We’re thrilled to share the story that Romania’s largest exporter of wine, Cramele Recas is showing its commitment to bolstering women in the industry to top positions, by the appointment of three new female winemakers. Cramele Recas’ 2020 winemaking team is made up of 80% women, championing female winemakers in an industry traditionally reserved for men.
The appointment of Alice Lugli, Sarah-Marie Bachnik and Elena Alejos bring the wine making team to a total of five, as they join veteran Cramele Recas winemakers, Harley Smithers and Nora Iriate, who both have over two decades of experience behind them.
“I’m really excited about what the future holds for Cramele Recas” says Founder and Commercial Director, Philip Cox “we’re so proud to have these incredible winemakers on board and look forward to developing and growing as a winery with them, for many years to come.”
Introducing the three new women on the Cramele Recas team, we start with Alice Lugli. Her time at Cramele Recas was preceded by her work in her native Italy (Cantina Cinti Floriano), Portugal (Casa de Cello) and Australia (Kirrihill Wines). She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Bologna. Now at Cramele Recas, she works as a Pestera being responsible for the vinification process of the white, rosé and red wines.
Sarah-Marie Bachnik, a German winemaker who worked across the globe, from Australia (Wilimee Wines, Goldie) to Canada (Poplar Grove Winery, Penticton) to Austria (Weingut Fred Loimer GmbH), before turning her hand to Cramele Recas’ vineyards in Romania.
Next up, Elena Alejos Omedas, has been working in the wine industry since 2002. Starting out as Technical Director across various Spanish vineyards, she has also since gone international, offering her guidance to vineyards in New Zealand (Indevin Group Ltd, Blenheim) and China (Ningxia Winemakers Challenge, Ningxia). A tour-de-force when it comes to wine making, an expert across almost all wine categories, including red, white, sparkling, fortified, orange and sweet, and has won various awards, including two medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards (2012 and 2019).
Each brings their own international experience to their roles, and help balance out what is still a hugely male-skewed position. This group of diverse winemakers are dedicated to continuing Cramele Recas’ mission to produce modern, fruit-driven wines which over deliver on quality without compromising on value.
For more information on Cramele Recas – please contact josh@clementinecom.com
