Events: Women in Wine Expo 2024

Women in Wine? Sustainability? 

The three pillars of "sustainablity" are: 
People (social), Planet (environmental) and Profits (economics).
Without respect, understanding of application and attention to outcomes for all three, simultaneously, we have nothing.

A few years ago, Cassandra Anderton and I started talking about the lack of women principals attending the Vancouver International Wine Festival. We would review the list of 150 attendees with difficulty  because there were so few women on the roster. Sadly even in 2024, the list hasn't grown longer. It's hard to find the data on women participating in the industry, but at a conference in Italy, it was stated that 2% of the Italian winemakers are women. That number seems very low. The numbers are higher in the "new world" of wine. This realization inspired us to continue to reach out and interview women who are principals or winemakers in both BC and abroad. This year, because of the wonderful connection I have with Lucila Plana of Patagonia Imports, I met Marica Bonomo of Monte del Fra, a women who is no stranger to the wine world and being a leader in it.

As a result, I decided to expand my YouTube channel to include a podcast' which I hope you will find, listen to and share. It's free. The focus of the podcast/video series is Women in Wine and Sustainable Wineries. There are four podcast episodes now: Alison Moyes of Solvero Wines, Lyndsay O'Rourke of Tightrope Winery and Jesce Baessler of Corcelettes Winery - all women in wine in BC. In addition, Benoit Gauthier of Noble Ridge Winery was my first guest where he brought me up to speed on how Noble Ridge is adapting to climate change through sustainable practices. These conversations are authentic and personal especially when discovering the journey to the wine industry. The path is not the same for everyone but there is a common thread - the love of wine!

Women in Wine Expo 2024, May 8 - 10 in Porto

A funny things happens when you start down a path. Suddenly doors open. It becomes clear where to go and what to do next. Here I am in early May on my way to Porto to attend the Women in Wine Expo. This is a first for me and it represents the opportunity for a global conversation with women in the industry uncovering the best practices to support equity and inclusion. I'm excited to meet passionate wine lovers, to hear their stories and share them with you. What's the saying? The rising tides float all boats. It couldn't be more appropriate. Thanks to Şenay Özdemir and team for the opportunity to attend the three day event that will take place in Villa Nova di Gaia. 

Cassandra Anderton - Good Life Vancouver

This is all because of Cassandra Anderton, a gal who is always busy doing something interesting. She brought me into the fold. At least that's what I say. She's a prolific writer, publisher, social media gal and lover of all things media. She joined me during COVID as a moderator on the "BC Wine Wednesday" Winery Events and she has encouraged me to write and keep perfecting my craft. There are a few stories that I have contributed to Good Life Vancouver and hopefully more to come. 

Thank you for reading. Listen to the conversations. Are women better tasters? It's unanimous. Subscribe to YouTube and share with your wine loving friends. Sign up for the Good Wine Gal newsletter to stay tuned for more wine adventures. Cheers to you!