As we approach Women’s History Month, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to introduce you to remarkable women within the wine community. Among them are individuals who oversee some of the most exciting wine lists and wine programs in California. Join me as we share Our Favorite Female Wine Sommeliers & Bosses To Get To Know.

Also be sure to check out The Best Female Winemakers To Know!

Amanda McCrossin, Sommelier

Amanda McCrossin, or as many of us know here by Sommvivant, is a certified sommelier and media personality. Her 5 year tenure at PRESS as a sommelier and later as Wine Director gave Amanda the unique opportunity to work in the heart of wine country. Amanda is widely considered an expert in Napa Valley wine and is regularly sought after for consulting, media appearances and speaking engagements.

Learn more about Amanda McCrossin on her website and be sure to follow her @sommvivant on Instagram!

Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier

One of 32 women worldwide to have achieved the Master Sommelier credential, Andrea Robinson is truly one of a kind. American sommelier, chef, television personality, and author. She was also the first woman named “Best Sommelier in the United States” by the Sommelier Society of America. Truly one of the best Female Wine Sommeliers.

Be sure to give @andrearobinsonms a follow on Instagram.

Alexandria Sarovich, Sommelier

Alexandria Sarovich is an experienced sommelier and wine director with a history in the restaurant industry for over a decade. She is skilled in fine dining and culinary knowledge.

Learn more by seeing My Interview with Alexandria Sarovich here, and give her a follow on Instagram @alexannsarovich.

Cara Patricia, Founder of DECANTsf

Cara Patricia is co-founder of DECANTsf, a bright and stylish winer bar in the city. Cara has been specializing in wine and beverage since 2008 and earned her Advanced Sommelier credentials from the Court of Master Sommeliers. In addition, Cara is WSET Advanced, as well as a Certified Wine Professional (CWP) and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) through the Culinary Institute of America and Society of Wine Educators.

See more of what Cara Patricia is up to @carapatriciasf.

Deborah Parker Wong, WSET 2 & 3 Certified & Educator

Deborah Parker Wong is recognized by Wine Business Monthly as an “Industry Leader.” Deborah also  teaches as an associate instructor in the Wine Studies departments at San Jose State University. She holds the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma and offers WSET Level 2 and Level 3 certifications as a private Approved Program Provider (APP).

Learn more about this amazing woman on Deborah Parker Wong’s website and give her a follow @deborahparkerwong.

Emily Wines, Master Sommelier

It’s no surprise that Emily Wines ended up in the world of wine. Master Sommelier Emily was awarded the esteemed Krug Cup distinction for passing all three sections of the Master Sommelier exam in the first go. She is currently the Vice-President of Wine & Beverage Experiences at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants. 

Catch up on the latest Emily has to offer @Emily.Wines on Instagram!

Karen MacNeil, Wine Author

Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won every major wine award given in the English language. Most famously known for her best-selling book, The Wine Bible, Karen’s passion for wine captivates her audience on another level.

Hear more about what Karen MacNeil has to say on her Youtube Channel here.

Laura Maniec, Master Sommelier

Co-founder of Corkbuzz, Laura Maniec became one of the youngest master sommelier’s. She is currently the CEO of Corkbuzz Restaurant & Wine Bar, which is a series of wine-centric restaurants. They focus on offering an approachable yet varied selection of wines.

Lindsey Yield, Yield Wine Bar San Francisco

Co-owner of Yield Wine Bar in Dogpatch San Francisco, Lindsey Yield is setting the scene for the area. This is an amazing wine bar to check out in the area if you’re able to!

Rachel Candelaria, Sommelier & Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” recipient

Rachel brings a wealth of experience to her role as General Manager at PRESS Restaurant. After running Left Bank Menlo Park’s wine and bar programs for several years, she went on to join the Shenkman Hospitality Group where she created wine lists for three restaurants and received the Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” for her impressive lists. She also led ongoing service seminars for servers and bartenders in her capacity as Wine Director.

Sally Mohr, Master Sommelier

Sally Mohr earned the title of Master Sommelier in 1995 and was the second woman in the United States to achieve that distinction. For 25 years she was co-owner of The Boulder Wine Merchant, a first-of-its-kind specialty retail wine shop in Boulder, Colorado.

Simi Grewal, DECANTsf Sommelier, CWP, CSW

The other half of DECANTsf, co-founder Simi Grewal is another impressive individual. Simi holds a Certified Sommelier credential from The Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as a Certified Wine Professional (CWP) and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) through the Culinary Institute of America and Society of Wine Educators.

Keep up with what Simi does next on instagram @simi1612.

Tonya Pitts, One Market SF Sommelier & Wine Director

Tonya Pitts is known globally as a multi-talented wine professional who catapults wineries, winemakers and brands into the mainstream. She is a leader who champions diversity and inclusion in the hospitality, food and beverage industries. Be sure to check out my Interview with Sommelier Tonya Pitts here.

Read more about Tonya Pitts and others on 10 Rising Black Sommeliers To Know.

Also be sure to stay up to date with Tonya Pitts @noirsommelier.