Women Leaders in Wine & Spirits

AMY ALVAREZ WAMPFLER Abeja Walla Walla, WA

GINA HENNEN Adelsheim Willamette Valley, OR

CATHERINE SCOTT Allan Scott Marlborough, New Zealand

HELENA LAGEDER Alois Lageder Alto Adige, Italy

Born in 1992 in Bolzano, Helena Lageder studied Media and Theatre in the UK and earned a Filmmaking Diploma from the New York Film Academy. She later studied Film at the University of the Arts in London, working as an assistant director and producer. After contributing to winery projects through events and films, she joined the sales team in 2018. As the sixth generation at Alois Lageder, she now serves as brand ambassador, representing the winery internationally.

Winemaker at one of Willamette Valley’s most historic wineries, Gina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Reed College and an AAS in Winemaking from Chemeketa. Before transitioning to a career in winemaking, she worked as a semiconductor engineer for seven years in both Oregon and Dublin, Ireland. Desiring a career that no longer involved cubicles, she returned to Oregon in early 2006 to establish roots in the wine industry.

Catherine is one of a small number of Marlborough winemakers who was born in the region. She grew up on a farm, where her family had been for generations. With her eye for detail and keen palate, she plays a guiding role in the winemaking. Catherine also takes personal responsibility for The Cellar Door and the Twelve Trees Restaurant at the winery.

Amy found her path to winemaking by way of a tasting room. That experience led her to pursue a degree in winemaking while she worked as a Columbia Crest enologist. It was at Columbia Crest where she met fellow enologist Dan Wampfler, and her professional and personal lives crossed. After leaving Columbia Crest, Amy served as Sinclair Cellars’ general manager and winemaker, but had the chance to pursue the dream of a family enterprise when Abeja approached the couple in late 2015.

ELISABETTA GNUDI ANGELINI Altesino Tuscany, Italy

KIRSTY BLACK Arbikie Angus, Scotland

VALENTINA ARGIOLAS Argiolas Sardinia, Italy 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.

MELISSA ZEMAN Argyle Willamette Valley, OR

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.

Melissa Zeman, a seasoned winemaker with global experience spanning three continents, brings a profound passion for viticulture to Argyle. Her terroir driven approach, blending art and science, results in wines of exceptional character and quality.

Tuscany, Italy 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.”

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