The ‘Women of the Vine’ Global Symposium, the first of its kind conference enabling women across all sectors of the wine industry and the world to connect, network, mentor and collaborate, will be held March 13 – 15, 2015 at The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, CA.
The two-day Symposium will feature diverse seminars and panel discussions focused on the personal, family and business dynamics of today’s women in wine. Educational programs include such topics as life/work balance, being confident in a male-dominated industry, honing your leadership skills, communication tactics to be seen and heard, negotiation tips, succession plans, and success stories/case studies by women in wine. Networking events and a Grand Tasting Gala Event also will be held.
“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,” Barnes said.
Expected attendees include those involved with wine growing, wine making, buying, distributing, marketing, sales, educators, sommeliers and wine media.
According to the American Association of Wine Economists, only 9.8% of winemakers in California are women. Approximately 10% of viticulturists and winemakers employed in the Australian Wine Industry are women and out of 219 professionals who have earned the title Master Sommelier, 21 are women.
“Even though women are making great strides in the wine business, there is a shortage of networking and mentoring opportunities to ensure that women will continue to advance in leadership roles in the future,” said Deborah Brenner, Author and Founder, Women of the Vine, LLC.
“I am honored to organize this annual event to help women further their careers,” Brenner said.
Held during Women’s History Month (March) the symposium celebrates the achievements and advancement of women in the wine industry spanning the globe.
For those seeking to hone their business skills, gather fresh ideas and network with other like-minded women in the wine industry, this is a must attend annual event. For more information please visit:www.womenofthevine.com
Consumers also are invited to join the Women of the Vine Grand Tasting Gala sponsored by MORE Magazine. The Grand Tasting will unite more than 30 of the industry’s finest women winemakers and proprietors. The event will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. PST and tickets can be purchased individually or as part of the Symposium package.
About Deborah Brenner – Wine Industry Consultant, Author, Speaker:
Author, “Women of the Vine, Inside the World of Women who Make, Taste and Enjoy Wine”
Founder, Women of the Vine Wine Company
In the process of writing the book, Brenner realized that she could champion these women more directly by going into the business herself.
Women of the Vine Wine Company is a partner with the leading national women’s lifestyle magazine, MORE. Together they created the never-been-done-before wine club called MORE Uncorked, which exclusively features wines made by extraordinary women winemakers and winery owners worldwide.
Women of the Vine Wine Company is proud to be the first and only wine partner of Farm Aid founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young in support of maintaining the timeless partnership between farmer and winemaker. Women of the Vine gives ongoing donations to Farm Aid to support keeping America’s family farmers on the land.
