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 Tracey Whooley, the face behind Singlefile Wines Cellar Door & Owner of Great Southern Sip.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the wine industry?
A: Honestly? I love drinking wine—that was a pretty strong motivator! Working in hospitality meant I was constantly surrounded by incredible wines, and before I knew it, I’d caught the wine bug. I realised that understanding wine—especially from the Great Southern—wasn’t just fascinating, but also a huge asset. And let’s be real, talking about wine for a living? That’s my kind of dream job!
Q: Can you briefly share your journey to where you are today?
A: Back in the early ‘90s, I was introduced to wine in various ways, but it was a New Zealand wine appreciation course that really sparked my curiosity. Then, while working in the Channel Islands, I found myself immersed in the world of French wines—some I adored (hello, Châteauneuf-du-Pape!) and others… not so much (looking at you, Beaujolais Nouveau). Cue a brief intermission to nurture the family—were I joined Singlefile Wines in 2011. Ever heard of it? From there, I fully embraced the Great Southern wine industry, working within the cellar door, diving headfirst into wine education, running tasting workshops, wine judging, and passionately promoting the incredible wines of this region with my newly started “Great Southern Sip” wine tasting business. It’s been quite the adventure, and what I think is the best part…. There’s still so much more to explore!
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
A: Hands down, meeting people from all over the world who are just as curious (and thirsty!) as I am. I love those lightbulb moments when someone says, ‘Thank you! That actually makes sense!’ or ‘I never would’ve tried this, and now I love it!’ It’s like being a wine matchmaker—introducing people to their new favourite drop and making the world a tastier place, one sip at a time.
Q: Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the wine industry? How have you overcome them?
A: Like many women in the industry, I’ve faced moments where I had to work a little harder to be heard. But passion, knowledge, and a good dose of persistence goes a long way—plus, pouring a great glass of wine tends to get people listening!
Q: What’s been your proudest achievement so far?
A: On the wine front, being recognised for my passion and commitment to wine by winning the ‘Best Wine Communicator Award’ at Cellar Door Australia in 2024 was a huge honour. Apparently, talking about wine a lot can actually get you an award—who knew?
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to enter the world of wine?
A: Believe in yourself, make your journey. Drink widely, ask questions, trust your palate, and never be afraid to take up space—especially in the tasting room! Oh, and always keep a corkscrew handy… you never know when opportunity (or a good bottle) will pop up!
Q: What excites you most about the future of wine in the Great Southern?
A: The Great Southern is just getting started! The diversity of varieties, the passion of the producers, and the untapped potential of this region make it an incredibly exciting place to be. There’s still so much to discover, and I feel lucky to be part of the journey—sharing these wines with the world and seeing the region continue to shine!
Q: Who are the women that inspire you—within or beyond the wine world?
A: I hold a deep admiration for all women who choose to pursue careers in the wine industry, especially in winemaking. It’s a challenging field, traditionally male-dominated, but the proof is in the glass. In Australia, women represent 16.7% of winemakers, still a minority but an increase from previous years. An example is Vanya Cullen, a trail blazer who has not just inspired me but the whole industry with her commitment and perseverance to biodynamics and Erin Larkin she is a powerhouse in the wine world— I love the way her work shapes how we appreciate wine, and that’s something I deeply admire!
Q: What’s your go-to drop for an evening with friends?
A: When it comes to an evening with friends, I always reach for the bubbles—specifically, Singlefile’s Serendipity Cuvée. I affectionately call it the “Goldilocks wine” because, like the fabled porridge, it’s not too dry, not too sweet—it’s just right.
Q: If you could share a glass of wine with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
A: If I could share a glass of wine with anyone, past or present, it would be the brilliant comedian and actress Dawn French. Her humour!! OMG…and genuine, down-to-earth nature would perfectly complement any wine served. In fact, with her infectious laughter and captivating stories, I’d probably be too engrossed to notice the wine at all. As Dawn herself once quipped, “I’ve chosen to stay in a jolly place for most of my life, and that is a lot of who I am.”