The New Face of Succession

Powerful women hold the reins at some of the world’s iconic wine estates

The New Face of Succession
The time Carolyn Wente (right) spent in her family's vineyard and winery as a child inspired her to join the business. Her niece, Aly Wente, VP of marketing and customer experience, is one of the fifth-generation members following suit.
From the Mar 31, 2022, issue

While women leaders are common in the wine world today, at many multigenerational wine estates, entrenched family practices and old-school traditions long dictated the transfer of power from father to son. But in recent years, women have for the first time been taking the helm. Wine Spectator spoke with seven women who preside over their family’s wine businesses to learn about their very different journeys yet many similar challenges, proudest accomplishments and thoughts on future succession planning.

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