Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026
March 8 is International Women’s Day; a day to celebrate the women in our lives and their achievements. There is so much to say about the women who make up our culinary industry. Their talent, creativity, and vision are key to providing some of the most exceptional food and drink experiences in our province.
Taste of Nova Scotia is honoured to work with so many exceptional women who are part of the fabric of our membership. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re making a toast in their honour. From winemakers to chefs, farmers to fishers, educators to entrepreneurs, and so many more – these women are leaders in their industry.
Below are just some of the many incredible women who are a part of Taste of Nova Scotia. To all of the women in our membership and in Nova Scotia’s culinary industry, thank you. Today, and every day, we celebrate you!
Restaurant Industry
Step into almost any restaurant, and you’ll be sure to find talented women who are shaping your experience from the inside out. They’re leading operations, running kitchens, overseeing service and creating spaces where guests feel welcome. The women below are just a few of the many who own, operate, and create for some of the local restaurants you know and love!
Chef Bettina Hartenstein of Chanterelle Restaurant & Inn
Chef Amy Steeves of Cumin Kitchen & Drink
Joline D’Entremont of Evan’s Fresh Seafood
Lynda Flinn of Kiwi Café
Chef Kim MacPherson of Lupin Dining & Pantry
Jennie Dobbs of Morris East
Heather Rankin of Obladee, A Wine Bar
Quita Gray of Sugar Moon Farm
Sylvie Ruiz-Salvador of The Beach Pea, Salt Shaker Deli and The South Shore Fish Shack
Chef Renée Lavallée of The Canteen on Portland
Sarah Griebel of Wild Caraway Restaurant & Rooms
Wine Industry
Spend time in Nova Scotia’s wine country and you’ll discover the amazing women behind the wines. They’re running operations, growing and harvesting grapes, leading teams, winning awards and welcoming guests. The women below are just a few of the many who continue to put Nova Scotia wine on the map.
Melanie Eelman of Beausoleil Farmstead Winery & Cidery
Ashley & Devon McConnell-Gordon of Benjamin Bridge
Beatrice Stutz and Cäcilia Stutz of Domaine de Grand Pré and Le Caveau Restaurant
Gina Haverstock of Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost Vineyards, and Mercator Vineyards
Jocelyn Lightfoot and Rachel Lightfoot of Lightfoot & Wolfville
Geena Luckett of Luckett Vineyards
Lisa Law of Planters Ridge Winery
Nancy Hartnett of Sainte Famille/Lost Bell
Craft Beverage Industry
Every local pint or spirit reflects great craft and exceptional leadership. Across Nova Scotia’s craft beverage industry, women are building brands and creating award-winning brews and spirits. Here are just a few of the incredible women helping shape the culture of our craft beverage community.
Colleen Murphy of Barrelling Tide Distillery
Victoria Piersig of Below the Salt Distillery
Emily Cowin of Boxing Rock Brewing Company
Celeste Dawson of Bulwark Cider
Olivia Giffen and Olivia van Roestel of Coldstream Clear
Lynne MacKay and Rebekkah Parsons of Ironworks Distillery
Poet Comeau of Lake City Cider
Nancy Giles of Sober Island Brewing
Christiane Jost of Tatamagouche Brewing Co.
Agri-food & Seafood Industries
From our Land. From our Sea. From our Hands. This is where it all begins, before it reaches the kitchen. The women listed here are raising, harvesting, cultivating, and crafting the agri-food, seafood and culinary products that are staples in our homes.
Catherine Keeler of Annapolis Fine Cheese
Nancy and Rachel Purdy of Bay Enterprises Limited
Cathy Munro of Bramble Hill Farm
Kelly Conrad of Dory Mate’s Seafood Shop
Margaretha van den Hoek Field of That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm
Meghan Brosens of Skye Glen Creamery
Artisanal & Specialty Products
Honey, jams, chocolates, baked goods, and snack bars don’t make themselves. The unique products you love start with women who had a great idea and the determination to see it through. These are a few of the incredible women keeping our kitchens full of artisanal products and delicious treats.
Cynthia Kennedy of Axe to Grind Foods
Margaret Cornect of Cornect Family Farm
Melissa Mbeba of Delectable Desserts
Yseult Bertic of Gourmandises Avenue Chocolaterie
Jessie Jollymore & Chef Natasha Jollymore of Hope Blooms
Sheena Russell of Made with Local
Helen Buchan of Mrs.MacGregor’s Shortbreads
Roselene Royea of RoRo’s Hot Sauce
Nathalie Morin of Rousseau Chocolatier
Jennifer Laughlin of Schoolhouse Gluten Free Gourmet
Shivani Dhamija of Shivani’s Kitchen
Beverly McClare of Tangled Garden
Jenna Ross of The Nova Scotian Cookie Company
Emma Murphy of Uprooted Market & Cafe
There are so many incredible women who are part of Taste of Nova Scotia and are shaping the culinary industry. This list is just a snapshot of the talent and leadership woven into the fabric of our province. To every woman growing, cooking, baking, brewing, crafting, and building something here; we see you, we value you, and we celebrate you.