This International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re raising a glass to the remarkable women shaping the future of the Great Southern wine industry. From winemaking and viticulture to wine education and business leadership, these trailblazers are not only crafting exceptional drops but also redefining industry norms, overcoming challenges, and sharing their passion with the world.
We had the privilege of speaking with some of the region’s most inspiring women, including Bev Gilbert (pictured above with eldest son, Clint), Co-Founder at Gilbert Wines.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the wine industry
A: My Love of good wine and the fact that growing grapes and value adding them by having wine made is an example of how we can share our produce with the world. This appealed to me.
Q: Can you briefly share your journey to where you are today?
A: In 1985 my husband and I planted our first vines on the family property that we had moved back to after living in Perth. I was a teacher and my husband was playing high level cricket. His cricket form was becoming challenged and we were both looking for a challenge. We travelled, bought a house, played sport etc. It was time to put down our roots. Mt Barker was attracting good press for great wines, so we thought that we would plant vines to supply the larger wineries. It was not long before we labelled our own wine and joined the region in its pursuit of letting Australia know that our region grows great wine. We opened our cellar door in 1990 and added a wine cafe in 2003.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
A: The interaction with those who love our wines and all that we do here at Gilberts.
Q: Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the wine industry? How have you overcome them?
A: Combining parenting with the establishment of a wine brand was a challenge. Firstly, working in the vineyard in the early years with young children and no childcare was a nightmare. (Thank heavens for my other “Mum” friends!) Long hours and leaving home for extended time to market the wine label, both interstate and overseas. Luckily, my husband and I were a great team. We “co-parented” nicely. I have always been involved in boards and organisations within the industry and I’ve never experienced being a woman as a challenge.
Q: What’s been your proudest achievement so far?
A: Watching my sons take on a business that we established so that family land can be productive and continue to thrive.
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to enter the world of wine?
A: Make sure that you nurture friendship in your industry of other women. Their experiences and advice can be priceless.
Be confident that you can excel in your chosen field within the industry by becoming involved in it. The industry is full of amazing people who are passionate about what they do. It’s infectious.
Q: What excites you most about the future of wine in the Great Southern?
A: The quality of our wines are world class, and our environment in which we grow the vines is spectacular. It’s exciting that more Great Southern Wine is being discovered.
Q: Who are the women that inspire you—within or beyond the wine world?
A: Prue Henschke: A great Viticulturalist and botanist.
Q: What’s your go-to drop for an evening with friends?
A: I always start with a Great Southern Riesling. (Gilberts of course) and then a JMG Cabernet Shiraz blend.
Q: If you could share a glass of wine with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
A: (Present) The Premier of WA. So, I could enlighten him on the importance of our industry and its importance to regional communities.