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December 11, 2024 (New York, NY)  – The  Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation , Ltd. 501(c)3, the charitable arm of  Women of the Vine & Spirits , which provides scholarships for the purpose of advancing women’s careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer and hospitality industries, announced today that it was selected as a grantee of  The Gérard Basset Foundation  Education Fund.  The Gérard Basset Foundation was established to honor the legacy and memory of Gérard Basset OBE MS MW MBA OIV MSc ASI World Champion, addressing the wine, spirits and hospitality industries’ most pressing issues through education, training, and mentorship. As a grantee of The Gérard Basset Foundation, the WOTVS Foundation will put the funds towards Wine & Spirit Education Trust® (WSET) Level 4 Diploma scholarships, the Foundation’s most competitive scholarship category. WSET Scholarship applications are open from May 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025. Recipients selected for these scholarships will have full funding to enroll in the Diploma course, furthering their wine education and industry knowledge.  “We can’t thank The Gérard Basset Foundation enough for their continued support of our organization,” said  Deborah Brenner, President of the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation . “These funds will have a direct impact on the women who are looking to attain the most prestigious WSET award, furthering our mission of fostering the next generation of women in the beverage alcohol industry.”  Created to help further Women of the Vine & Spirits’ larger mission of empowering and advancing women in the alcohol beverage industry, the WOTVS Foundation provides annual scholarships and awards to deserving applicants seeking to continue and expand upon their professional development and education. Since it was launched in 2017, the WOTVS Foundation has awarded 373 scholarship recipients with $959,620 in funds. For more information about WOTVS Foundation scholarship opportunities as well as additional details about previous recipients visit  wotvsfoundation.org The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award additional scholarships in 2025. To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit  wotvsfoundation.org/support-us  or contact the Foundation at  foundation@womenofthevine.com .  2024 and 2025 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors: Patron ($100,000+):  Gallo ; Advocate ($35,000-$99,999):  Suntory Global Spirits ; Benefactor ($15,000-$34,999):  Domaine Serene, The Gérard Basset Foundation , Republic National Distributing Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka ;  Affiliate ($5,000-$14,999): Sazerac Company, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits ; Supporter ($1,000-$4,999):  Ridge Vineyards' Diversity Committee ,  Scott Laboratories Inc.  To learn more about Foundation Donors visit  wotvsfoundation.org/our-donors .

