In a world that is constantly evolving, the remarkable strength and resilience and invaluable contributions of women never change. Today we celebration International Women’s Day. Let’s toast a glass to the women who inspire us daily! 

*This is not a complete representation of all the women in the Missouri Wine Industry. This is based off survey answers. 

Baltimore Bend Vineyard – Waverly 

• Sarah Schmidt 

  • Sarah Schmidt is an owner of Baltimore Bend Vineyard and has been instrumental in all aspects of the vineyard and winery's growth over the years. She moved into the head winemaking role 12 years ago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and a certificate in enology from Washington State.

Dale Hollow Winery – Stover 

• Katy Dale 

  • Katy Dale is co-owner of Dale Hollow Winery and is essential to every step of the winemaking process: pruning, harvest timing, yeast and oak selection, blending, finishing and packaging. Her mother-in-law, Beth Dale, draws all of the label pictures and Katy builds out the labels.

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard – Potosi 

• Cyndy Keesee & Steffie Littlefield

  • Two dynamic women keep things running smoothly at Edg-Clif Vineyards and Winery. Cyndy Keesee is the winemaker and co-owner of the winery along with her sister, Steffie Littlefield. Steffie has degrees in agriculture, horticulture and economics and utilizes her experience as the vineyard manager. The winery is situated on beautiful farmland in the Missouri Ozark hills, a unique property that has been in the family for three generations.

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery – Excelsior Springs 

• Shriti Plimpton

  • Shriti Plimpton is the founder, owner and winemaker at Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery. Shriti established the winery and vineyards in 2009. Her focus is on distinctive wines that appeal to a wide range of tastebuds. She is quite innovative in product development, including developing and bottling Missouri's first piquette and skin-contact wines.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport 

• Rachel Holman 

  • Rachel Holman is the owner and CEO of Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Prior to acquiring ownership, Rachel served in many capacities at the winery, including Director of Catering and Marketing. She was named the CEO in 2013 and took over strategic planning, financial management, retail operations, production and human resources in addition to wholesale and marketing. Rachel and her husband, Jacob Holman, the head winemaker at the winery, bought the winery with an outside investor in 2019.

Musket Cellars & Vineyards – Pleasant Hills 

• Kim Musket

  • Musket Cellars & Vineyards was founded by Kim Musket and her family. Kim, as the winemaker, brings over 14 years of experience in multiple states and multiple wineries. She oversees all aspects of production, manages the tasting room, leads social media, and continues the family’s legacy of crafting wines rooted in tradition, innovation, and connection.

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta 

• Angie Geis & Christine Newbold

  • Lou Ann and Bob Nolan were the original dreamers of Noboleis Vineyards. Lou Ann gave the winery its name by combining elements of the three family names: Nolan, Newbold and Geis. Their daughters, Christine Newbold and Angie Geis, who are also part owners at the winery, have worn many hats over the years. Currently, Christine has the role of CFO and managers the day-to-day operations, while Angie handles business development. Together, they have turned Lou Ann and Bob’s dream into a thriving winery which celebrated its 15th Anniversary Year in October 2025.

Primitive Olde Crow & Winery – Clinton 

• Lora Anstine

  • Primitive Olde Crow and Winery has an all-female staff including owner, Lora Anstine. Lora has been a pillar in the community for several years. She owns several businesses in Clinton, as well as other towns in Missouri. She is a confident, hardworking woman who puts her customers and clients first.

Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery – Excelsior Springs 

• Denise Riley

  • Denise Riley is the co-owner of Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, alongside her husband, Mike Riley. While Mike leads as the vineyard manager and winemaker, Denise plays a vital role in supporting both areas by managing the tasting room and overseeing their event venue, Shamrock Ranch. She is passionate about sharing her love of wine and showcasing Mike’s talent for crafting exceptional wines. Denise especially enjoys featuring their wines not only in the tasting room but also at various events! 

St.James Winery – St. James 

• Brandon Hofherr
  • Brandon Hofherr is the Marketing Director and 3^rd Generation Owner of St. James Winery. She focuses on finding fun and innovative ways to bring wine to consumers. She dreams up campaigns for wholesale and retail that highlight our sustainability, quality wines, and their fun experiences. She also works with the entire company to achieve goals and communicate with everyone that loves their brand. She loves her job because she gets to blend analytics and creativity while continuing n the legacy that her grandparents stared in 1970. 

• 
• Kendra Wood 

  • Kendra Wood serves as the lab manager at St. James Winery. In her current role, she ensures that the wines are at the correct chemical levels and stable before bottling. She also assists the winemakers by preparing bench trials throughout the entire process. Prior to that, Kendra served as the winery's lab assistant. She earned a chemical engineering degree from the Missouri University Science and Technology. 

Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery – Springfield 

• Kathy Dennis

  • Kathy Dennis and husband, Mike, share in the wine making process. Tyler Ridge is a very small winery and the only one in Greene County. They have been in business since 2012 and have 2.5 acres of vineyards. Their wine is made using only the grapes grown in their vineyards including Cayuga White, Chambourcin, Norton and Vignoles.

West Winery – Macon 

• Kayla Hartung
  • Kayla Hartung has been with West Wineries since 2010. Kayla began helping with events and working in the tasting room; however, with a background in science, she soon moved into the winemaking process. Kayla also manages the flagship West Winery location in downtown Macon. She is one of the many women who work at West Winery.

As today wraps up our celebration of International Women’s Day, let’s continue to remember the empowerment and recognition they deserve every day. Cheers!