Women in the Argentine wine industry. Recognizing and valuing the work of women is an everyday pleasure and responsibility but a dedicated day for a special effort also has value. The theme this year, as determined by the United Nations, is to re-emphasize the need for equality of rights, power and opportunities for everyone in a feminist future in which no one is left behind. Empowering the next generation is at the heart of this idea as younger people, especially young women and teenage girls, will be the ones to lead lasting change in the future.
That is why it’s a good moment to shine the spotlight on the women in the Argentine wine industry whose vision, hard work, talent and brilliance are being recognized across the world for their consistent levels of excellence and quality.
Here it is worth mentioning that Wofa are currently carrying out the third edition of our gender perspectives survey of the viticultural sector, reaffirming our commitment to fairness and equality of opportunity.
Amanda Barnes, Celina Bartolomé, Luli Barzi, Juliana Bevilacqua, Alma Cabral, Nora Cingolani, Carla Dal Borgo, Mariela Ilardo, Noelia Pérez, Paula Pulenta, Sol Tony, Lorena Nicolás Creide and Lucía Romero are the women in the Argentine wine industry who we have decided to honor for 2025.
Women in the argentine wine industry: the stars of 2025
Amanda Barnes
Having recently earned Master of Wine status, Amanda Barnes is a British journalist and writer specializing in wine who has lived in Mendoza since 2009. From there, she has become a leading figure on the South American wine scene following the launch of The South American Wine Guide, one of the most complete guides to the viticultural regions of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. She writes for specialized media such as Decanter, jancisrobinson.com and The Drinks Business and is also Regional Chair for Chile at the Decanter Wine World Awards.
https://www.instagram.com/amanda_wine/
Celina Bartolomé
A leading figure in the world of natural wines, Celina Bartolomé is the co-founder of Pielihueso, a winery that she began with her father that produces an unusual portfolio of wines, including orange versions, and a more recent collaboration with the youngest generation of Bodegas López. At her winery, Celina follows organic, sustainable practices and takes a minimal intervention approach seeking the most authentic expression of the terroir. And as if that weren’t enough Celina also runs Anafe, one of the trendiest restaurants in Buenos Aires.
https://www.instagram.com/queenxeleena/
Luli Barzi
Lucrecia Luli Barzi is the living embodiment of the passion of the Barzi-Canale family, the founders and owners of Bodega Humberto Canale in General Roca, Río Negro. She is also in charge of communications as the Manager of Marketing, Communication and Oenotourism. Working with her siblings, she has made the winery a pioneer of Patagonian viticulture as the first winery from the region to obtain sustainability certification from Bodegas de Argentina. In addition, she has taken the lead in introducing oenotourism in the area, allowing the general public to get involved in a range of activities, from the harvest to pruning.
https://www.instagram.com/bodegahcanale/
Juliana Bevilacqua
Juliana Bevilaqua is the oenologist at Bodega Bemberg in Mendoza, tasked, along with Daniel Pi, with the creation of great premium wines that perfectly express the diversity and richness of the terroirs of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Pedernal in San Juan, and the Calchaquí Valleys. Her creations have met with great success in international markets thanks to her special attention to detail and skill at combining tradition and innovation. Juliana has also taken part in research projects focusing on micro-vinification and varietal expression at different altitudes, allowing her to improve the quality of her wines still further. Her commitment to excellence and innovation continues to pave the way for success in Argentine viticulture.
https://bembergestatewines.com/
Alma Cabral
When she was just 17, Alma Cabral left her home town of Ciudad del Este in Paraguay and moved to Buenos Aires. Her passion for wine led her to study and graduate as a sommelier from the Centro Argentino de Vinos y Espirituosas (CAVE) in 2009. She has excelled as a sommelier at top restaurants such as Casa Coupage, La Bourgogne and Tegui. In addition, she has played a key role as Supervisor of Food and Drink at The Brick Hotel and Bahía Vik in José Ignacio, Uruguay.