September 19, 2024 (New York, NY)  – With a philosophy that education is a cornerstone of career advancement, the  Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation  has awarded $863,545 in scholarships since its inception in 2017. Providing scholarships to support educational and professional development, the non-profit continues to propel its mission of cultivating and supporting talented leaders in wine, beer, and spirits. The Women of the Vine & Spirts Foundation is the charitable arm of   Women of the Vine & Spirits,  the only global membership organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women across every sector and all three-tiers of the beverage alcohol industry. For the sixth year in a row, Gallo donated $100,000 as a Patron Donor to the “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund.” This year, 33 scholarships were awarded from this fund, including two $10,000 awards. “The “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” supported by Patron Donor Gallo, is having incredible impact on fostering the next generation of women in beverage alcohol industry,” said  Deborah Brenner ,  President  of  Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation . “I am so honored to celebrate this year’s recipients for their outstanding achievements. I am so grateful to Gallo, our Foundation Committee Members, and our Board. Together, we are crafting a better world for women in wine, beer and spirits.”  “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” Scholarship Recipients Supported by Patron Donor Gallo : Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship :  Kayla Brent, British Columbia, Canada.  Masters of Wine Scholarship :  Natalia Pezzone, Berkshire, United Kingdom.  Fuel Your Dreams Award :  Samantha Adcock, San Diego, CA; Josephina Alex, Salt Lake City, UT; Rachel Allison, New York, NY; Sonnay Alvarez, Boise, ID; Anja Bauman, Marietta, GA; Marlena Blitz, Westfield, NJ; Amanda Cayouette, Livonia, NY; Carrie Dann, Washington, D.C.; Miranda Durr, Albuquerque, NM; Elissa Feist, Delmar, NY; Rosa Fierro, Danville, CA; Ingrid Folkers, Raleigh, NC; Janelle Freeman, Lorton, VA; Kseniia Greene, Decatur, GA; Jasmine Hanna, Playa del Rey, CA; Kiana Keys, Chicago, IL; Lauren Lyall, Sunnyvale, CA; Michelle Moreno, Austin, TX; Jennifer Niesen, Chicago, IL; Sonia Nuno, Rialto, CA; Kelly Parker, Jefferson, NY; Justine Perez, Roseville, CA; Grace Rathbone, Seattle, WA: Christine Riddle, Milwaukee, WI; Nivia Riha, Charlotte, NC; Kristina Sazama, Cove Springs, FL; Erica Taylor, Vallejo, CA; Brenna Turner, Venice, CA; Kelly Winkler, Phoenix, AZ; Andrea Wrede, Pacific Grove, CA; Jameelah Young, Washington, D.C.    Overseeing the growth and development of the non-profit is Executive Director,  Tara Davey , alongside the  Board of Trustees , led by  Deborah Brenner , Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits;  Béatrice Cointreau,  President & CEO, byBC Wines; and  Richard Tobin,  Partner, Aprio, LLP. The 2024  Foundation Committee  is comprised of the following individuals:  Hannah Becker , Shareholder, GRAY | ROBINSON,  Chris Cataldi , VP, Managing Director, Supplier Development & Marketing, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits,  Anna Chamness , Associate Manager, Public Relations & Social Media, Tito’s Handmade Vodka,  Béatrice Cointreau , President & CEO, byBC Wines,  Debra Dziena , Owner, DD Hospitality & Events & Leadership Development Advisor,  Jennifer Friedrichs , Regional Sales Manager, Santo Spirits,  Melody Fuller , Founder & President, The Oakland Wine Festival and The Exceptional Vine,  Felicia Ganthier , Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Breakthru Beverage Group,  Cindy Haas , VP, External Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits,  Rachel Harris , VP, On-Premise, Suntory Global Spirits,  Alicia Iverson,  Chief Financial Officer, Koloa Rum,  Sarah Kaneshiki , Brewing Supervisor, Sapporo-Stone Brewing,  Julie Kinch , Founder, JK Leadership Advisors,  Dr. Kathryn LaTour , Associate Professor, Wine Services Marketing, Cornell University,  Rhonda Motil , VP, Marketing, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines,  Courtney Nuss , Wisconsin State Manager, Tito’s Handmade Vodka,  Cathleen Price , Business Manager, Breakthru Beverage Group Delaware,  Francie Purnell , Corporate Director, Retirement Plans, Scholarships & Foundations, Republic National Distributing Co.,  David Rudman , Executive Director - USA, Wine & Spirit Education Trust,  Andrea Schaefer,  Compliance Coordinator, Tito’s Handmade Vodka,  Kelly Stevens , Director National Accounts – On Premise, Sapporo-Stone Brewing,  Nellie Thornton , Sr. Manager of Marketing, Gallo,  Stacey Townsend , Director, Sales Training & Education - Spirits, Constellation Brands.   The Committee was responsible for reviewing applications and selecting finalists with guidance by Davey. For more information about the various scholarships awarded visit  wotvsfoundation.org .    2024 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors: Patron ($100,000+):  Gallo ; Advocate ($35,000-$99,999):  Suntory Global Spirits ; Benefactor ($15,000-$34,999):  Domaine Serene,  Republic National Distributing Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka ;  Affiliate ($5,000-$14,999):  Sazerac Company, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits ; Friend ($100-$999):  Scott Laboratories Inc.   The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2025. To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit  wotvsfoundation.org  or contact the Foundation at  foundation@womenofthevine.com .

