Don’t miss this lively, fun, and informative panel and tasting featuring some of the most talented and recognized female winemakers in the world. Guests will hear their fascinating stories, learn about the wines, and have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the panelists. We will taste two wines from each producer and special signed bottles will be available for purchase.

The StFYC Women’s Committee welcomes all Members and their guests to attend.

Moderator: Gillian Balance is one of the few female Master Sommeliers in the world. She also holds a Diploma from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust. She began her career over 20 years ago working in New York’s Rainbow Room. Since she has worked in the best fine dining restaurants in the United States. Currently, Gillian is the National Education Manager at Treasury Wine Estates. She has been featured in Wine Spectator and Food and Wine, has judged at several wine competitions, and conducts wine seminars and lectures across the United States.

Heidi Peterson Barrett is one of the world’s most renowned and respected winemakers, making some of Napa Valley’s most sought-after and cult classic wines since the 80s, including Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle. Dubbed as the "First Lady of Wine,” by Robert Parker, she is known for her balanced, elegant, and age worthy Cabs, and has gained an international following for her winemaking skills across several varietals. Her own label, La Sirena, was started in 1994, and she is currently the winemaker at Amuse Bouche, Fantesca, Paradigm, and Lamborn. She also founded Barrett & Barrett winery with her husband, winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena.

Cathy Corison is the owner, vintner, and viticulturist at Napa Valley’s Corison Winery. With over 40 years of winemaking experience and the first woman Winemaker-Proprietor in the Napa Valley, she is truly considered a pioneer in the industry and an inspiration to female winemakers. Corison produces balanced and elegant yet powerful, artisanal, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Corison has won numerous awards and accolades. "Cathy Corison is my heroine." -Jancis Robinson

Pam Starr has been the co-owner, manager, and winemaker of Crocker & Starr since its inception in 1997. Her love affair with winemaking began as a harvest intern for Sonoma Cutrer in Sonoma after graduating from the University of California at Davis in 1984 with a degree in Fermentation Science. Passionate about translating terroir into wine, Pam is known for her distinctive Bordeaux-style blends that express a deep sense of place.

Margo Van Staaveren is one of the most respected winemakers in California. After graduating from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Fermentation Science, Margo began working with Chateau St. Jean. She celebrated 45 harvests there and was the winemaker and general manager during her last 20 years there. In 2008 she was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.  Under her tenure, Chateau St. Jean was also the first Sonoma winery honored with the prestigious “Wine of the Year” award from Wine Spectator Magazine.Margo is currently the Director of Luxury Winemaking for Treasury Wine Estates.

Courtney Robinett Wagoner studied at Cal Poly majoring in Food Science where she got hooked on the science of fermentation and winemaking. She has been working with wine production since 2003 and has been making wine for Martinelli Winery since 2015. Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines 2023. “The key to Wagoner’s success is remaining true to the vineyards while bringing balance to the wines.” --Robert Parker