Currently, she offers private tastings and consultancy for restaurants. In 2022 she was a finalist in the Best Sommelier in Argentina competition. She is without a doubt one of the figures to look out for in the universe of sommellerie, with an impressive career and experience already under her belt.
https://www.instagram.com/almitacabral
Nora Cingolani
Promoting an emerging oenotourism destination isn’t easy, which is why Nora Cingolani is so important to the Córdoba wine scene. The sommelier and head of the Córdona Wine Trail at the Agencia Córdoba Turismo, Nora promotes different initiatives that encourage tourism to her province’s wineries, including virtual tools, so that everyone has the chance to enjoy the charms of Córdoba’s wines.
https://www.instagram.com/turismocba/
Carla Dal Borgo
The head of the commercial, administrative and tourism department at Bodega Dal Borgo, Carla Dal Borgo runs the project along with her family. Although the family had no history in wine, a sudden change of plans saw them taking their first steps in the industry in Animaná, five miles north of Cafayate, in the Province of Salta. Under her direction, Dal Borgo is producing premium wines perfect for those who love the distinctive character of the Calchaquí Valleys. She has also taken the lead on the adoption of organic practices at her vineyards, promoting biodiversity and sustainability, reflecting their commitment to the environment and responsible production.
https://www.instagram.com/carladalborgo/
Mariela Ilardo
Mariela Ilardo is the CEO of Solo Contigo Wines, a winery located in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, in the Province of Mendoza whose originality and quality have been turning heads. Solo Contigo is a boutique winery that concentrates on producing exclusive lines of premium and super-premium wines. Founded by Terry and Noel Neelands, Canadian art collectors, the winery doesn’t just stand out for its wines, but also the exquisite architecture designed by the studio Bórmida & Yanzón.
Solo Contigo Wines have won the Gold Award for Excellence in Oenotourism at the Best Of Wine Tourism Event organized by The Great Wine Capitals for two consecutive years. In 2020 they won the Gold in the Small Wineries category and in 2021 another in the Architecture and Landscapes category.
https://www.instagram.com/marielailardo/
Lorena Nicolás Creide
The co-founder, along with her husband, of Mabellini Wines, Lorena Nicolás Creide is responsible for creating boutique wines that capture the essence of Patagonia. Together, they’ve managed to make their youthful dream of owning their own winery a reality, in the process reviving a family tradition. Lorena has developed a line of high end wines that reflect the distinctive character of the Patagonian terroir. Her creations have won awards at international competitions and the winery has been honored for its commitment to sustainable practices and limited runs that prioritize quality over quantity. Lorena’s dedication to authenticity and excellence has established Mabellini Wines’ reputation as leading winemakers in the region.
https://www.instagram.com/mabelliniwines/
Noelia Perez
Noelia Perez is a sommelier and coordinator of oenological communications, marketing and hospitality at Cheval des Andes, a winery of great prestige in the Argentine industry founded as part of a partnership between two of France and Argentina’s most famous wineries: Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. Having made a strong commitment to agro-ecology and regenerative agriculture, Cheval des Andes has Letis certification at both its vineyards and its acclaimed wines reflect this conscientious work and the detailed attention paid to each parcel.
https://www.instagram.com/chevaldesandes_official
Paula Pulenta
Part of the fourth generation of one the founding families of the Argentine wine industry, Paula Pulenta is currently the Director and Administrative Manager of Bodega Vistalba, an establishment founded by her father, Carlos Pulenta. Since she took over operations, Paula has transformed the image of the family winery, expanding their portfolio with terroir-driven premium wines from their most highly appreciated vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley in addition to consolidating the house’s Progenie line of sparkling wines. She’s also breathed new life into the winery’s visitor program with the renovation of the restaurant.
https://www.instagram.com/paulipulenta/
Sol Tony
Sol Tony is a sommelier, influencer and communicator whose work and talent have earned her a prominent place on the Buenos Aires gastronomy scene. Dubbed the “President of Wine”, she is currently the Head Sommelier at the Las Flores restaurant, where she promotes natural and organic wines, consistently favoring wines that respect the environment. In addition to her work at the restaurant, Sol is an active communicator: she presents “Dama Juanas” on YouTube together with Wine Explorers and appears on “5 de Copas” on Somos Corta. Her fresh, accessible approach has brought the world of wine to new audiences, demystifying concepts and encouraging a more inclusive culture.
https://www.instagram.com/soltony
Lucía Romero
Vintner, businesswoman, mother and third generation vineyard owner Lucía’s fate at El Porvenir de Cafayate was sealed the moment she first set foot in her grandfather’s vineyard. Born and raised in Salta, Lucía is a practical leader who has taken the lead on exports and the development of new lines of wine. Having earned a Wine MBA at the Bordeaux Business School and graduated with honors from the demanding WSET Advanced Program she took over the winery in 2013 with the goal of producing new expressions from Cafayate. She is a key figure in the evolution and modernization of this historic Salta winery.
https://www.instagram.com/elporvenirwines/
