Associated Women in Wine in Switzerland in 2008, touring the vineyards above Sion, Valais

The role of women in wine-making continues to grow as women become oenologists and run vineyards in ever larger numbers in most wine-making countries. The shift has natural roots in family wineries, where women have always played a role, as well as in the growing tendency for women to be the main buyers of wine.

The Swiss group, Artisanes de la vigne et du vin, women who produce wine in Switzerland, was given responsibility for communications by the International Associated Women in Wine (IAWIW) at its annual meeting, held in Spain in January. The organization brings together women who produce wine in several countries, to facilitate exchanges, but also to promote the intelligent consumption of wine. Greece was elected to the presidency of the group for the next three years, led by winemaker Mary-Irene Triantafillou Pitsaki. Women from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Spain were also elected to the board of directors of IAWIW.

The Swiss group will hold its annual meeting in Mont-sur-Rolle in March, home to producer Coraline de Wurstemberger of Domaine Dames de Haut Cour. The Artisanes group actively promotes the work of women winemakers in Switzerland.

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