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Deborah Brenner posted an articleWomen of the Vine Alliance - New Trade Alliance Serves To Empower Women In Alcohol Beverage Industry see moreWomen of the Vine (womenofthevine.com) raises the bar to equip individuals, challenges industrySeptember 24, 2015
September 24, 2015 (New York City) – In collaboration with an advisory board of top beverage industry executives, Deborah Brenner recently launched the Women of the Vine Alliance, a membership-based organization whose mission is to empower and equip women worldwide to advance their careers in the alcohol beverage industry; and to foster gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large. Brenner is best known as the author of Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste, and Enjoy Wine, and as founder of the influential Women of the Vine Global Symposium.
“Women of the Vine is the only organization of its kind to advance and support the careers of women in the alcohol beverage industry while challenging that industry to recognize and further the talents of women in every position in the field,” said Brenner. “There has never been a forum for women in all sectors to come together to foster diversity initiatives and to ensure the next generation is being mentored to take leadership roles.”
Anchored by the annual Women of the Vine Global Symposium – a conference in which members from around the world gather to learn, connect and effect change – the Women of the Vine Alliance brings attention to the issues women face in the alcohol beverage industry by offering education including best-practice strategies, mentorship, leadership and professional development opportunities; networking and camaraderie through convening at the annual event, regional networking events, peer-to-peer collaboration; and tools for forward-thinking employers and employees seeking to change the industry from within, primarily via a new website, womenofthevine.com. Additionally, the new Women of the Vine Alliance site includes a job board for members to post and peruse positions for hire nationwide across the industry, as well as career advice, powered by BevForce.
To become a member, whether as an individual, sole proprietor, or corporation, please visit womenofthevine.com. Those who aren’t ready to commit to membership or who wish to stay in touch with the work of the Women of the Vine Alliance may sign up for the Women of the Vine mailing list by subscribing on the home page.
Women of the Vine is organized under the purview of an advisory board of professionals – women and men, both – committed to fostering gender diversity and talent development across the alcohol beverage industry. Advisory board members include:
- Annette Alvarez-Peters, Asst. GMM, Beverage Alcohol, AIWS, CWE, Costco Wholesale
- Jan Barnes, Vice President Group Brand Director, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
- Nikki Bazzo, Portfolio Manager, American Wine & Spirits
- Colleen Brennan, VP of National Accounts On-Premise, Rodney Strong
- Jane Edwards Creed, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wine Shop at Home
- Barb Egenhofer, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Wine & Spirits Division, Constellation Brands
- Anita Cook-Motard, Director of Strategic On-Premise Accounts, Glazer’s Domaine & Estates, D&E Fine Wine Group
- Kristen R. Decker, President, Global Wine Company, Inc
- Mel Dick, President of the Wine Division and Senior Vice President, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
- Rachael Ellas, Northwest Region Vice President, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
- Danielle Frank, National Accounts Manager On-Premise, Moët Hennessy USA
- Stephanie Gallo, Vice President of Marketing, E & J Gallo Winery
- Rebecca Jensen Running, Vice President National Accounts, Infinium Spirits
- Vanessa Kay, Senior VP, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, Moët Hennessy USA
- Kristina Kelley, Director of Public Relations, E. & J. Gallo Winery
- Tammy LaNasa, Director of National Accounts, Fetzer Vineyards
- Dr. Kathryn LaTour, Associate Professor, Wine Services Marketing, Cornell University
- Kari Leitch, Senior Vice President, Communications and Corporate Affairs, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
- Cynthia Lohr, Vice President Marketing, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
- Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director, The Tasting Panel Magazine, The SOMM Journal, The Clever Root
- Sommer K. Meyer, National Account Manager, Bacardi USA
- Jayne Portnoy, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy, Napa Technology
- Mary Retallack, Viticulturist & Managing Director, Retallack Viticulture
- Ben Salisbury, Owner, Salisbury Creative Group, Inc.
- David Schuemann, Owner, Creative Director, CF Napa Brand Design
- Steve Slater, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Wine Division, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
- Dr. Liz Thach, MW, Professor of Management and Wine Business, Sonoma State University
- Tim Widnes, Wine & Beer Buyer, Whole Foods Market
“I am very excited to join Women of the Vine’s Advisory Board,” said Vanessa Kay, Senior VP, Veuve Cliquot, Krug, Ruinart, Moët Hennessy USA. “It's a dynamic time for women in the wine and spirits industry and we look forward to helping support and promote the next generation of its leaders.”
