Making Herstory: Women in the Virginia Spirits Industry
The women of Virginia’s distilling community have played a critical role in the development and proliferation of award-winning, local spirits across the commonwealth. Women’s History Month is the perfect time to highlight the female trailblazers — in what’s considered a traditionally male-dominated industry — and raise a glass to their unwavering passion for crafting exceptional spirits.
Legacy Rooted in Tradition
The roots of women’s contributions to Virginia distilling can be traced back to colonial America. According to early Chesapeake records, women were often responsible for managing in-home distilling practices, producing whiskey, rum and brandy for the household.
During this time, men, women and children relied on distilled spirits for sanitation and daily drinking, as water was often contaminated. While women refined the craft throughout the 18th century, men increasingly shared distilling duties, drawn by a growing interest in the science behind spirits-making.
Despite this shift, the labor of distilling largely remained a women’s responsibility. Many operated local taverns and developed recipes and guidebooks that shaped early Virginia distilling traditions.
What advice would you give a woman who is interested in breaking into the spirits industry?
Shelley Sackier, Director of Distillery Education at Reservoir Distillery | Richmond, VA
“No matter how many opportunities are available or how much context and insight you might possess, this world is still oftentimes one where women must go the extra mile in order to get the standard mileage. So, my advice is: do not wait to get picked. Do not hope for permission. Instead, be the person who provides the new data, conducts the new research, creates the new products. Don’t wish for an invitation to the party — throw the party.”
The Rum-Running Queen
During Prohibition, women became key players in the spirits industry, operating as bootleggers, moonshiners, runners and secret distillers. Franklin County, Virginia — known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World” — saw women concealing and distributing spirits across the state to keep distilling traditions alive.
One of the most infamous figures was Willie Carter Sharpe, a Blue Ridge Mountain woman dubbed the “rum-running queen,” who reportedly transported up to 220,000 gallons of spirits between 1921 and 1931. Sharpe is a legend of Virginia’s moonshining history and encouraged future women to keep the heritage of distilling alive post-Prohibition.
What inspired you to pursue a career in distilling/the spirits industry?
Anna Prillaman Robertson, family-owner at Twin Creeks Distillery | Rocky Mount, VA
“My roots are embedded in the old-time ways of mashing grains and fruits, and making craft spirits. My family culture is centered around string music, the art of mountain distilling, and southern hospitality. I come from a family who has been very involved in the liquor business, mostly illegally during war times and depression times in the 1930s. Both of my grandfathers were even involved, indicted and noted as ‘kingpins’ during the ‘Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935’ in Franklin County, Virginia. My inspiration comes from the hard lifestyle of the most genuine folks I ever knew. The truth behind our local area’s spirit history needed to be preserved and shared. That’s why I’m here in the distilling and spirits industry.”
Women Shaping the Future of Virginia Distilling
Today, women drive the spirit of innovation in Virginia’s distilling community as owners, distillers, educators and beyond. Their leadership is redefining what it means to produce spirits — especially in the Birthplace of American Spirits — and is evident in the growing number of women-led distilleries, award-winning products and increased representation. As the commonwealth’s spirits industry evolves, women distillers are proving that the future of Virginia spirits is undeniably female.
How do you envision the role of women in the spirits industry evolving in the coming years?
Stephanie Somers, owner and distiller at Beach Vodka | Virginia Beach, VA
“I see the role of women in the spirits industry evolving into one of greater leadership, influence and innovation. Currently, our entire Beach Vodka team is made up of talented women leading in production, logistics, sales and marketing. I love seeing more women step into these roles, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the industry. I hope to inspire even more women to get involved in the world of spirits, breaking barriers and shaping its future.”
Beyond Women’s History Month, we encourage you to explore women-owned distilleries to support the remarkable women leading the charge in the spirits industry. Learn more about their craft here, and raise a glass to all the women who make #VaSpirits what it is today.