At the heart of the beer industry, women and non-binary leaders are not just breaking barriers – they are reshaping the future of brewing. While International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality, we believe it’s essential to spotlight the contributions and achievements of these trailblazers all year round.
Their leadership, vision, and determination are creating opportunities and forging new paths, challenging the status quo, and making room for the next generation of women and non-binary people to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Celebrating these remarkable individuals every day highlights the progress we’ve made and the continued work needed to build a more inclusive and diverse beer industry for all.
Today we shine a spotlight on Pia Poynton who has carved out a name not just through skill and determination, but through a deep love for the craft and a vision for a more inclusive future. Currently the Sales and Operations Manager at Grape & Grain and a qualified Cicerone, Poynton’s journey is one marked by passion, persistence, and progress.
From bartender to beer advocate
Poynton’s love affair with beer began unexpectedly during her early days in hospitality. One of her first bar jobs was at the Belgian Beer Café Westende in Perth, a venue rich in beer culture.
“I was super green and hadn’t really bartended before, so I was just trying to get behind the bar,” she recalls. “I certainly wasn’t expecting to discover the world of beer was filled with so much history and could taste so different to what I had known beer to be.”
This discovery sparked a lasting fascination, and to this day, it’s still exactly what Poynton loves about beer – its flavour and story.
Her career took a decisive turn when she joined Gage Roads as a sales representative. She says: “It wasn’t really until then I realised I might be able to make a career out of talking beer all day – happy days!”
Challenges persist, but so does resolve
As an advocate for diversity, Poynton recognises the structural changes needed to make the industry more welcoming to women and non-binary people.
“It’s hard to attract anyone other than men into an industry that looks like it’s definitely all men,” she says. “If we can’t see people like us being involved, it’s a pretty big leap to see ourselves in that space.”
Her advice to breweries is practical and rooted in empathy: re-evaluate hiring practices, engage HR professionals, and support staff through accessible training. She stresses that inclusion must be visible across every touchpoint – from job ads to packaging and internal communications.
“Beer names or designs that don’t demean women is the absolute bare minimum here.”
Change, she emphasises, “won’t happen with a couple of big moves by a couple of people or breweries… Change will happen from everyone making small decisions every day in how we show up and represent beer in the world.”
Reflecting on the challenges of being a woman in the industry, Poynton is candid in saying: “The challenges are to simply feel safe, to be heard and to be respected.”
She says: “As I have progressed in my career, it’s definitely improved but it hasn’t gone away, and I have yet to meet a woman in this industry who this wouldn’t resonate with.
“I have been fortunate enough a few times in my career to work for people who made safety, inclusivity and respect a priority… Without either of these things, I am not sure I’d still be in the industry.”
To those considering a career in beer, she offers this heartfelt guidance: “Find your people and trust your instincts and make sure you make looking after yourself a priority.”
This ethos of care and community has been central to her journey and the culture she strives to build.
Driven by people and passion
With a career rich in accomplishments, it’s no surprise Poynton struggles to narrow down the highlights. But hosting the 2019 Pink Boots WA brew day at Nowhereman Brewing stands out as a proud moment.
“It was so great to bring a Pink Boots brew to life in the brewery I was working in,” she says.
Another standout is receiving the WA Brewers Association Industry Recognition Award in 2022 – “that was pretty special”.
She also fondly remembers launching the Pink Boots judging training program alongside Clare Clouting.
“For the longest time I think it was just the two of us at Perth judging so helping to bring in more women with the incredible person that is Clare was just brilliant.”
At the heart of Poynton’s career is a love for people and their stories.
“Working with winemakers and brewers; hearing their stories about how they got started, the idea or process that led to the drinks they’re making, and their own connections with their communities… It’s what made hospitality so rewarding and it’s the same with beer and wine.”
Pia Poynton
Poynton’s journey is a powerful reminder that diversity, when genuinely embraced, enriches the industry – not just through different perspectives, but through the strength and richness of community. Her story, built on curiosity, courage and care, continues to inspire those striving to make the beer world a more inclusive and exciting place for all.
