Association of African American Vintners

Thrilled to see Startup CPG launching regional Grocery Run events—such a smart way to connect brands and buyers! Even more exciting? Sipwell Wine Co. gets to be one of those brands! We're pouring at the LA Grocery Run with Gelson's Markets next month. Want to join me? Get the details here:

I live by the mantra "Embracing the Power Within." So when Maya Madsen, Founder of Maya's Cookies, asked me to join her and a group of phenomenal entrepreneurs for Academy of Our Lady of Peace Women's Symposium, I said yes immediately! Moderated by yours truly, I am honored to reconnect with some of my favorite entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of leaders. Mark your calendar Friday, March 21, 2025, and join Maya Madsen, Hilary Cocalis, Mercedes Tiggs, LCSW, and me for a day of community, conversation, and Women's History. Register https://lnkd.in/gUPpksWr

Congratulations to Glancy Wine Education Foundation for becoming a national scholarship organization. Following the January 2025 launch of GWEF's collaboration with the Association of African American Vintners, we look forward to AAAV members having access to a wider variety of professional wine education scholarships in multiple cities throughout the country.

Today, the Glancy Wine Education Foundation made a huge announcement, that represents a major milestone in our evolution as a foundation. It also is something I've been personally working hard on for about a year. We are now a fully national scholarship organization, capable of funding students in need across the country to further their wine education through three of the top wine schools in the country, the San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center in NY, and the American Wine School in several locations in the midwest. In these uncertain times, we're doubling down on driving diversity and supporting the underserved in the wine and hospitality business. If you're a corporate donor with an interest in the wine and hospitality industry, we welcome your support.

Robin McBride shares how her shift from distributor to producer changed how she views her role in the industry as woman of color. To her, the change was found outside of her comfort zone in showing up, alongside her sister and business partner, exactly as they are. "As we started to become aware of everything going on in the industry, we started to understand how it important it is - even though it's not comfortable - to show up in the way that we are." ???? #WomenInWine What an amazing session from Women in Craft Forum, featuring two incredible female founders - Robin McBride, Co-Founder and President of mMcBride Sisters, and our very own Michelle Metter, Founder and Producer of #SommCon. Happy #InternationalWomensDay! Cheers to the incredibly smart, agile, and creative women who make up this industry. ?? #WineEducation #SommLife #WineIndustry #WomensHistoryMonth

Head on over to PBS before the middle of the month and check out the new "America, Made with Love" episode! Longevity is one of the features. The producers won an Emmy for previous episodes.

Grateful ??

Honored. Grateful. Inspired. I’m beyond excited to be recognized as a “Game Changer” in the 8th annual #BlackWomenInFood Awards by Dine Diaspora! This moment is especially meaningful as I attended the very first summit in 2023, just two months before relocating for The Veraison Project x Silver Oak Apprenticeship. Now, I stand alongside an incredible group of visionary women reshaping the food and beverage industry for my work on Uncorked & Cultured and the Association of African American Vintners. From storytelling to community building, we’re not just making an impact—we’re setting the table for a more inclusive, thriving industry. Cheers to all the honorees! ?? Check out @BlackWomenInFood and visit https://lnkd.in/gdhp-sWh to see the full list. #BWIFAwards #DineDiaspora #BlackWomenInFood #GameChanger #WomensHistoryMonth

Happy Women’s History Month! What better way to kick off the month than by joining The Celebration of Women in Wine with our nonprofit partner, WINE WOMEN???! Join us this week for inspiring events, networking, and celebrating the achievements of women in the wine industry. Get your tickets ??? - https://lnkd.in/dakkkGkx — come support, connect, and sip with us! ? Here’s what’s in store: ?? Wed 3/5: Kickoff Happy Hour ???Fess Parker Napa ?? Thur 3/6: Ladies Night: Vino & Vinyl ???Compline Wine Shop ?? Sat 3/8: Her Pour, Her Story Grand Tasting ???CIA at Copia See y’all there!

One of my foundational beliefs that has also challenged me at times is creating the right harmony between running a business and nurturing our family. I refuse to believe successful entrepreneurship comes at the cost of sacrificing your family. It absolutely can be done but it takes intentionality, a commitment to your values and the peace that some people won’t understand or agree with your decisions. And that’s ok. Thank you Keri H. for allowing me to pour out a few thoughts and a little wine to go with it. ????