November 19, 2024 (New York, NY)  – With a philosophy that education, leadership and professional development are paramount in helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer, and hospitality industries, the  Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation ( www.wotvsfoundation.org ) has awarded 32 scholarship recipients under its namesake scholarship fund, totaling 65 scholarships awarded this year. The Women of the Vine & Spirts Foundation is the charitable arm of   Women of the Vine & Spirits  ( www.womenofthevine.com ),  the only global membership organization of women and men dedicated to working together to empower and advance women in the beverage alcohol industry.  Since its inception in 2017, the non-profit foundation has awarded a total of  $959,620  in scholarship funding to  373  recipients. In another highly competitive application cycle, this year, the Foundation received 367 applications from candidates in 31 countries. “The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is so proud to celebrate this year’s recipients, representing a diverse group of emerging and developing leaders in beverage alcohol,” said  Deborah Brenner ,  President  of  Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation . “It is through the ongoing generosity of our donors that the Foundation has been able to award these much-needed scholarships, promoting greater access to education and professional development for women across the globe.” The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation will bring together this year’s recipients, donors, committee and board members, and industry colleagues to celebrate the Class of 2024 during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday November 20, 2024 – 9:00am PST / 12:00pm EST. For more information and to register for the ceremony, visit  https://www.womenofthevine.com/events/women-of-the-vine-spirits-foundation-virtual-scholarship-ceremony-4 .  2024 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors: Patron ($100,000+):  Gallo ; Advocate ($35,000-$99,999):  Suntory Global Spirits ; Benefactor ($15,000-$34,999):  Domaine Serene,  Republic National Distributing Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka ;  Affiliate ($5,000-$14,999):  Sazerac Company, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits ; Friend ($100-$999):  Scott Laboratories Inc.  To learn more about Foundation Donors visit  wotvsfoundation.org/our-donors . Meet the Class of 2024 : Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarship Recipients Supported by Our Generous Donors  ( https://www.wotvsfoundation.org/2024recipients ) : Professional & Leadership Development Scholarships:  Paz Austin, San Jerónimo, Mexico; Lisa Belczyk, Pittsburgh, PA.  Student Educational Scholarship :  Marit Lusti, Parksepa, Estonia; Brenna Turner, Venice, CA.  Continuing Education Scholarship:  Rachel Allison, Toronto, Canada; Ashley Bradfield, Williams, OR; Krishna Chapatwala, Atlanta, GA; Jennifer Dunn-Ferrante, Livonia, MI; Aimee Haftel, Pinecrest, FL; Desselyn Pierre, Brooklyn, NY; Sara Stockwell, Portland, OR.   WSET Level 1 Award in Wines:  Tapiwa Charosa, Kigali, Rwanda; Wendy Njoroge, Nairobi, Kenya.  WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits:  Michelle Lam, Brooklyn, NY.  WSET Level 1 Award in Sake:  Leah Fierro, Los Angeles, CA.  WSET Level 2 Award in Wines:  Keerti Bhalla, Delhi, India; Ashley Borjon, Houston, TX; Chelsea Jackson-Melton, Port St. John, FL; Ashlea Sovetts, Rock Hill, SC.  WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits:  Stephanie Aviles, San German, Puerto Rico; Shin Ling Wen, Taiwan, Republic of China.  WSET Level 2 Award in Beer:  Emma Alexander, Spearfish, SD.  WSET Level 3 Award in Wines:  Alessandra Azevedo Marc, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Coonoor Behal, Seattle, WA; Anitah Mbugua, Nairobi, Kenya; Syuzanna Mosikyan, Adelaide, Australia.  WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines :  Stephanie Joubert, Cape Town, South Africa; Yuyan Kuang, Shanghai, China.  Executive Leadership Program Scholarship to Attend 2024 DISCUS Academy:  Ashley Cesario, Miami, FL; Ingrid Hobbs, New York, NY; Mara Smith, Chicago, IL.  Developing Leadership Program Scholarship to Attend 2024 DISCUS Academy:  Andrea Schaefer, Chicago, IL.   In addition to the 32 Women of the Vine & Spirits Recipients, the Foundation awarded 33 “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” Scholarship Recipients Supported by Patron Donor   E. & J. Gallo Winery in September. View the full release here:  https://www.womenofthevine.com/articles/women-of-the-vine-spirits-foundation-awards-33-scholarships-for-the-women-behind-the-wine-educational-fund-scholarship-recipients-supported-by-patron-donor-gallo Overseeing the growth and development of the non-profit is the Foundation Director, Board and Committee. To view the full list of names, visit  https://www.wotvsfoundation.org/foundation-leaders For more information about the various scholarships awarded visit  wotvsfoundation.org . The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2025. To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit  wotvsfoundation.org  or contact the Foundation at  foundation@womenofthevine.com .

