Raise a Glass to Her Wines Created by Two Award-Winning and Philanthropic Women

For this review piece featuring wines made, owned, or inspired by women I reached out to two women in the industry that I’ve personally known for many years. They were thrilled to be included and know that they are truly inspiring and definitely worth putting a spotlight on. Pull up a chair and read about Susan Tipton from Acquiesce Winery in Lodi and Suzanne Phifer Pavitt of Phifer Pavitt Wine in Calistoga.
Though I’ve only featured two remarkable women, know that there are hundreds – if not thousands globally – more women that are employed in the industry including winemakers, vintners, enologists, brokers, buyers, sommeliers, students, cellar masters, tasting room managers, general managers, tour guides, marketers, and vineyard workers. Cheers to them and to those, like us, that appreciate all they do.

Susan Tipton Acquiesce Winery, Lodi, California

When Susan Tipton founded Acquiesce Winery, she set out to create something quietly revolutionary: an all–white–wine estate devoted exclusively to Rhône-style varietals. From her sunlit vineyards in Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA, Susan crafts luminous wines — Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette Blanche — that capture the elegance of the Old World with the vibrancy of California. Her commitment to purity, balance, and sustainable farming has earned Acquiesce a devoted following and international acclaim.
Named Best Woman Winemaker by the International Women’s Wine Competition, Susan has become a celebrated voice for women in wine. Her philosophy, embodied in both name and practice, is simple yet profound: to “acquiesce” — to yield gracefully to the grapes and the land, allowing nature to lead. A toast to her and to women who turn passion into legacy, one glass at a time.

Suzanne Phifer Pavitt – CEO & Founder Phifer Pavitt Wine and Phifer Pavitt Spirits, Calistoga, California

In the high-powered, male-dominated world of tech sales, Suzanne Phifer Pavitt noticed a pattern,
when the Wine List arrived, it was always handed to the men. Refusing to accept the status quo, she set out to
master the world of wine herself. What began as curiosity turned into a calling, and soon, Phifer Pavitt Wine was
born, home to elegant, expressive Napa Valley wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling
Blanc de Noirs, and Petit Verdot. After all, everyone knows women have the better palate.
Two decades later, Suzanne has built more than acclaimed wines and award-winning spirits; she’s built a legacy of empowerment. As CEO and Founder of both Phifer Pavitt Wine and Phifer Pavitt Spirits (KY), she’s inspired dozens of women to strike out on their own, often becoming their first client. Her bold leadership and philanthropic passion have made her a driving force for change, earning recognition from charities nationwide, all while raising a glass for women everywhere.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

​ 

Comments