Belinda Stone

“I’ve always been driven by work, ‘success’ and progression. and my biggest personal challenge has been the quiet, constant tug between motherhood and my career. My career has been such a big part of my identity, and when I became a mum, I found myself torn between two equally powerful forces: the wish to stay connected to the wine world, and the desire not to miss those moments with my children. It wasn’t about external expectations so much as the conversation within myself – wanting to prove I could do both, and not to the detriment of one or other of my roles. Over time, I’ve realised that balance isn’t something you find, it’s something you create. Setting up on my own in 2021 became the solution. It gave me the freedom to work on my own terms and shape my hours around something other than 9-5. It’s not always seamless, but it’s a balance that feels true to me, and the best decision I could have made.”

“There are a number of great groups in the wine industry now, like Curious Vines, making real impact to support and uplift women in the wine industry and there is without doubt a seismic difference in the number of women working in the wine trade now than when I started out 24 years ago and it’s noticeable across every area from sales and marketing to winemaking and management. The cynic in me might say this is reflective of lower salary expectations and squeezed margins but I hope (and believe) it’s because the skills and perspectives women bring are increasingly recognised and valued. There’s still progress to be made, but the growing visibility of women in leadership and decision-making roles in the wine industry is a very encouraging sign for the future.”

“The ever-expanding marketer’s toolbox. The number of ways we can reach audiences, tell stories and be heard has grown exponentially since I first started in wine. It’s an exciting time to be in marketing and communications, the landscape is more creative, more democratic, and full of possibility.  Not that long ago, the routes for a wine brand to get meaningful publicity without a big PR budget or a major retail listing were very limited. Today, there are so many platforms, tools, and passionate voices that can help build awareness and credibility. Social, digital, and community channels have opened the doors for smaller, more agile brands to connect directly with their audience and stand out through authenticity and storytelling. The playing field isn’t level yet, but it’s far more open – and that’s a very energising space to work in.”

“I’d like to nominate Giusy Andreacchio. Giusy does an incredible job bringing Italian wines to the UK market — she’s passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about the producers she represents. Her enthusiasm for Italian wine is infectious, and she has a real talent for building lasting relationships across the trade. I really admire the energy and authenticity she brings to everything she does, and I think she’s a brilliant example of a woman making a real impact in the industry.”