The seeds of the Women of the Vine Alliance were sown when President, Deborah Brenner, researched and authored the bestselling book, Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste, and Enjoy Wine. As a former executive and 20-year veteran of the television and film industries, Brenner was familiar with the disenchantment of working in a male-dominated industry. As she interviewed women in the wine industry for the book, her commitment to telling their stories galvanized the group as a force whose talents and collective experience could not be ignored.
Brenner harnessed this energy and enthusiasm (which grew far beyond that of the subjects of her book) and organized the inaugural Women of the Vine Global Symposium in Napa in April, 2015, which featured informative sessions on leadership, marketing/branding, and the particular challenges that face women in the wine industry. With over 500 attendees from five countries, the Symposium set the stage for the launch of the Women of the Vine Alliance, as well as the opening of the alliance to women across the alcohol beverage industry, including spirits and beer.
For more information on the Women of the Vine Alliance, Foundation, Global Symposium, April 4-7, 2016, or to sign up for the Women of the Vine mailing list, please visit www.womenofthevine.com or contact Nancy Paquette at nancy.paquette@womenofthevine.com or info@womenofthevine.com.
About Women of the Vine Alliance
Women of the Vine Alliance is a membership-based alliance that empowers and equips women worldwide to advance their careers in the alcohol beverage industry, fostering gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large. Guided by an advisory board of top international executives in the alcohol beverage industry, Women of the Vine offers extensive education, advocacy, training, mentorship, networking and steadfast support for women at every position in the field, particularly through the annual Women of the Vine Global Symposium, April 4-7, 2016 in Napa, California. Women of the Vine: Raising the Bar. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com or call 845-365-2838.
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Women of the Vine & Spirits posted an articleBEVMO! Gets on Board with Women's Empowerment Organization see more
BEVMO! Gets on Board with Women's Empowerment Organization
California Beverage Retailer Partners with Women of the Vine & Spirits to Drive Professional Development and Advancement of Women in Alcohol Beverage Industry
CONCORD, CA. (Sept. 20, 2018) – Pushing for greater representation and advancement of women in its industry, the California-based alcohol beverage retailer BevMo! announced today that it is partnering with Women of the Vine & Spirits, the world’s leading organization giving women globally a platform and voice to thrive in the alcohol beverage industry.
In partnering with Women of the Vine & Spirits, BevMo! employees and teams will gain access to a global and diverse network where they can connect across sectors with like-minded member companies to best tap the potential of current and future female employees. Women of the Vine & Spirits is committed to taking action and making a positive impact on the alcohol beverage industry, worldwide.
BevMo! is encouraging all its employees to take advantage of the partnership by joining as individual members at no charge (a benefit of its corporate membership) in order to access the group’s strong networking programs, utilize its professional development and advancement programs, and gain access to member forums and its career development resource center, to name a few benefits.
“We are thrilled to have BevMo! on board,” said Deborah Brenner, founder and CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits. “We share a commitment to provide women in the industry with tools, resources and access to role models to advance their professional careers, and we look forward to connecting and collaborating with BevMo! employees for their continued growth in this industry.”
“We continually strive to ensure our employee base reflects a team of empowered individuals who value diversity and a focus on attracting a wide variety of experiences and perspectives,” said Kelly Purves, vice president of human resources of BevMo! “In particular, we embrace the mission of Women of the Vine & Spirits as it provides business and professional opportunities for women to advance in the alcohol beverage industry.
About BevMo!
BevMo! is the leading alcoholic beverage specialty retailer in the western United States, with nearly 170 stores located throughout California, Arizona and Washington. BevMo! provides a uniquely friendly and welcoming environment for competitively priced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The retailer also has a wide assortment of complementary products such as specialty foods and snacks, cigars, glassware and related bar and wine accessories. Its friendly and product-knowledgeable team members assist both enthusiasts and first-time buyers of wine, spirits and beer. BevMo!’s philosophy is simple: we help find the “perfect drink for every glass.” For more information, visit http://www.bevmo.com.
About Women of the Vine & Spirits
Women of the Vine & Spirits is the world’s leading membership organization dedicated to giving women globally a platform and voice to thrive in the alcohol beverage industry. Women of the Vine & Spirits is an organization for members to connect through our global and diverse network and collaborate across all industry sectors. Providing members with resources and opportunities to thrive is the cornerstone of our organization and success. We offer steadfast support for women at every position in the field with membership benefits that include: education, training, mentorship, entrepreneurship and networking as well as tools, services and resources for personal and business development. Together, we are a committed community taking action and making a positive impact on the alcohol beverage industry, worldwide. Save the date for the Fifth Annual Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Symposium, March 11- 13, 2019 in Napa, California. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com.
