Two Women Accelerate Change in the Spirits Industry This Women’s Month

As International Women’s Month draws to a close, the global wine and spirits industry is witnessing a significant transformation led by women. Historically dominated by men, this sector has begun to embrace female leadership, with women like Ana Paula Bartolucci and Inés de los Santos at the forefront of this change. Their unique journeys highlight the evolving landscape of an industry that has long kept women on the periphery.

A Shifting Landscape

For decades, the wine and spirits industry operated behind closed doors, with men largely dictating the narrative. Women were often relegated to supportive roles—pouring, serving, and creating atmosphere—while decision-making remained in male hands. However, a new generation of female leaders is challenging this status quo. Bartolucci and de los Santos exemplify this shift, each bringing their distinct experiences to the table.

Bartolucci entered a winemaking world that had already begun to evolve. She acknowledges that the groundwork laid by previous generations of women had made her ascent possible. These pioneers had fought battles, often alone, to carve out spaces for themselves in an industry that was not welcoming. By the time Bartolucci began her career in Mendoza’s vineyards, the path had been partially cleared, allowing her to thrive.

The Legacy of De los Santos

In contrast, de los Santos represents the struggles of those earlier women. Starting her career in 1988, she faced an overwhelmingly male-dominated bar scene that was explicit in its exclusion. Over three decades, she built a reputation across Latin America, founding establishments like Cochinchina in Buenos Aires and making her mark in São Paulo. Her journey reflects the challenges that women in the industry have historically faced, and she has become a respected voice in the international bar community.

Bartolucci often references the women who paved the way for her, implicitly acknowledging de los Santos as one of those trailblazers. Their paths, while different, converge in a shared mission to redefine the spirits industry.

Collaboration at Chandon

The collaboration between Bartolucci and de los Santos began at Chandon, a sparkling wine house established in 1959 by Robert-Jean de Vogüé. Chandon has expanded its reach from Argentina to various countries, including the United States, Brazil, and Australia, creating a network of wineries dedicated to innovative sparkling wine craftsmanship.

As Chandon sought to redefine the spritz—a drink transitioning from European tradition to a global staple—the winemaking team recognized the need for a fresh perspective. Traditional sparkling wine production does not encompass the experience of enjoying a spritz. For that, they needed insights from someone who understands the cocktail culture intimately.

A Confidential Partnership

De los Santos was approached for this project without prior knowledge of the specifics, which she described as highly confidential. Despite the uncertainty, she took a leap of faith and joined Bartolucci and Chandon’s California-based winemaker, Pauline Lhote, in a four-year endeavor. Together, they merged the precision of winemaking with the guest-first approach of cocktail culture, focusing on how the drink would resonate in social settings.

The duration of this collaboration underscores the complexity and significance of the project. The result is a trio of spritz expressions that draw on Argentina’s diverse ingredients—hibiscus from the north, berries from Patagonia, and oranges from a dedicated organic farm. These offerings are designed to be accessible and unpretentious, yet crafted with the meticulous standards expected from a premium wine program.

Broader Implications for the Industry

This partnership not only highlights the innovative spirit of Bartolucci and de los Santos but also reflects a broader trend within the drinks industry. Women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles in winemaking and hospitality, sectors that have historically posed significant barriers to female advancement. While progress has been made, both women acknowledge that the journey is far from complete.

Bartolucci recognizes that she stands on the shoulders of those who came before her, while de los Santos understands her role in creating opportunities for future generations. The responsibility to continue this work lies with women who have successfully navigated the industry, ensuring that the path remains open for others.

Their discussions reveal a commitment to fostering an environment where the next generation of women can thrive. They share insights on the creative process behind their collaboration, the evolution of the spritz, and the meaning of luxury in an industry that is gradually learning to share the spotlight.

As reported by hauteliving.com.

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Published on 2026-03-31 01:08:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk