Winebow Women Leaders

ELLE MINOR Sean Minor California, USA

SIMA RAV HON Sphera Winery Judean Hills, Israel

BETH WEBER NOVAK Spottswoode Napa Valley, CA

AMANDA JOHNSON Spy Valley Marlborough, New Zealand

As of 2023, Elle Minor, Sean and Nicole’s daughter, has joined the team as Production Manager and Winemaker. A graduate of Cal Poly, with fresh ideas and youthful energy, she’s eager to add her own spin on the family wines.

Sima Rav Hon manages all of the winery’s operations and focuses on building our brand’s unique identity. As she explains: “It’s not just about wine. It’s a flair that envelopes everything we do.” SPHERA is a family project and many of our partners along the way have become our friends. The people in our community also contribute meaningfully to our efforts, as do the glorious vistas of the Judean Hills which echo in our wines and in our hearts.

In 1987, Beth Weber Novak joined her mother, Mary Novak, becoming the first second-generation family member to become actively involved in guiding Spottswoode Estate. In the almost four decades since, Beth has played a key role in establishing Spottswoode as one of the world’s most highly regarded winegrowing sites, and as one of Napa Valley’s most iconic and respected wineries. She has built a reputation as a leader in the Napa Valley community, advocating on behalf of the wine industry.

As the daughter of our founding family, Amanda has Spy Valley in her blood. She is invigorated by the challenges of leading our team, and of inspiring the world of wine. Amanda is passionate about looking after the land for future generations, and knows how crucial sustainability is to both Spy Valley and our wine industry. Amanda is delighted to be fulfilling her long held dream of immersing herself in the family business.

LAURA ORSI Tasca Family Estates Sicily, Italy

EMILY GASPARD CLARK Spy Valley Marlborough, New Zealand

CIARA Ten to One Rum Caribbean Islands

CHRISTINA SCARPELLINI Tenuta Scerscé Lombardy, Italy

Laura Orsi, born and raised in Milan, holds a PhD cum Laude in Food Preparation Sciences and a Master’s in Enology. As Head Enologist at Tasca d’Almerita since 2004, she oversees winemaking operations across all five estates. Named 2010 Winemaker of the Year by the Guida del Giornale di Sicilia, Laura is a powerhouse in Sicilian viticulture. She believes every bottle must be “emotional, balanced and above all else express its own unique identity,” ensuring Tasca’s legacy of excellence.

Ciara has joined Trinidad-born founder and CEO Marc Farrell as an investor, co-owner and director for Ten To One rum. In Ciara’s role, she focuses on marketing, creative and business development, as well as strategic partnerships. “From my first sip of Ten To One, I was immediately transported,” said Ciara, quoted by BusinessWire. “Not only is the product exceptional, but Marc has helped the brand establish a clear and authentic point of view. I knew immediately that I had to get involved!”

Emily’s entry to the wine industry happened by chance when she visited a university careers evening, offering information on its Viticulture and Oenology course. She’d already decided to study food science and was caught by the prospect of a job that balanced science and function. She attended Lincoln University and spent her summers working vineyards around New Zealand. She joined Spy Valley in 2017 and is now head winemaker.

Cristina Scarpellini has owned Tenuta Scerscé since 2008, approaching Valtellina’s fragile territory with respect. A law graduate from Milan, with research experience at Paris’ Sorbonne, she initially pursued a legal career. A client introduced her to Valtellina, sparking a love affair. Starting with a leased hectare, she produced her first wine. Today, she owns 7.4 acres and a winery in Tirano, passionately crafting six Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) wines.

Women Leaders in Wine & Spirits

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