Contact: Kelly Durcan
212-253-4444###
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Deborah Brenner posted an articleThe Buzz - What People Said About the Inaugural Women of the Vine Global Symposium? see more
Inaugural Women of the Vine Global Symposium
The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, CA
March 12 - 14, 2015
“At Southern Wine & Spirits, we’re honored to take the lead in sponsoring this groundbreaking organization and event in the wine world. As leaders in the wine and spirits industry, we are committed to growing perse leadership teams and investing in talent development throughout the company. As Founding Sponsors, we’ll continue to provide our ongoing support to the Women of the Vine organization, symposium and its overall mission in perpetuity.”
- Mel Dick, President of the Wine pision and Senior Vice President, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
“Southern Wine & Spirits is dedicated to advancing women in the wine industry and I’m honored to take part in this one-of-a-kind organization and inaugural symposium. As the nation’s leading wine and spirits distributor, we know the importance of supporting the continued development of the many very talented women in the wine business. We’re committed to the continued involvement with the organization for many years to come.”
- Steve Slater, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Wine pision, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
“We are pleased to be a part of this initiative. We probably have more women managers per capita than any company in the industry and they are some of our most valued colleagues.”
- Bill Terlato, Chief Executive Officer, Terlato Wines
"The Women of the Vine Global Symposium, like a fine wine, will serve as a catalyst for conversation among like-minded women. The connections and collaborations sparked at this event will inevitably lead to stronger women leaders in the industry."
- Clarice Turner, Senior Vice President, U.S. Retail, Starbucks
“As the proprietor of a brand rooted in the spirit of women, I am honored to join forces with such a distinguished roster of inspiring women in the industry. With women accounting for more than half of the wine consuming population, it stands to reason that women play an active leadership role in the business of wine, whether it’s in the cellar, out in the field or in the boardroom. The ‘Women of the Vine’ Global Symposium is a great opportunity to share, learn and empower one another to take our industry presence to the next level.”
- Cheryl Indelicato, Proprietor of HandCraft Artisan Collection
“As new women owners and executives lead their wineries into the future, there has never been a better time for the ‘Women of the Vine’ Global Symposium,” said Cynthia Lohr, second generation owner and VP marketing for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. “Events that bring women in the wine industry together to share best ideas and practices are critical if we want to create opportunities, foster talent and mentor the women leaders of tomorrow. Deborah's ability to ignite powerful connections to benefit so many women in our industry will be in full force at the Symposium, and marks her passionate mission since launching her flagship book, Women of the Vine, in 2006."
"Women play a key part in the wine industry, and we’re proud to support our female leadership. Farm Credit supports all kinds of agriculture, and we celebrate all extraordinary women winemakers out there. “
-Terry Lindley, Chief Marketing Officer, American AgCredit
"As the second generation President of my family's winery, it is an honor to be a part of such an incredible group of women representing the wine industry. This symposium is a long time coming. Women play a vital role in shaping the global wine industry. Having a forum where we can share ideas and best practices is something I believe has been a missing component for women leaders in our industry. Thank you to Deborah and her entire team for spearheading this conference!"
- Kim Stare Wallace, President, Dry Creek Vineyard
"In Australia female winemakers and viticulturists make up less than 10% if the team. The Women of the Vine Global Symposium provides a fantastic opportunity encourage women to put their hands up for opportunities, be present at the decision making table and ensure they are well supported, so we don’t lose women who are at the top of their game. Initiatives like this mean women have ready access to mentors, can connect with peers more effectively, contribute sooner and more effectively."
- Mary Retallack, Viticulturist / Managing Director, Retallack Viticulture
“Today, women are increasingly visible as leaders in every aspect of our industry,” said Jan Barnes, VP Brand Director for Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and member of the Symposium’s advisory board. “In our own experience, the challenge is not only to retain the women we have working for our own company but also to ensure that they thrive while concurrently fostering the next generation of talent. The ‘Women of the Vine’ Global Symposium will be an outstanding opportunity to discuss these challenges and companion opportunities with our peers throughout the industry,”
“It is a huge honor to be a part of the Women of the Vine Global Symposium, representing Southern Wine and Spirits. Southern and the industry overall have provided more professional and personal developmental opportunities than I could have ever imagined and I know that this is just the beginning. Opportunities such as this event allow women to be surrounded with likeminded peers that share a true passion for the industry and a desire to evolve, lead change and succeed together. I know that the Women of the Vine Global Symposium is only the beginning of a monumental progression in the industry—and I am incredibly fortunate to work for a company that supports, encourages and embraces change and new opportunity.”
