The Top 10 Most Powerful Women in the World of Wine

[Roy Hersh]

You can discover all of the top 50, but here's the top 10:

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/1 ... ne-10-1/2/

[Ray Barnes]

Thanks Roy. As much as I respect the work of Jancis Robinson, I question the justice of her receiving a higher ranking than Mmes Lalou Bize-Leroy, arguably with Aubert de Villaine the greatest vigneron in Burgundy, and Corinne Mentzelopoulos. The greatest winemakers matter more than the critics, no matter how good the critics are.

[Roy Hersh]

However, that doesn't make them more powerful, given Jancis' impact on the marketplace vs. theirs. It all depends on how "most powerful women in the world of wine" is defined, or viewed by the publication where this appeared.

[Ray Barnes]

While I would not question the rationale behind the elevated status of Jancis Robinson's ranking, given the (arguably excessive) influence of the opinion of critics on the wine marketplace, I was questioning the justice of the results. Perhaps they reflect the current reality of life in the wine world. I consider that reality, in some aspects to be unjust.

[Paul Fountain]

It is so hard to compile a list of this sort as it really is comparing apples to oranges in many cases. The perspective would certainly be different depending on where in the world you live, as well as how you judge "power". I was a bit surprised that Jancis Robinson wasn't number 1 as I would have throught that her profile worldwide would only be rivaled by Parker.
While you could argue that the winemakers are more important, given their finite production and cost of the product, I'll probably never get to drink most of their best wines.