The 2025 marie claire Women of the Year Awards had an unmistakable energy — the kind that fills a room when brilliant women come together. It was an evening dedicated to Australia’s changemakers: the activists shifting policy, the creatives expanding culture, and the leaders rewriting what influence looks like in this country.
From the moment guests stepped inside, it was clear this wasn’t just an awards night. Every detail was designed to celebrate women, from the decor and music to the quiet moments of connection across the table between honourees. Even the wine poured into each glass carried its own story of female excellence.
Celebrating Women in Every Moment
In partnership with Fine Wines by Constellation Brands, the event showcased the finest American wines from the world’s most iconic wineries: Robert Mondavi Winery, voted one of the top 50 wineries in the world. And behind these celebrated wines stands a trailblazing woman whose career reflects the night’s very spirit of achievement, Genevieve Janssens, Chief Winemaker.
Born into a French wine-growing family in Morocco and trained among Europe’s most respected winemakers, Janssens has spent more than two decades shaping Napa Valley’s most acclaimed varieties, like the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay. Her philosophy combines precision, intuition and creativity. It’s an approach that has established her as one of the most influential figures in modern American winemaking.
Genevieve, like many of the women celebrated at the awards is committed to her craft and bringing people together to celebrate. “I’ll never stop making wine. It’s so rewarding, the process, and then bringing people together at the table to share the joy” shares Genevieve Janssens
The Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay welcomed guests with its bright, elegant profile — lively yet refined, much like the honourees gracing the red carpet. As the evening progressed, the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon revealed itself to be the perfect partner during speeches — rich, structured and expressive. It was the kind of wine that invited conversation, connection and reflection; perfectly suited to a night celebrating extraordinary women.
Raising a Glass to Trailblazers
Throughout the night, honourees shared stories of resilience, reinvention and community. Some spoke with raw honesty, others with sharp humour, all with clarity of purpose. Glasses clinked in recognition, not just of personal achievements, but of the collective power of women shaping Australia’s future.
By the final toast, the symbolism was clear. This was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of excellence, influence and legacy. And as guests raised glasses filled with wine crafted by a woman who has spent decades redefining her craft, it encapsulated the evening’s purpose: to honour the women shaping our culture, one extraordinary achievement at a time.
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