MEN predominantly set the gold standard for winemaking, but women are increasingly discovering the pleasure a career in wine can bring.

Here are some of the most influential and successful women securing some bumper harvests...

Considering how much ladies love a glass of sparkle, it’s surprising how few cellar masters wear the heels in Champagne. One of the celebrated few, Caroline Latrive focuses on quality when crafting Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur, France (£28.99, waitrosecellar.com). A low dosage (less sugar) champagne for connoisseurs fond of a dryer style, it’s an equal blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, with a top up of pinot meunier and the freshness, elegance and sheer silkiness is dressed up with delicate citrus notes on the long finish.

Undeniably feminine, a coral pink rose such as Isabelle Pangault’s Vallee Des Pins Rose 2013, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France (£9.99, Majestic) is the perfect choice for sipping under a shimmering blue sky. But don’t be fooled by the characteristically pale colour, Pangault is an authority on terroir and her rose is beautifully structured and full of flavour with a gorgeous nose of strawberry preserves, exotic fruit flavours and good acidity on the fresh, clean finish.

Celebrating 21 years with Wynns, Sue Hodder is one of Australia’s best known winemakers, and her Wynns Black Label Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Australia (£15.99, Waitrose) is characterized by intense, black fruit (only the top 20 to 25% of cabernet fruit goes into the vintage), a hint of eucalyptus with fruitcake notes and a complex core of blackcurrant with a rich mouthfeel rounded off by a touch of oak. A big wine that more than delivers.

American women lead the way in the world of female winemakers and Elizabeth Vianna is the powerhouse behind Chimney Rock’s consistently good Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Stag’s Leap District, California, USA (£35, cellarviewines.com). Rich and opulent, this is a serious cabernet sauvignon with a Bordeaux influence with a soft, seductive finish.