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 Laura Wishart, Manager at Shepherd’s Hut.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the wine industry?
A: I suppose I was drawn in because of my family’s commitment to the vineyard and the land. There’s something special about carrying on that tradition. Plus, the potential of our vineyard is incredible – the fruit we grow is amazing, and it’s exciting to be part of something that’s all about bringing out the best in those grapes.
Q: Can you briefly share your journey to where you are today?
A: I kind of fell into the wine world right after high school, doing a vintage in the Great Southern and helping out with selling our wine in a fairly unofficial way. I moved to Perth to study law, but quickly realised it wasn’t my thing. So, I headed over east to study business (majoring in agriculture), which was a much better fit. Eventually, I made my way back to WA to work on the family farm, and when the opportunity to take on the vineyard came up, I jumped at it. It’s been a pretty natural progression, and I’m excited to be where I am today!
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
A: I love that I get to see the whole process from start to finish. So much work goes into making a really good wine, and when people enjoy and share the end product, it makes all the tough days totally worth it. I also love chatting with people who usually find wine intimidating and showing them the more laid-back, approachable side of it. Wine shouldn’t be scary – it can be fun!
Q: Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the wine industry? How have you overcome them?
A: We have all have faced some challenges in the wine industry. There are sometimes when it feels like people expect me to just go along with whatever they want—whether that’s because I’m a woman, or maybe because I’m relatively young, I don’t know. Honestly, I think it’s more about their perspective than anything to do with me. I just try to be as honest and direct as I can and focus on doing what I believe is right. So far, that’s worked out pretty well for me.
Q: What’s been your proudest achievement so far?
A: Creating our new Heritage Series would have to be a highlight. I’ve seen it as a chance to really explore the potential of our fruit and showcase everything that makes Shepherd’s Hut special – the people, the places, and the hard work behind it all. The recognition at the Wine Show of WA has blown me away. ‘The Hut’ Riesling won a trophy for Best Single Vineyard Wine from the Great Southern, and the Michael Mayo Pinot Noir has won a trophy for Best Pinot Noir for the last two years. I’m really proud of how those wines have turned out, they really do reflect all the effort that’s gone into them.
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to enter the world of wine?
A: It sounds super cliché, but my advice would be to jump in and embrace the opportunities that come your way! Trust your instincts, ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges.
Q: What excites you most about the future of wine in the Great Southern?
A: What really excites me about the future of the Great Southern is how much untapped potential there still is. Our region might not be on everyone’s radar yet, but we’re making some seriously delicious wines. As more people start to understand what we can produce here, I think it’s only going to grow. It’s exciting to be part of a place with room to expand and so much to offer.
Q: Who are the women that inspire you—within or beyond the wine world?
A: Annabelle Crabb. She’s such a powerhouse—grounded, witty, and unapologetically herself. She doesn’t shy away from challenging the status quo, but does it in a way that feels genuine and relatable. And her vocabulary—she’s got an incredible way with words. The way she uses language to make her points clear, engaging, and often funny is something I aspire to.
Q: What’s your go-to drop for an evening with friends?
A: Pinot Noir. It’s the varietal that most often disappoints me, because I have seen just how good it can be (I like Pinot with some body and length), but whenever I find a good one… wowee!
Q: If you could share a glass of wine with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
A: What a question! That’s actually a tough one to answer. I think probably Tim Minchin. He’s got this magic mix of being insightful and sharp, but in a way that feels approachable. He has a way of taking on big issues with humour and honesty, and I admire that he doesn’t shy away from admitting it when he’s wrong.