Why do women experience wine differently? See, that’s the question that popped into my head (and onto the podcast) when I sat down with Erin Reddan, founder of ECR Vintners, for an episode of Diana Prince Lives Next Door. And now, after a seriously juicy convo, I can’t stop thinking about how we, as women—busy, bold, and breaking barriers—approach wine, careers, self-love, and everything in between.
So, if you’ve ever sat quietly in a vineyard while your husband chatted up the sommelier (ahem, guilty) or felt just a smidge out of place at a wine tasting, girl, grab your glass. I’m about to spill what I learned—and it’s so much more than tannins and toast.
Let’s start with the big reveal Erin dropped right away: The whole “California wine” vibe? Those bold, oaky, full-bodied reds—a lot of us don’t vibe with that. Shocking? Maybe not. But validating? Absolutely. Erin’s entire journey into winemaking started because she realized women were constantly being left out of the wine conversation. Honestly, can you relate? Overwhelmed by jargon. Judged for ordering the bright white instead of “the serious red.” Or just quietly sipping what you like while everyone else debates vintage like it’s a secret society.
Erin’s solution: Build a wine brand for women, by a woman, centered around what we actually want to drink. Don’t own a vineyard? No problem. She did it anyway.
Why Do Women Experience Wine Differently? The Palate Truth
Okay, back to our question. Why do women experience wine differently? Turns out, there’s a little bit of science and a whole lot of social history involved. Erin told me that women’s palates often crave brighter, more acidic wines—think crisp whites, chillable reds, and sparkling wines you can pop just because. Meanwhile, the wine world has been obsessed with big, bold bottles perfect for steak dinners…seriously, how many of us are chowing down on steak every night? Not this girl.
But it’s more than that: Women use wine to connect, to celebrate, to unwind with friends over “girl dinner” or a rom-com and fuzzy socks. Our experience of wine is social, emotional—a ritual of self-love and soul food, not just a status symbol.
And here’s something Erin made crystal clear: Wine should never be intimidating. Those fancy-pants descriptors? Ignore ‘em if they don’t speak to you. You don’t need to “get” gooseberry or “detect” pencil shavings to trust what delights your palate. Enjoy the twang (yes, Erin and I had a moment over that word)—embrace the flavors you love, not the ones you’re told you should chase.
Giving Ourselves Permission To Enjoy
My personal takeaway? Permission, plain and simple. Permission to enjoy what feels good. Permission to ask questions (or not!). Permission to walk right past the jargon and into the joy—whether you love buttery Chardonnays or zippy Sauv Blancs or Erin’s personally curated stainless steel versions you didn’t know you’d adore. Erin’s whole mission is to shift wine culture so more women show up at the table, bottle in hand, voice fully heard.
Wine as self-love? Absolutely. Wine as a metaphor for owning your likes, your journey, and your narrative? HELL YES.
The Book That Changed Everything for Erin
Before I sign off, let me give you the book Erin swears by: Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten. Why? Because Garten lays it all out—showing you that success is equal parts hustle, heart, and hanging in there until a little luck lands in your lap. Erin said Ina’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start somewhere. The rest will unfold.
So here’s to making space for your own flavor profile—in wine, in work, in life. And if you need a reminder: Confidence is the best pairing, always.
Want to listen to the full episode? Click here.
Here’s to living boldly, sipping confidently, and claiming your wonder—one glass at a time. Cheers, ladies.
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