Wine, Women and Chocolate Martinis
Andi Healey
Web Manager
The relationship between women and wine continues to flourish, with recent data showing women now account for over 60% of total wine volume purchases globally. That's up from 57% just a few years ago, according to the latest industry reports. Not only are more women buying wine than ever, they're drinking it more frequently and with greater curiosity about different varieties.
With Mother's Day approaching, let's explore what's currently topping the charts for female wine enthusiasts in 2025. And, just in case you want to treat someone special (yourself included!) you can take off 10% extra discount (with code MUM25) if you buy two or more pairs of any of our glasses this weekend, all the same or mix and match, your choice (offer expires 11.30pm Wednesday 26th March 2025). That way everyone can join in the toast to your mum!
The Evolving Female Wine Consumer
Before diving into specific varietals, it's worth noting how women's wine consumption patterns have changed in recent years. The contemporary female wine drinker defies outdated stereotypes about sweet, light wines being "women's drinks."
Today's female consumers are:
- More knowledgeable: Wine education apps and online communities have democratised wine knowledge, with women making up 63% of wine education course participants.
- More experimental: Female consumers are 28% more likely than male counterparts to try new varietals and regions.
- Quality-focused: Women are increasingly prioritising quality over quantity, with a 17% increase in premium wine purchases by female consumers since 2022.
- Health-conscious: The rise in organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines has been largely driven by female consumers concerned about both environmental impact and additives.
- Digital-first: Women are 45% more likely to research wines online before purchasing and 32% more likely to use wine apps to track preferences.
This evolution has significantly influenced what's appearing in shopping baskets and wine glasses across the country.
The Top 5 Wine Choices Among Women
1. Cabernet Sauvignon: Still Reigning Supreme
Cabernet Sauvignon continues its dominance as one of the world's most recognised red wine varieties. This happy accident – the result of an unplanned breeding between red Cabernet Franc and white Sauvignon Blanc grape plants in the 17th Century – remains a favourite for good reason.
What makes it special? These bold reds offer complexity with notes of dark fruits, subtle spice, and those lovely tannins that pair brilliantly with everything from a good steak to dark chocolate.
2. Shiraz/Syrah: The Crowd-Pleaser
Shiraz (or Syrah, as it's called in its French homeland) has maintained its position as a beloved variety. This is the powerhouse behind France's famous Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, as well as Australia's iconic Penfolds Grange.
Its deep purple, almost inky appearance gives way to intense blackberry and peppery aromas. On the palate, expect mouth filling fruit, substantial structure, and a satisfyingly long, sweet finish. The recent trend toward slightly less oaked versions has made this variety even more appealing to those seeking bold flavours without overwhelming heaviness.
3. Chardonnay: The Misunderstood Classic
Chardonnay remains the world's most popular white wine, though it's shed some of its divisive reputation. The "ABC" (Anything But Chardonnay) crowd has largely moved on as winemakers have refined their approaches.
Modern Chardonnays show remarkable diversity – from the crisp, mineral-driven styles of Chablis to the more restrained oak influence in contemporary California and Australian examples. The versatility of this grape is unmatched, explaining why you'll find it growing in virtually every wine region worldwide.
What's Changed: Today's female wine enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the more balanced expressions showing bright acidity alongside subtle oak influence.
4. Pinot Noir: The Elegant Choice
The notoriously temperamental Pinot Noir grape continues to captivate with its wonderfully heady perfumes and sweet red berry flavours. Despite its challenging growth requirements, winemakers persist in their quest to perfect this elegant variety.
The finest examples offer an intoxicating balance of fruit, earth, and subtle spice – a complexity that's unmatched by more robust reds. Its versatility with food makes it particularly popular among women who appreciate wine as part of the dining experience rather than just a drink.
5. Rosé: The Year-Round Staple
While Riesling held a spot in previous top fives, rosé has surged to claim its place. No longer just a summer drink, quality rosé has proven itself a sophisticated, versatile option for year-round enjoyment.
Modern rosés span a spectrum from bone-dry Provence styles to more fruit-forward examples. What they share is a refreshing character, food-friendly versatility, and, let's be honest, serious Instagram appeal. The category has evolved far beyond the sweet, simple versions of decades past.