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Awards 76 Scholarships The mission of the non-profit is to foster the next generation, cultivate leaders, feed the talent pipeline, and promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in wine, beer, and spirits. October 24, 2023 (New York, NY) – With a philosophy that education is a cornerstone of career advancement, the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation has awarded more than $187,000 scholarships to 76 deserving candidates in 2023. Since its inception in 2017, the non-profit foundation has awarded a total of $782,755 in scholarship funding, helping fulfill its mission of cultivating and supporting talented leaders in wine, beer, and spirits. The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is the charitable arm of Women of the Vine & Spirits, the all-encompassing global membership organization dedicated to boldly pushing the wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era. “The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation was launched just two years after membership opened to Women of the Vine & Spirits, and we are so proud of our growth since 2017,” said Deborah Brenner, President of Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation. “We received applications from incredible candidates residing around the globe. I am so honored to celebrate this year’s honorees for their outstanding achievements. I am so grateful to our Donors, Committee Members, and our Board. Together, we are crafting a better world for women in wine, beer and spirits.” For the fifth year in a row, E. & J. Gallo Winery donated $100,000 as a Patron Donor to its dedicated “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund”. This year, 28 scholarships were awarded from this fund, including three $10,000 awards and 25 “Fuel Your Dreams” honors. The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation also received generous donations from 12 additional companies in 2023, including being selected as a grant recipient of the Gérard Basset Foundation. Through this generous financial support, the Foundation was able to award three additional WSET Level 4 Award in Wines scholarships. The Foundation received 230 applications from candidates in 34 countries, including Australia, Austria, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam. It is through the ongoing generosity of Foundation Donors that the Foundation has been able to award these much-needed scholarships to recipients around the globe, promoting greater access to continued education and professional development. For a list of all 2023 Donors visit wotvsfoundation.org/our- donors. Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Scholarship Recipients Supported by Our Generous Donors: Professional & Leadership Development Scholarships: Jon’ll Boyd, Silver Spring, MD; Laurel Parker, Washington, DC; Palbi Sharma Bhargava, Kelowna, BC. Student Educational Scholarship: Chloé Raynaud, San Jose, California; Karin van der Westhuizen, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Esther Wanjohi, Corvallis, OR; Caitlyn Wiley, Farmington Hills, MI; Sarah Wuethrich, Santa Rosa, CA. Continuing Education Scholarship: Alejandra Cuevas, Baja California, MX; Xiaoyu Feng, Shanghai, China; Natalie Frazier, Chicago, IL; Charlotte Gordon, Devon, UK; Ashley Grayson, Columbus, OH; Luisa Hernandez, San Francisco, CA; Lisa Kozloff, Lake Wylie, SC; Delia Moreno, Modesto, CA; Danielle Noce, Palm Springs, CA; Gloria Rakowsky, Syracuse, NY; Kelsey Roberts, Port Orchard, WA; Karene Vilela, São Paulo, Brazil. WSET Level 1 Award in Wines: Crystal Charles, Aventura, FL; Hannah Kloft, Mount Angel, OR; Taryn Sabot, Victoria, BC; Leslie Sanders, Ocoee, FL; Christy Serrato, Davis, CA. WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits: Peggy Obrien, Rock Springs, WY; Julie Purpura, Farmington, NY. WSET Level 1 Award in Sake: Alexa Rodriguez, Miami, FL. WSET Level 2 Award in Wines: Amanda Heck, New York, NY; Anna Jestin, Paris, FR; Jett Kolarik, Atlanta, GA; Elizabeth Montelongo, Las Vegas, NV. WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits: Beth Dixon, Richmond, VA; Jessica Morales, Gurabo, PR; Ashley Santiago, Oaxaca, MX. WSET Level 3 Award in Wines: Kseniia Alekseeva, Ulyanovsk, Russia; Claudia Erpili, Lombardy, IT; Aimee Mondragon Hernandez, Mexico City, MX. WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits: Ana Bertha Gallegos Barcenas, Montreal, CA. WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines: Mürside Karadeniz, Burgundy, FR; Fiene