In celebration of Women’s History Month, Wine ConneXtion will be profiling several women-owned wineries and female winemakers. We now turn to the women of Napa Valley.

Megan Gunderson, Hall Winery

Winemaker Megan Gunderson began her career in the Napa Valley in 2001 when she moved from Colorado to California and worked as an intern at Robert Mondavi Winery. While at Mondavi, she discovered a passion for wine and viticulture and went on to become a Laboratory Manager for St. Supery Vineyards in Rutherford, then Dominus Estates in Yountville. At Dominus, she was able to refine her winemaking skills under the mentorship of Christian Moueix and Jean-Claude Barrouet, learning to hone her winemaking craft with unique methods. (biography taken from hallwines.com)

Pick up a bottle of Hall Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker notes: Effusive aromas of blackberry, black cherry, freshly turned earth, and subtly warm toasty oak notes. The palate is dense and richly concentrated with fine-grained tannin and good length. Flavors of dark chocolate, dark berry compote, and hints of dried thyme and leather are abundant.

Stephanie Putnam, Raymond Vineyards

Stephanie Putnam is the Director of Winemaking at Raymond Vineyards, where she oversees all aspects of winemaking for this iconic Napa Valley winery. A Northern California native and graduate of U.C. Davis with a B.S. in Fermentation Science, Stephanie developed her passion for winemaking at an early age thanks to her family’s appreciation of gourmet food and wine. She fondly remembers many childhood trips to the Napa Valley where her parents would come to enjoy and collect wine. Stephanie currently resides in Napa with her two large, lovable Labradors. (biography taken from and photo credit: raymondvineyards.com)

Pick up a bottle of Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon R Collection.
Winemaker notes: Opens with alluring aromas of dark red fruits, blackberry pie and a touch of clove. Upon the palate, this luscious Cabernet presents rich flavors of plum, black currants and bright berries. It has a medium weight and soft, round tannins that lead to a long, lingering finish.

Pick up a bottle of Raymond R Collection Field Blend.
Winemaker notes: Collection by Raymond reflects our winery’s deep roots and pioneering spirit in California winemaking with a diverse collection of wines showcasing California’s vineyard bounty. The Field Blend is a unique wine made from seven varietals, with the core five being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. The result is a well balanced, full bodied wine overflowing with tangy raspberry, cherry, blueberry and white pepper.

Pick up a bottle of Raymond Velvet Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.
Winemaker notes: This reserve selection wine pays homage to Raymond family’s five generation commitment to crafting Napa valley wines. These grapes are hand-sorted to preserve the bright fruit flavors and rich earthy characters of the fruit. This wine is full of ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors with a hint of chocolate and peppery spice.

Angelina Mondavi, Flat Top Winery

One of the four daughters of Marc and Janice Mondavi, Angelina has an extensive resume as a consulting winemaker both nationally and internationally. Flat Top Hills is her personal passion project, a premiere collection from G4, the fourth generation of the C. Mondavi family. (biography taken from and photo credit: flattopwines.com)

Pick up a bottle of Flat Top Hills California Cabernet Sauvignon Wine.
Winemaker notes. Our rich, smooth and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has deep blue and black fruit on the palate with cocoa powder and vanilla notes. Additionally, there are warm spice components, like nutmeg and cassis. The tannins are integrated and the wine ends with a long and velvety finish. Pair Flat Top Hills Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy red meat, like steak or chops. The firm tannins in this wine refresh the palate after each bite. Our favorites are blue cheese burgers, rosemary braised lamb shanks or filet mignon with rich balsamic glaze.

Kelly Peterson, Switchback Ridge Winery

Kelly founded Switchback Ridge in 1999 with the dream of continuing her family’s legacy that began with her great-grandparents over 100 years ago. She is responsible for all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing and hospitality functions. Kelly takes great pride in what she and the three generations before her have accomplished and is thankful for the opportunity to continue a family legacy of hard working farmers, grape growers, and now, wine producers. Above all she is most proud of her daughter, Ashley, who joined the company in 2015 and her son, Devon, who is currently studying viticulture and enology. With the future of Switchback Ridge in good hands, she looks forward to focusing on her most recent and cherished role as “Mimi” to her first granddaughter, Ava, the sixth generation already in training! (biography taken from and photo credit: switchbackridge.com)

Pick up a bottle of Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon or Switchback Ridge Petit Sirah.