- Nicole Bazzo, Portfolio Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of California
“We are so very excited to be involved in such a unique and special event. I think this will be the start of a really great tradition for the wine industry,”
- Emilie Eliason, Marketing Manager, J Vineyards & Winery
“This event couldn’t have happened 20 years ago. We’ve come a long way. It’s time to celebrate the past and look to the future at the Women of the Vine Global Symposium. I can’t wait.”
- Susan Sokol Blosser, Founder, Author, Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, OR
"This event is an excellent opportunity for women in the wine industry to demonstrate leadership, think creatively and act collaboratively. "We are excited and proud to PARTICIPATE in this groundbreaking event".
- Caitriona Anderson, SVP Sales & Marketing for Monvera Glass Décor in Richmond, CA
“Congratulations on putting together an impressive network for those who are involved in the winemaking community. Sharing perspectives and knowledge is important for the ongoing advancement of women and for the development of the entire wine industry.”
- Kathleen Heitz Myers, President & CEO of Heitz Wine Cellars
“I am thrilled to be a part of the “Women of the Vine” Global Symposium! Although there are more women in the industry all the time, we are still only beginning to take advantage of networking and growth opportunities. This is going to be a wonderful forum and I believe it will pave the way for more talented women to join us in this exciting and challenging field!”
- Jennifer Hein, Director of Supplier Relations, Southern Wine & Spirits of MD and DC
“Frankly a Symposium like this is long overdue.”
- Alder Yarrow, Founder and Editor, Vinography and Author of The Essence of Wine
“Every industry has their connections. Ours is a passion for the luxuries of wine and food. But with the Women of the Vine Symposium, those of us who can strengthen these connections with the women in our industry will have the opportunity to do so at this important and relevant event.”
- Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director, THE TASTING PANEL & The SOMM Journal
“We very much look forward to working with you and your organization as we are very lucky to have a roster of strong female leaders within our company that are all making a contribution to the wine industry.”
- Dave Lane, Chief Operating Officer, Terlato Wines
"Women of the Vine Global Symposium is an important venue not only for current female wine professionals, but is an inspiration for all young women who wish to enter the exciting world of wine careers."
- Dr. Liz Thach, MW, Professor of Wine Business & Management, Sonoma State University
“Getting involved with the Symposium is a win-win. It gives those of us in leadership positions a chance to give back to women starting their careers in wine and it also provides a networking forum for all women in the industry. What a great opportunity for women from every aspect of the business to strengthen their knowledge base.”
- Michelle Pae, Vice President, National Accounts, Terlato Wines
"It's a great honor and thrill for me to be one the speakers at the Women of the Vine Global Symposium. I think this is a wonderful way for women to connect and collaborate. I'm looking forward to an educational and meaningful weekend with women from all walks of the wine world."
Monique Soltani Wine Oh TV Founder and Host
"Both the celebration and recognition of women in the wine industry is long in coming. Representing over 3,000 women in the world of wine, I am so proud to be a part of the Women of the Vine Global Symposium. Our Company and our independent Wine Consultants view this event as both inspirational and aspirational. Inspiring all of us to learn from one another as we aspire to reach new heights and levels of excellence. The Women of the Vine Global Symposium is a landmark event for both the wine industry itself and for the women who are making history in the wine world."
- Jane Creed, President and CEO, WineShop At Home
"As a co-founder of Women for WineSense, I have long supported the valuable contributions women make to the wine and related businesses. While we've achieved a measure of success, there is remains a shortage of women in leadership rôles. Conferences like this one are an opportunity for women to meet, share ideas, learn, and encourage one another to pursue their dreams."
- Michaela K. Rodeno, Owner, Villa Ragazzi Winery
"There is a strong need for such a forum as there is a shortage on mentor/networking opportunities for women despite the large numbers that hold top spots across the industry. I am anxious to be a part of this group and look forward to making the inaugural event a huge success."
- Jayne Portnoy, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Napa Technology
“I am SO excited about this event. I cannot believe how under represented women are at wine industry events here in Northern California. It boggles my mind and I scratch my head every time I attend an event and think, “what is the deal here? Are all the women just staying back in the cellar and the vineyard keeping it all together? Thank you for putting together such an incredible (and necessary) event! I am telling all my women friends who work in the wine industry about it.”
