(Travel)

The Zoe Report’s Readers' Choice Awards: Best Women-Owned Wineries of 2026

They deserve a toast.

by Angela Melero

The country’s best women-owned wineries are raising the bar with expressive bottles, thoughtful winemaking, and unforgettable tasting experiences. From A Tribute to Grace’s elegant Grenache to Airlie Winery’s welcoming Oregon estate and Breathless Wines’ celebratory sparkling varieties, these destinations showcase the vision and talent of women shaping the wine industry. Each of these wineries deserves a toast.

Have questions? Read the official Readers’ Choice rules.

Thank you to these terrific brands for participating and, of course, to our community for letting their voices be heard. TZR’s readers have spoken, and their favorite Woman-Owned Wineries of 2026 are:

1. Darcie Kent Estate Winery

Livermore, CA

What TZR readers love about Darcie Kent Estate Winery:

  • Darcie paints the gorgeous artwork for every wine label herself, and she’s often right there pouring and chatting with guests.
  • From bold reds to a balanced Chardonnay that converts die-hard red drinkers, every bottle punches well above its price point. 🍷
  • No stuffiness at all—sipping on the patio or catching vinyl nights at restored Bing’s Barn feels like a warm neighborhood gathering.

2. Airlie Winery

Monmoth, OR

What TZR readers love about Airlie Winery:

  • An absolute paradise for dog lovers—you can bring your pups to play off-leash while you relax by the pond. 🐾
  • Mary is such a warm, down-to-earth host—she treats you like an old friend the second you walk through the door.
  • Delicious, approachable wines at surprisingly wallet-friendly prices—the Dunn Forest Pinot Noir and standout Maréchal Foch are absolute must-tries.

3. Spottswoode Estate Winery

St. Helena, CA

What TZR readers love about Spottswoode Estate Winery:

  • A true B Corp leader in regenerative organic farming that proves deep environmental care and world-class wine go hand-in-hand. 🌱
  • Beth and Lindy carry on their mother Mary Novak’s inspiring legacy, bringing four decades of passion to every single vintage.
  • The property has a timeless, understated beauty—it’s SO refreshing to visit an iconic Napa estate that stays completely grounded.

4. Rosa Fierro Cellars

Livermore, CA

5. J. Dusi Wines

Paso Robles, CA

6. Theopolis Vineyards

Yorkville, CA

8. Hubba Wines

Paso Robles, CA

9. Crocker & Starr

St. Helena, CA

Photos Courtesy of Airlie Winery/Breathless Sparkling Wines/Darcie Kent Estate Winery/Desparada/Hubba Wines/J. Dusi Wines/La Sirena/McBride Sisters Wine Company/Rosa Fierro Cellars/Ron Essex/Spottswoode Estate Winery/Thomas Heinser/Theopolis Vineyards