Celebrating Women in Wine This Month! + A Look Back at Her Way Podcast Season 1

Hi Wine Friends,

Happy March! This month, we're celebrating Women's History Month by shining a light on the women who are shaping the wine world. Whether that's spotlighting standout producers, sharing women-centric stories, or uncovering fun facts, we’ll be celebrating women in all the wine ways.

To kick things off, I am (not so) shamelessly encouraging you to go listen to the first season of my podcast Her Way. I’m so proud of the conversations I got to have with these incredible women, and I’d love for you to hear them too!

I wanted Her Way to give voice to women in all areas of wine, not just the winemakers and sommeliers, though I definitely spoke to some incredible ones. You’ll also hear from CEOs, writers, influencers, and even women in the food space, where we explore the magic of the perfect wine pairing. We dive into their journeys, what inspires them, and how they've found their own path in traditionally (male-dominated) spaces. 

If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, now is the perfect time. Season One is complete and we are in the process of navigating Season Two (or some version of it… 😉). I hope to have some very exciting news on that front soon. So, if a particular episode resonates, I would be so grateful if you’d share it with a friend!

Here's a sneak peek at each episode:

Tiquette Bramlett: Tiquette Bramlett is the first black women to ever run a US winery (!) and a dynamic leader in the industry–known for her roles at Anne Amie, Vidon, and Chosen Family, as well as for founding her non-profit Our Legacy Harvested. Our conversation explores her early love for music and performance, her journey into the wine world, and her commitment to building community and supporting diversity. We discuss her experience as a woman of color in a predominantly white field, her battle with cancer at a young age, and her vision for the future of a more equitable industry.

Kate Norris: Kate Norris is the co-founder and winemaker of Division Winemaking Company as well as her solo project Gamine. We discuss her culturally diverse background, her fearlessness in the face of the unknown, and her strong work ethic. The conversation explores her creative background in interior design and events, her intuitive approach to winemaking, and the challenges and beauty of navigating partnership in the workplace. We delve into the lessons from her mother and her thoughts on wine as a reflection of time and place.

Lois Cho: Lois Cho is the co-founder and CEO of Cho Wines. Our conversation explores her transition from a nurse practitioner to a winery founder, her disruptive approach to the wine industry, and her use of social media as a marketing tool. We discuss her role as the first Korean American winery in Oregon, the creation of the AAPI Food & Wine festival, and her experience as a "harvest widow." The episode also touches on her ability to balance her roles as a mother, partner, and CEO.

Kelley Fox: Kelley Fox is one of Oregon's first female winemakers and the founder of Kelley Fox Wines. We discuss her intuitive approach to winemaking, her degrees in biology and biochemistry, and her fascination with plant medicine and shamanism. The episode explores her views on biodynamics, her artistic expression through wine labels, and her philosophy of letting the wine speak for itself. We also touch on her early years in the industry and her advice for women who feel trapped by societal expectations.

Brenda Smola-Foti: Brenda Smola-Foti is the founder of Tabula Rasa Farms and co-founder of Inn The Ground. Our conversation explores her background on a cattle ranch, her artistic pursuits, and her return to Oregon to embrace regenerative farming. We discuss the challenges she's faced as a female in the farming industry, her emotional connection to the land, and her advice for women seeking to make significant changes in their lives.

Samantha Cole Johnson: Samantha Cole Johnson is the Senior US editor for Jancis Robinson. We delve into her personal story, which led her to wine, her passion for regenerative farming, and her experiences working harvests on three continents. The conversation explores her transition from winemaking to writing, her admiration for Jancis Robinson, and her empathetic approach to wine journalism. We also discuss the creative process of writing, the changing role of women in the wine world, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Dana Frank: Dana Frank is a sommelier, restaurateur, author, and wine importer. Our conversation covers her extensive experience in the wine industry, from working harvests to opening her own bar. We discuss her time in the Peace Corps, her passion for cooking, and her views on formal education versus life experience. The episode also explores her approach to manifestation, her commitment to family, and her latest venture into importing Austrian wines.

Nori de Vega: Nori de Vega is a prominent food and wine content creator in Portland. We explore her Filipino heritage, the role of food in her culture, and her journey to becoming a well-respected and beloved influencer in the Portland scene. We discuss the complexities of social media, the role of critics versus advertisers, and her journey into, and obsession with, Oregon wine. The conversation also touches on the future of food and wine journalism and how she fits into that landscape.

Kate Payne Brown: Kate Payne Brown is the winemaker at Ambar Estate and her own label Call Me Dolores. Our conversation spans her early interest in optometry, her studies in biology and chemistry, and her eventual passion for wine. We discuss her experiences in Australia and Oregon's wine industries, making wine at Archery Summit and Stoller, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and her work with the Women in Wine organization. The episode also explores her unique perspective on sparkling wine and her dedication to mentorship. 

Kate Williams: Kate Williams is the founder of Kate's Ice Cream, a plant-based ice cream company with two locations in Portland. Our conversation explores her journey from the South to the Pacific Northwest, her passion for food as a central part of culture, and the unique challenges and rewards of running a conscious, women-led business. We delve into her transition from operator to owner, the importance of branding, and her focus on collaboration with women and BIPOC partners. (We also had so much fun pairing wine with ice cream that we are hosting an event later this month! See details below)

Renee Saint-Amour: Renee is the co-owner of Hundred Suns Wine, a rising star in Oregon's wine scene. We discuss her personal journey into the wine industry, which began as her husband Grant's dream but eventually became her own. We explore her background in teaching, her evolving role at Hundred Suns, and her thoughts on women in winemaking. The conversation also touches on the balance between intuition and systematic approaches in business and life, as well as the power of calling your shot.

YouTube

Apple

Spotify

Cheers to Women's History Month!

Kelsey