Melanie Gros honouring women in wine

Wine has long been shaped by tradition, ritual and storytelling, yet many of the women who helped define its history have often been left out of the narrative. French illustrator Melanie Gros is working to change that. Through vibrant, character-led artwork, she explores the overlooked stories of women in wine, blending historical research with a fresh visual perspective. But before illustration became her medium, Melanie spent years working in the wine industry herself. Here, she shares how that journey evolved.

“Raised in the South of France with a deep appreciation for gastronomy, I spent a decade mastering the art of wine. After earning my sommelier diploma and working in Paris, I specialised in sensory analysis and later moved beyond traditional service to create immersive tastings where wine meets poetry and music. This journey revealed a profound gap in the industry: while men often lead with confidence, women’s perspectives and history in the wine world have remained largely invisible.

To bridge this gap, I transitioned into illustration, earning a First Class Honours degree from Oxford Brookes University. My academic and creative research focused entirely on the historical representation of women in wine, from prehistory to the present. By blending this technical knowledge of oenology with a vibrant, character-driven artistic style, I now help estates and agencies tell more inclusive and authentic stories. I love translating their heritage and sensory essence into compelling visual narratives.”

If you’d like to work with Melanie, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.