This International Women's Day, we're raising a glass to the trailblazing women in wine who are shaping the industry. From pioneering techniques to leading women-led wineries, female winemakers are bringing fresh perspectives to viticulture and winemaking.
At Tempus Two, we're proud to spotlight Brooke Edson, one of our talented winemakers, as she shares her journey, the challenges she's overcome, and the exciting future of women in the wine industry.
Growing up in the Barossa Valley, Brooke’s love for wine started early. A high school agriculture class first sparked her interest, but it wasn’t until she worked her first vintage that she knew winemaking was her calling. “I was captivated by how winemaking starts with something as raw and simple as a bunch of grapes and transforms into a beautiful, polished bottle of wine,” Brooke shares. Like many female winemakers, Brooke had to overcome industry biases.
“A winemaking career comes with challenges, but also incredible opportunities, At times, I’ve felt the need to work hard to demonstrate my expertise and establish my place in the industry—whether it’s meeting the physical demands of the job or ensuring my technical knowledge is recognised. But I’ve learned that persistence, confidence, and trusting my gut go a long way.” Whilst progress has been made, misconceptions still exist, such as the notion that women are better suited to marketing or hospitality roles rather than leadership and technical positions. Brooke believes women in viticulture and oenology bring just as much expertise, passion, and innovation as anyone else.
Brooke’s journey in winemaking has been defined by pushing boundaries and continuous growth. At AV, she has had the opportunity to independently oversee wine production, a role that has deepened her technical expertise and leadership skills. She has also been invited to judge at wine shows around Australia, an achievement that speaks to her industry recognition and refined palate.
One of her proudest technical accomplishments has been managing all yeast cultures, ensuring a smooth fermentation process with no stuck ferments—an essential factor in producing high-quality wines. Her dedication and innovation were recently recognised when she received the 2023 Pinot Grigio Trophy at the National Wine Show, a testament to her talent and the quality of wines she crafts.
Harvest is the most intense yet rewarding time of the year for any winemaker. Long hours, hands-on work, and constant decision-making that define the season. For Brooke, every day starts with ferment tastings—assessing both whites and reds to track their progress and determine any necessary adjustments.
"I oversee fruit intake, which is a major part of my day. While keeping an eye on the big picture and planning ahead, I also focus on the fruit arriving that day—checking analyses, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring all additions are correct."
In addition to fruit intake, Brooke also manages yeast cultures, a critical process requiring careful planning and preparation. "Looking after yeast cultures might seem like a small detail, but it streamlines the process for the cellar and improves overall quality and efficiency." Beyond vintage-specific tasks, there’s still the day-to-day running of the winery to manage—plus the unexpected challenges that inevitably arise, keeping every day interesting.
Brooke sees diversity as a major strength in winemaking. “Perspective. Whether it's gender, background, or experience, diversity only makes the industry stronger. Women bring a different approach to leadership, collaboration, and sensory analysis, and that adds depth to the wines we create.”
As more female winemakers enter the field, we're seeing a shift towards more women-led wineries and greater recognition of women's contributions.
Winemaking is a dynamic and hands-on profession that goes beyond blending and tasting—it requires dedication and a strong ethical work, particularly during vintage. “Vintage is an absolute grind. It involves longer hours, continuous movement, and making quick decisions —, but it's also the most rewarding time of the year. Every day starts with ferment tastings, checking progress, making adjustments, and planning ahead. It's full-on, but I love it.”
For women considering a career in wine and viticulture, Brooke's advice is simple: “Be curious, ask questions, and don't be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities.”
With climate change reshaping the industry, Brooke is excited about exploring alternative grape varieties that are better suited to Australia's evolving climate. “Climate change is forcing us to rethink what we grow and how we make wine. That challenge brings incredible opportunities.”
At Tempus Two, we celebrate women in the wine industry and their ongoing contributions to the world of wine. This International Women's Day, we're raising a glass to the female winemakers shaping the future.
Join us in celebrating International Women's Day with a bottle crafted by our passionate winemakers. Shop Tempus Two Wines or try out Brooke's favorite pour, Tempus Two Copper Ansonica , and toast to the incredible women pushing the wine industry forward.
Want to dive deeper into the world of wine? Explore our Wine 101 blog for expert tips or book a wine tasting experience to discover our latest releases firsthand at our beautiful cellar door.
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