Winebow Women Leaders

AMANDA WITTSTROM HIGGINS Ancient Peaks Winery Paso Robles, California

SARA STOCKER Allan Scott Family Winemakers Marlborough, New Zealand

ELISABETTA GNUDI ANGELINI Altesino Tuscany, Italy

KIRSTY BLACK Arbikie Angus, Scotland

Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins is a Paso Robles native and founder of Dream Big Darling, a non-profit to empower women in the wine and spirits industry supported by One Stone Cellars. She was previously the VP of Operations at Ancient Peaks Winery, where she led an innovative mentorship program that graduated numerous aspiring wine industry professionals. In 2019 she was selected by Wine Enthusiast Magazine for their prestigious 40 under 40 list.

From converting a disused cattle-shed to running a multi-award-winning distillery that produces vodka, gin, and whisky, Kirsty is involved in all aspects of Arbikie’s operations. She also oversees the first rye whisky to be distilled in Scotland for over 100 years. Kirsty has a BSc in Plant Science and was awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy for her research on the benefits and potential of using more environmentally friendly legumes in intercrop-systems and the production of alcohol.

Growing up amongst the vines Sara spent much of her youth in Marlborough developing a natural fondness for wine and a desire to understand all aspects of the winegrowing. Her passion for the outdoors and environment led her to a career in viticulture, helping her father carry on their viticulture legacy. Sara prioritizes sustainability and works with the environment to grow and produce the best Marlborough grapes. Today, she co-owns Allan Scott Family Winemakers with her brother Josh.

Elisabetta acquired her first winery in the Chianti Classico region in 1997 and a few years later, a long standing property in Montalcino. In 2002, her growing appreciation of the Montalcino region led to the purchase and renovation of Altesino, which is now considered one of the top producers of Brunello in Tuscany. “My passion for wine drives everything: each year’s vintage must be even more perfect than the one before.”

VALENTINA ARGIOLAS Argiolas Sardinia, Italy

MARIA CARELLA Cantina Nicosia Sicily, Italy

CAROLINA STUPINO Castello di Neive Barbaresco, Italy

DR. LAURA CATENA Catena Zapata Mendoza, Argentina

Dr. Laura Catena is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, physician, and writer, born in Mendoza, Argentina. She graduated from Harvard with a degree in biology and received her M.D. from Stanford. Dr. Catena is Managing Director of Catena Zapata and the founder of the Catena Institute of Wine, dedicated to preserving Malbec and elevating Argentine wine. She is on the Executive Leadership Board of the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology and was named WSET Honorary President 2023-2025.

Pioneers in innovative winemaking and the revival of native Sardinian grapes, Valentina and her family produce outstanding wines that reflect the unique landscape and ancient traditions of their island. She is is part of the third generation to run Argiolas, together with her cousin Antonio and sister Francesca.

Family owned and operated, Cantina Nicosia was founded in 1898, and was one of the original wineries to settle on Mount Etna, owning 85 hectares in the area and farming all of their own grapes. Their state-of-the art winery in the town of Trecastagni covers more than 20,000 square feet, including an ultra-modern bottling line. Maria Carella, one of the few female enologists in Sicily, has been with the winery since 2008 and produces all of the wines.

Carolina grew up between the hills of Piedmont and the city of Turin. She did her university studies in London, where she worked as a journalist after graduating. Following her father Italo’s recent passing, she now leads the family winery, together with Castello di Neive’s historical winemaker Claudio, and is determined to carry on his legacy.

Women Leaders in Wine & Spirits

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