- Samantha Foster, VP - Food & Agribusiness Sr. Relationship Manager, Rabobank, N.A
“The Women of the Vine Global Wine Symposium will bring women together to discuss, collaborate, and determine new paths for our work in this thriving wine industry. Coming together will begin the process of determining new policies that are not restrictive to women in our business. It is important for us to disrupt the old policies. We must work together to provide a new understanding in order for women to garner the support to reach the highest levels possible and become leaders of the global wine industry.”
- Jean Arnold Sessions, Founder, Jean Arnold Group, JAG Foundation and Jean Arnold Collective
“During the course of my work I meet thousands of industry folk each year the majority of whom are men. Women of the Vine represents a fast track to meeting many of the woman who are so instrumental in our industry. It’s not uncommon to hear men call female-focused events “reverse sexism” which misses the point entirely. The sympatico we share benefits everyone we do business with.”
- Deborah Parker Wong, AIWS,No CA Editor/Senior Industry Editor, The Tasting Panel & The Somm Journal
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Deborah Brenner posted an article“WOMEN OF THE VINE” GRAND TASTING see more
Meet some of the most notable women in the wine industry
and taste hand-crafted, artisan wines from around the world
Napa, CA (March 9, 2015) – In honor of Women’s History Month, the “Women of the Vine” Grand Tasting Gala will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015, 5:00pm – 7:30pm at The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, CA.
March is National Women’s History Month and every year the National Women’s History Project, founded in Sonoma, CA, selects a unifying theme. For 2015, the theme is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.
“Wine is a story that leads everywhere! We are so excited to share the stories of these amazing women in wine and proud to showcase their hard work, talent and collaborative spirit during this very special event,” said Deborah Brenner, Founder, Women of the Vine.
More than 40 of the most notable women in the wine industry will be gathered under one roof to pour their wines for over 600 guests. The celebration is one of thousands of events scheduled across the globe where women will gather together for inspiration and to celebrate achievements.
“We are so very excited to be involved in such a unique and special event. I think this will be the start of a really great tradition for the wine industry,” Emilie Eliason, Marketing Manager, J Vineyards & Winery
Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased online at www.womenofthevine.com
PARTICIPATING WINERIES include:
Banfi Wines, Rita DiLello
Black Stallion Estate Winery, Alicia Ysais
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Wendy Stuckey
Chimney Rock, Elizabeth Vianna
Clif Family Winery, Laura Barrett
Clos du Val, Kristy Melton
DaMa Wines, Judith Shulman
Diageo
Dry Creek Vineyard, Kim Stare Wallace
Fetzer Vineyards, Tammy LaNasa
Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sandy Walheim, Tondi Bolkan
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Eva Bertran
Heitz Wine Cellars, Brittany Sherwood
Jessup Cellars, Handwritten Wines & Humanitas Wines, Jana Thompson
J. Lohr Vineyard & Wines, Cynthia Lohr
J Vineyard & Winery, Melissa Stackhouse
Kenwood Vineyards
La Follette, Simone Sequeira
Macchu Pisco, Lizzie Asher
Moet Hennessy Wines, Kristen Brott
Moet Hennessy Champagne / Sparkling Wines, Amy Currens
MORE Uncorked / Tobias, Warwick Professor, Carol Shelton Wines, Kristen Decker
Mumm Napa, Tamra Lotz
O Wines, Katie Nelson
Planeta, Patricia Toth
Qupe & Verdad, Louisa Lindquist
Robert Mondavi Winery, Genevieve Janssens
Rodney Strong, Colleen Brennan
Rutherford Hill, Marisa Taylor
Sacred Hill, Wendy Moss
Sequoia Grove Winery, Molly Hill
Schweiger Vineyards, Diana Schweiger
SIMI, Susan Lueker
Sokol Blosser Wines, Susan Sokol Blosser
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant
Treasury Wine Estates
Trinchero Family Estates, Carissa Abazia
Trombetta Family Wines, Rickey Stancliff
V2 Wine Group / Steelhead Vineyards, Katy Leese
Vignobles Ponty, Helene Ponty
Villa Vallecito Vineyards, G. Sanchez-Hagedorn
Vineyard Brands
Vintage Wine Estates, Terry Wheatley
Wente Vineyards, Christine Wente
WineShop at Home, Alex Reble
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