The Appeal: Rosé offers the refreshing qualities of white wine with some of the structural elements and berry notes of reds – the perfect middle ground that pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods.
Emerging Trends: What's Gaining Momentum
Natural and Low-Intervention Wines
Perhaps the most significant shift in female wine preferences has been the dramatic rise in demand for natural and low-intervention wines. Women are leading the charge toward more environmentally conscious consumption, with 72% of natural wine buyers identifying as female according to recent market research.
These wines – made with minimal additives, native yeasts, and often organic or biodynamic practices, appeal to health-conscious consumers concerned about both personal wellness and environmental impact. The movement has transformed from niche to mainstream, with dedicated natural wine bars and shops opening in cities nationwide.
Lower Alcohol Options
Another notable trend is the increasing preference for lower-alcohol wines. Women are at the forefront of the moderation movement, seeking wines that deliver flavor complexity without high alcohol content. This has driven interest in:
- Traditional European regions like Mosel (Germany) and Loire Valley (France) where wines naturally have lower ABV
- Emerging cool-climate regions producing balanced wines with moderate alcohol
- Early-harvested styles that prioritize freshness over power
This shift aligns with broader wellness trends and the desire for wines that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Alternative Packaging
Female consumers are 37% more likely than male counterparts to purchase wines in alternative packaging formats. This has accelerated the market for premium boxed wines (with 38% growth since 2022), high-quality canned wines for outdoor occasions and half-bottles for solo enjoyment without waste.
These formats offer convenience, portion control, and often reduced environmental impact – all factors that increasingly influence purchasing decisions.
Beyond Wine: Famous Women & Their Signature Drinks
Speaking of drinking trends, cocktails continue to capture women's attention. It's worth noting that female taste buds are generally more sensitive, with women approximately 35% more likely to be classified as "Super Tasters" compared to men. Perhaps this explains why so many influential women have developed such discerning and distinctive drink preferences.
Let's peek inside the glasses of some iconic women throughout history – and see how their choices continue to influence drinking culture today:
Elizabeth Taylor - The Chocolate Martini Queen
The violet-eyed screen legend wasn't just known for her diamonds – her cocktail creation has become equally iconic. While filming "Giant" in Texas with Rock Hudson in 1955, Taylor reportedly grew bored with standard cocktail options. In a moment of inspiration (or perhaps sweet-tooth desperation), she and Hudson experimented by adding Hershey's chocolate syrup and crème de cacao to vodka (I don't imagine it was the first drink of the day!).
The result? The dangerously delicious Chocolate Martini – a drink that's simultaneously sophisticated and indulgent, much like Taylor herself. Legend has it that Taylor would sip these between takes, somehow managing to never smudge her perfect lipstick.
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The Classic Recipe:
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2025 Update: Today's Elizabeth Taylor-inspired martinis have evolved to incorporate artisanal chocolate bitters, single-origin cacao liqueurs, and even smoked sea salt rims.
Craft bartenders have created variations using everything from espresso to chili-infused chocolate, though all pay homage to Taylor's original indulgent concept.
Mary Berry - The Unexpected Tequila Enthusiast
Mary Berry – the queen of perfect pastry, immaculate cardigans, and, surprisingly, tequila! Britain's beloved baking icon has delighted fans with her occasional revelations about enjoying a proper drink. Despite her gentle demeanour and grandmotherly image, during one memorable television appearance, she admitted, "I don't like neat vodka... but I like a nice sherry and I like my wine, and I love a tequila slammer!" This delightful contradiction between her refined baking persona and her taste for party shots has only endeared her further to fans.
Queen Elizabeth II - The Royal Drinking Regimen
While the public saw her unwavering dedication to duty, behind palace doors, Queen Elizabeth II apparently maintained an impressive drinking schedule that would leave most of us under the table.
According to former royal chef Darren McGrady and other palace insiders, Her Majesty enjoyed a remarkably consistent four-drink daily routine:
- Pre-lunch aperitif: Gin and Dubonnet (three parts Dubonnet, one part gin) with a slice of lemon and ice
- Lunchtime: A glass of wine (typically German white wine or a simple Bordeaux)
- Evening cocktail: A dry martini (gin, naturally – she was British, after all)
- Nightcap: A glass of champagne (often Bollinger or Krug) before bed
This regimen equated to approximately six units of alcohol daily – certainly more than health guidelines recommend, but perhaps essential for dealing with prime ministers, presidents, and family drama for over seven decades.
