyard […]

read more Arrow
March 15, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House
At the Estate House

Celebrating 10 Years of the Estate House

Heidi Bridenhagen, Winemaker In 2011, when I joined MacRostie, we had less than 10 employees and no Estate House. Back then, Steve and Thale MacRostie would host our team at […]

read more Arrow