Women in Wine and Spirits: 4 Leaders Owning the Industry
This March, we aren’t just celebrating history; we are making it. At Latinas Wine Club, our mission has always been about more than just grapes—it’s about ownership. For too long, the wine and spirits industry has been a space where many felt they needed an invitation. This Women’s History Month, we are highlighting four powerhouses who didn’t wait for an invite—they built their own tables.
From the boutique vineyards of California to the ancestral deserts of Chihuahua and the heart of community-driven wine labels, these women—Erin Reddan, Laura Orozco, Laura Rodríguez, and Claudia Romo Edelman—are redefining what luxury, leadership, and legacy look like in every glass.
Erin Reddan: Rewriting the Story with ECR Vintners
Erin Reddan, the visionary behind ECR Vintners, is a “Girl’s Girl” in the world of wine. Based in New York City but sourcing from premier California vineyards, Erin recognized a massive gap in the market: the industry wasn’t talking to smart, stylish, modern women in a way that felt authentic. Instead of trying to fit into a traditional mold, Erin launched ECR Vintners to create refined, approachable wines crafted with women’s preferences in mind. Her portfolio includes crisp whites and elegant sparkling options designed for real-life moments—business lunches and meaningful celebrations.
Laura Orozco: The Soul of Paso d'Oro
When we talk about claiming space, Paso d’Oro stands as a testament to heritage and excellence. Laura Orozco brings a profound dedication to the craft, ensuring that every bottle tells a story of the land and the hands that tend it. In an industry where Latinas have historically been part of the labor force but often excluded from executive leadership, Laura is flipping the script. Her presence at Paso d’Oro is a signal to every Latina that we don’t just belong in the vineyard; we belong on the label and in the owner’s chair.
Laura Rodríguez: The Community Spirit of Ella Wines
Laura Rodríguez, the force behind Ella Wines, is proof that wine can be a powerful vehicle for connection and empowerment. Ella Wines isn’t just about what is in the bottle; it’s about the “Ella” (She) in all of us. Laura has created a brand that celebrates the feminine spirit, making wine approachable without sacrificing the sophistication we deserve. Her work focuses on building a community where women feel seen and represented, reminding us that our collective palate is a force to be reckoned with. Through Ella Wines, Laura is ensuring that the “everyday” woman feels like an insider in an industry that has often felt like an exclusive club.
Claudia Romo Edelman: The New Frontier of Spirits
You likely know Claudia Romo Edelman as a global diplomat and the founder of We Are All Human. Now, she is bringing that same “force of nature” energy to the spirits market with her latest venture: Sotol Romo. Sotol, the “third pillar” of Mexican spirits alongside Tequila and Mezcal, is an ancestral treasure from the Chihuahua desert. With the launch of Sotol Romo, Claudia is proving that Latinas can—and should—scale ultra-premium brands. She isn’t just selling a spirit; she is selling a piece of culture that demands respect on the global stage.
Why This Matters: The Power to Choose
The stories of Erin, both Lauras, and Claudia reflect a larger movement. As we have seen through our community in New York, Texas, and beyond, the journey is about feeling empowered to choose. For too long, the narrative has been that we do not belong, but these women prove otherwise. We are humans with the inherent right to achieve, to learn, and to occupy any space we choose. Knowing your preferences is an act of self-assertion, and it is the key to walking into any room with your head held high.