Margaret Thatcher - Whisky & Political Power
The Iron Lady's choice of whisky and soda speaks volumes about her practical, no-nonsense approach to life (and politics). Running a country on just 4 hours of sleep per night, Thatcher famously declared that "you must have whisky to give you energy" when working through the night.
Her preference wasn't just about stamina – it was also strategically chosen. Thatcher believed whisky and soda contained fewer calories than gin and tonic, allowing her to maintain her disciplined image. What's more, the simplicity of the drink meant she could easily monitor its strength during lengthy political negotiations and dinners.
Thatcher typically preferred Bell's whisky, taking it with a splash of soda and no ice – a drink that could be nursed throughout an evening without becoming diluted.
2025 Update: The "Thatcher Pour" has seen a resurgence among female executives and political figures. Premium Japanese and Scottish single malts with just a whisper of soda have become particularly popular among women business leaders who appreciate the drink's low calorie count, clean finish, and the message it sends – I'm here for serious business, not frivolous cocktails.
Frida Kahlo - Tequila & Mezcal Aficionada
No discussion of iconic women and their drinks would be complete without Mexico's most celebrated artist. Kahlo was famously photographed enjoying tequila and mezcal at cantinas, sometimes drinking straight from the bottle – a radical act for a woman in 1930's Mexico.
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Kahlo incorporated drinking into her art and identity, embracing Mexico's native spirits as extensions of her nationalism and rejection of colonialism. Her self-portraits sometimes feature bottles, and she was known to include alcohol in her artistic process. |
2025 Influence: Kahlo's feminist embrace of traditionally male drinking spaces has inspired a revolution in women's mezcal and tequila appreciation. Female-owned mezcal distilleries have proliferated, often using Kahlo's image and ethos in their branding.
The "Frida Serve" in craft cocktail bars typically involves artisanal mezcal presented with creative, artistic garnishes that reflect her vibrant aesthetic.
The Modern Female Drinker: Beyond Stereotypes
Perhaps the most striking development in women's drinking habits is the rejection of gendered stereotypes around beverage choices. Today's female consumers are:
Embracing Traditionally "Masculine" Spirits
The fastest-growing segment of female drinkers are those exploring traditionally male-dominated categories like:
- Whisky/Whiskey: Women now represent 36% of whisky drinkers, up from 28% in 2020
- Craft Beer: Female craft beer enthusiasts have increased by 29% in the past three years
- Aged Rum: Women account for 41% of premium rum purchasers in specialized retailers
This shift reflects broader social changes and the decreasing relevance of gendered marketing in the beverage industry.
Knowledgeable Consumers Driving Industry Changes
Women aren't just passive consumers – they're actively shaping the beverage landscape through:
- Industry Positions: Female sommeliers, distillers, and brewers are increasing, bringing diverse perspectives to product development
- Community Building: Women-led tasting groups and education platforms are flourishing, creating inclusive spaces for appreciation
- Investment Impact: Female investors are backing women-owned beverage startups at unprecedented rates
These factors combine to create a virtuous cycle where increased participation leads to more products that appeal to diverse palates.
As Mother's Day approaches, it's worth noting that the evolution of women's wine preferences mirrors the journey of motherhood itself – complex, ever-changing, and deserving of recognition beyond simplistic stereotypes. The modern mother, like today's female wine enthusiast, defies outdated expectations and embraces her sophisticated palate with confidence. Whether she's the Cab Sav loving matriarch who appreciates structure and depth, the Pinot Noir mum who values elegance and versatility, or the natural wine advocate passing her environmental values to the next generation – her choices reflect a rich tapestry of experience and discernment.
This Mother's Day, consider skipping the predictable bouquet and instead uncork something that honours her individual taste journey. Perhaps a premium version of her favourite varietal, a subscription to a women-led wine club, or even some proper glassware designed for her preferred style.
After all, in celebrating the women who nurture us, the most meaningful gift isn't assuming what she might enjoy - it's acknowledging that she's developed a palate as distinctive and remarkable as her role in our lives.
Here's to the mothers who've taught us that, like fine wine, the most beautiful things in life only improve with time and appreciation.
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