In recognition of International Women's Day, we would like to highlight some of the women in the wine trade that have inspired us over the years.

Corrine Mentzelopoulos owns and runs the prestigious Bordeaux Chateau Margaux and is often cited as one of the leading female figures in the wine trade.  Mentzelopoulos received the distinction of Officer of the Legion of Honor in 2012.

Jancis Robinson is a wine critic and journalist writing for The Times, as well as her own website jancisrobinson.com.  Her writing career started in 1975 and over the years has led to a string of awards and recognition as one of the most influential wine critics in the world.

Saskia de Rothschild is the latest of the Rothschild Family to take the helm at Chateau Lafite Rothschild.  With history as an investigative journalist, Saskia has never been afraid of a challenge, so becoming the youngest person to run a first growth estate is a perfect fit.

Sarah Ahmed is an award-winning wine writer, educator and judge who writes for Decanter Magazine alongside her own website thewinedetective.co.uk.  Specialising in wines from Portugal and Australia, in 2013 she was admitted to the rank of Cavaleiro of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto.

Serena Sutcliffe is the head of Sotheby's international wine department and a respected wine writer.  The second woman to become a Master of Wine, Sutcliffe was also awarded the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour for her work promoting French wine.

Jane Anson is Decanter Magazine's Bordeaux correspondent, writes for the South China Morning Post and is a published wine author.  A wine educator at Ecole du Vin Bordeaux, Anson holds a masters in publishing and a tasting diploma from the Bordeaux Faculty of Oenology.

Albiera Antinori, 27th generation member of the Antinori Family, is the President of Italian wine dynasty Marchesi Antinori.  Closely supported by her sisters Allegra and Alessia, the trio work together to continue the family traits of tradition, passion and intuition.

Veronique Sanders, MD of Chateau Haut-Bailly is the 4th generation of her family to work with the property.  Her interests span from viticulture & winemaking through to architecture.  A self-confessed people person, she has helped to drive the hospitality side of the business.

There are obviously countless other inspirational women in the wine trade, so please feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.