Marie Kuijper, Paris, FR; Sara Matos, Coimbra, PT; Nichelle Thompson, Barbados, JAM. Executive Leadership Program Scholarship to Attend DISCUS Academy: Shaylyn Gammon, Louisville, KY; Kim Nguyen, Seattle, WA; Absinthia Vermut, Berkeley, CA. Developing Leadership Program Scholarship to Attend DISCUS Academy: Celeste Curry, Federal Way, WA; Lydia Kim, New York, NY. “Women Behind the Wine Educational Fund” Scholarship Recipients Supported by Patron Donor E. & J. Gallo Winery: Elizabeth Smyth Student Scholarship: Sahithi Nymisha Kotala, Dukhan, Qatar. Masters of Wine Scholarship: Samantha Cole-Johnson, Portland, OR; Allison Sheardy, Taylor Falls, MN. Fuel Your Dreams Award: Josephina Alex, North East, PA; Laura Algieri, Newberg, OR; Emilia Alvarez, Guaynabo, PR; Bijou Barry, Gaithersburg, MD; Lindsey Bilderback, Newburgh, IN; Jymyaka Braden, Little Rock, AR; Antonette Cockrell, Chicago, IL; Aubrey Cunningham, Coeur d'Alene, ID; Amanda Haller, Sonoita, AZ; Brigid Hilton, Bend, OR; Laquita Howard, Mitchellville, MD; Monica Jones, Houston, TX; Karis Kontilis, Seattle, WA; Mary Beth Lambert, Santa Rosa, CA; Elizabeth Lang, Pittsburgh, PA; Maria Lucchi, Scranton, PA; Taneka Martin, Rockville, MD; Aixa Martinez Zuviria, Buenos Aires, ARG; Irem Parildar, Astoria, NY; Isabella Perez, Scotland, UK; Geneva Riley, Denver, CO; Cloe Sliva, Missoula, MT; Sarah Stanley, Ashville, NC; Catherine Streich, Greenwich, RI; Caitlin Wood, St. Louis, MO. 2023 Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Donors: Patron ($100,000+): E. & J. Gallo Winery; Benefactor ($15,000-$34,999): Beam Suntory, Gérard Basset Foundation, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Republic National Distributing Company; Affiliate ($5,000- $14,999): Breakthru Beverage, ForceBrands, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Friend ($100-$999): In Memory of Jennifer Ashley Woolfolk Rowe. May her love and passion for wine live on in many future generations, Constellation Brands, Horton Vineyards, Scott Laboratories Inc., Straightaway Cocktails. Overseeing the growth and development of the non-profit is Executive Director, Tara Davey, alongside the Board of Trustees, led by Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO, Women of the Vine & Spirits; Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines; and Richard Tobin, Partner, Aprio, LLP. The 2023 Foundation Committee is comprised of the following individuals: Hannah Becker, Shareholder, GRAY | ROBINSON, Chris Cataldi, VP Managing Director, Supplier Development & Marketing, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Anna Chamness, Associate Manager, Public Relations & Social Media, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Béatrice Cointreau, President & CEO, byBC Wines, Debra Dziena, Hospitality Leadership Development Advisor | Talent Consultant, Jennifer Friedrichs, Regional Sales Manager, Santo Spirits, Melody Fuller, Founder & President, The Oakland Wine Festival and The Exceptional Vine, Felicia Ganthier, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Breakthru Beverage Group, Cindy Haas, VP, External Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Rachel Harris, VP, On-Premise, Beam Suntory, Sarah Kaneshiki, Brewing Supervisor, Stone Brewing, Julie Kinch, Founder, JK Leadership Advisors, Dr. Kathryn LaTour, Associate Professor, Wine Services Marketing, Cornell University, Rhonda Motil, VP, Marketing, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Courtney Nuss, Wisconsin State Manager, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Cathleen Price, Business Manager, Breakthru Beverage Group Delaware, Francie Purnell, Corporate Director, Retirement Plans, Scholarships & Foundations, Republic National Distributing Co., David Rudman, Executive Director- USA, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Kelly Stevens, Director National Accounts – On Premise, Stone Brewing,Nellie Thornton, Sr. Manager of Marketing, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Stacey Townsend, Director, Sales Training & Education - Spirits, Constellation Brands. The Committee was responsible for reviewing applications and selecting finalists with guidance by Davey. For more information about the various scholarships awarded visit wotvsfoundation.org. The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd. 501(c)(3) is looking for donations to award scholarships in 2024. To donate and learn more about donor levels and benefits visit wotvsfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at foundation@womenofthevine.com.

