Second nomination Wine Woman of the Year 2025 festively unveiled at Morgan & Mees - Ghislaine Melman joins the list of honour. At a vibrant gathering at boutique hotel Morgan & Mees in Rotterdam, Ghislaine Melman was announced as the second nominee for the title Wine Woman of the Year 2025.
Source: Miss Publicity
The festive ceremony, framed by refined dishes and Pommery Champagne, marks a new highlight in this annual pageant. With this election, the Wine Woman of the Year Foundation puts the spotlight on women who are professionally active in the wine world. The four nominated candidates are all women who are committed to the wine world in a remarkable way and share their knowledge. According to the jury, which consists of former winners and experts from the wine industry, the nominees for this title make the Dutch wine world a little bit better. These hard-working women are also an example for others working in the wine industry. The other two title candidates will be announced in the coming months.
Jury report
Ghislaine Melman is an experienced PR specialist in the international wine sector, based in Leiden, the Netherlands. Her agency, Melman Communications, focuses specifically on public relations within the wine and food industry, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in this niche market.
Melman Communications is known as a dynamic and flexible PR agency specialising in public relations for the wine and food industry. The agency's professional approach and reputation underline Ghislaine's commitment to high quality standards within her field.
Ghislaine's ambition is demonstrated by her active involvement in various wine-related events and initiatives. For example, she organises ViniBio, an event focused on organic wines, which shows her commitment to supporting sustainable and innovative developments within the wine sector.
Through her communication skills and use of various social media platforms, Ghislaine makes information about wine accessible to a wide audience. Her efforts contribute to increasing interest and knowledge about wine among both professionals and enthusiasts. In addition, she is "innovative" and does not hesitate to "tackle smaller projects. Very sociable, hospitable and thorough.
About Ghislaine Melman
Ghislaine Melman, born and raised in Maastricht, discovered her deep love for wine at an early age. Even as a little girl, she found wine fascinating, although the taste did not appeal to her then. Her passion for wine was further fuelled when she gave a talk on wine in primary school and later fulfilled her dream by picking grapes in the famous wine village of Vosne-Romanée at Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret. This experience was an important learning moment for her in the art of winemaking.
After her vinologist training, Ghislaine began to delve further into the world of wine. She worked closely with wine producers and learned the intricacies of the trade from them. Her broad experience led her past iconic wine regions like Alto Adige and Nappa Valley and wine countries like Chile and Lebanon where she continued to expand her knowledge of terroir and the art of wine production.
In addition to her work in the wine industry, Ghislaine is also a passionate wine writer and regularly shares her experiences and insights through various platforms. Her constant quest for knowledge and passion for the world of wine have enabled her to build a valuable network and contribute to the promotion of special wine regions and techniques. Ghislaine remains committed to spreading her love for wine, sharing and continuing to learn with wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Road to the final
The professional jury of Wine Woman of the Year 2025 will consist of Janna Meppeling (winner Wine Woman of the Year 2024), Kirsten Abels (winner Wine Woman of the Year 2023), Tatjana Puklavec (winner Wine Woman of the Year 2022), Claudia van Dongen (winner Wine Woman of the Year 2021) and Barbara Verbeek (vinologist and wine journalist). The final will take place during Gastvrij Rotterdam in Ahoy on Tuesday 23 September 2025. Not only the jury of wine professionals will determine the final winner. After the announcement of the final nominee, the public can vote via www.wijnvrouwvanhetjaar.nl.
Partners
New sponsor Pommery, founded in Reims in 1836, is a leading champagne house known for its quality, elegance and innovation. A pioneer of brut champagne, Pommery combines a rich heritage with sustainable, modern production methods. The house offers globally acclaimed champagnes and unique experiences, such as cellar tours and exclusive tastings.
Partner from the very beginning is Royal Leerdam, this Dutch company that has been designing, producing and selling glassware since 1976. Many designers have been associated with the brand over the years. At Royal Leerdam, they are dedicated to creating enjoyable glassware for every occasion and moment in the most sustainable way possible. Royal Leerdam's glasses have a practical yet elegant style and are a regular fixture in the hospitality industry. Royal Leerdam is main sponsor of Wine Woman of the Year. It is also a loyal partner of Gastvrij Rotterdam, the hospitality trade fair for the middle and high segment of the hospitality industry, which annually offers a complete range of food and non-food products. More information www.gastvrij-rotterdam.nl. MissPublicity and The Wine Theatre are involved as partners in communication and organisation. The nomination rounds are hosted by the venue, this time by Morgan & Mees Rotterdam.
About Morgan & Mees
Morgan & Mees Rotterdam is located in a monumental Bauhaus building from 1938, right in the creative heart of the city, near the lively Nieuwe Binnenweg. The hotel offers 20 unique rooms, a luxury penthouse, a restaurant, cocktail bar and an attractive covered terrace.Inside, modern design meets historical character. Comfortable furniture, contemporary lighting and art are combined with original details such as woodwork, mouldings and tiled floors. This mix creates an atmosphere of inspiring comfort and casual charm. The concept brings together two worlds: Morgan, the global citizen who loves surprises, and Mees, the down-to-earth local who stands for authenticity and purity. Together, they form the soul of Morgan & Mees. In September 2025, Morgan & Mees Rotterdam will launch its new concept: restaurant Mies.
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