“We are all united by our stories and change can only happen when we are aware of the efforts of others and see women in leadership roles.” Those are the words of Deborah Brenner, who has more than lived up to this pledge with the work she has done founding Women of the Vine & Spirits which has gone on to become a global platform and networking organisation to promote and drive better diversity and inclusion in the wine, beer and spirits industry. Here she explains how a book she wrote 15 years ago championing greater diversity and inclusion is just as relevant and important today. Read More

Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, which provides scholarships to women to advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer and hospitality industries, has launched an assistance program to help restaurant workers cover health, financial and legal expenses in response to COVID-19. "Restaurant and hospitality workers have been one of the hardest hit professionals due to the pandemic. So many of our colleagues are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, worries and fears," WOTVS Foundation President Deborah Brenner said in a company press release. "Giving people a direct connection to counseling, professional, financial, legal advisors and valuable resources for all of life's issues is a critical step toward healing those on the front lines and supporting the recovery of our industry." Read More

Now in its third year, Women Behind the Wine celebrates the current generation of women in the wine and spirits industries while providing opportunities to the next. Women are integral to the wine industry, a growing reflection of the positive changes brewing in a traditionally male-dominated trade, but a significant gender gap persists. According to a 2019 Women of the Vine and Spirits (WOTVS) Women in the Workplace report, just 16 percent of the wine industry’s vice president-level employees are women, and according to a 2020 Women Winemakers of California report, women hold just 14 percent of California’s lead winemaker positions. Read More

After writing a collection of profiles on women in the wine industry, Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste and Enjoy Wine, Brenner founded the Women of the Vine wine brand, a collective of women winemakers from California, but none of this really pushed the needle to the degree she’d envisioned. According to the Women in the Workplace 2019 report by McKinsey Insights, men occupy 62 percent of manager-level positions, while women hold just 38 percent, according to survey participants. While this isn’t a figure tied specifically to the alcohol beverage industry, Brenner wanted to raise awareness on this reality, but she says it’s “not something that’s necessarily talked about.” Read More

After more than 20 years in the male-dominated field of high tech and owning a marketing and public relations firm, Deborah Brenner realized, during a fortuitous trip to Napa and Sonoma, how many women in the wine industry — like her own — were under-recognized. Compelled to relate their stories, she authored a bestselling collection of profiles, “Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste and Enjoy Wine.” Brenner then became inspired to enter the business herself, releasing Women of the Vine wine brand, produced by a collective of seven women winemakers from Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles. After seven years, however, she stopped production, searching for another avenue to foster women. One year later, Brenner organized the inaugural Women of the Vine Global & Spirits Global Symposium, held in March of 2015 and sold out to 500 women from five countries. After the overwhelming response, Brenner and the advisory board developed a membership-based organization of the same name, anchored by the annual conference. Brenner has received several awards for her efforts in fostering women, including a Rising Star Award from Women for WineSense (2008), the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award Person of the Year Nominee (2017) and many others. Read More

epublic National Distributing Company partners with Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation to support rising females in the industry with mentorship program and scholarship contributions during Women’s History Month GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, March 01, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), one of the top beverage alcohol distributors in the nation, kicks off Women’s History Month with "Powered by Women," a campaign honoring female pioneers in the wine and spirits industry. As part of "Powered by Women," RNDC is partnering with Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation (WOTVS), which provides scholarships for the purpose of helping women advance their careers in the food, wine, spirits, beer and hospitality industries through education, leadership and professional development. "We're proud of recent strides the BevAlc industry has made to expand and promote the variety of voices that make up our industry," said Jenn Engel, RNDC’s Chief Commercial Sales Officer and the first female CCSO in the beverage alcohol wholesale industry. "Our ‘Powered by Women’ campaign represents another step toward investing in, uplifting and amplifying strong female voices within this space." Read More

The company is now focused on supporting the development and longevity of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives for companies of all sizes across the three-tier system. In 2020, companies worldwide spent about $7.5 billion on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related efforts, and that figure has grown every year since, according to Fast Company. But with news of company layoffs and economic constraints, advocates are warning that diversity and inclusion efforts are among the first parts of a business to take a back seat. Read More

Episode 512 Aired: Wednesday, May 24th 2023 Listen Now! In a jam-packed episode of The Speakeasy, Sother and Greg sit down with Deborah Brenner and Aaron Gregory Smith to talk about their new joint venture between Women of the Vine & Spirits and the USBG. Their mission? Provide support - not just healthcare but honest-to-god resources and support and actual human beings - for bartenders everywhere, whenever it’s needed. How they pulled it off was no easy feat but getting involved is; check out wotvsfoundation.org Plus, Greg’s been tempting fate and getting chatbots to design cocktails for him. Is his palate still better than a robot, or is he putting himself out of a job? Find out at tiktok.com/@100_proofgreg Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk Greg Benson @100ProofGreg Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member! The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.