On July 18, 2021, New Jersey’s Women in Wine launched. 

The first members? Three women who work at New Jersey wineries who wanted to make a change and provide a much-needed space for women in the industry. Since then, the group has grown to include more than 40 members and is now a thriving community for women to network with others in the industry, learn about opportunities in wine, hone skills, and much more.

Since the group’s inception, members have had the opportunity to hone their skills in driving forklifts and tractors, blending wine, dormant pruning, and more—and the group is just getting started. The wine blending trial led to the organization’s first bottled wine, a white blend (that’s yet to be named or released).

“Our group is definitely centered around supporting all roles in the wine industry that women might hold,” says Staci Dempsey, chair of the Women in Wine committee. “From owners, winemakers, and vineyard managers to tasting room employees who educate the public—this group is for all women regardless of what role they have in the industry.”

Women in Wine invites all women in the industry to get involved. For more information or to join, email womeninwinenj@gmail.com.

Follow Women in Wine on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Staci Dempsey, LUTCF, FFC, Chair of the Women in Wine Committee

Staci is part of the second-generation family-owned Dempsey Weiss & Associates which has served and worked with New Jersey’s agricultural community for the past 20 years. For the past five years, she and her brother Joel have immersed themselves in learning and understanding the needs of vineyards and wineries. American National Insurance named the sister and brother team the Winery Specialists for the state of New Jersey. 

At Wilmington, Delaware’s Padua Academy, Staci focused her education on Women’s History and Women’s Studies before joining her family’s business. Part of Dempsey Weiss & Associate’s business model is to serve the people they wish to work with and be a part of the Women in Wine Caucus to serve the clients she works with.

“I gain a better understanding of the challenges the wine industry has, and when possible, I help,” she says. 

Staci lives in Logan Township with her husband, John, and two children, Monroe and Bishop. 

Staci is joined by the following women in the New Jersey wine industry on the leadership team:

• Robin Halpern: Owner of Ocean City Winery LLC
• Julianne “Jules” Donnini: Owner and winemaker of Auburn Road Vineyards & Winery
• Madeline Cozine: Vineyard manager at Working Dog Winery 
• David Gardner: Wine maker and partner at Bellview Winery
  

Press inquiries for information on the Women in Wine organization or to interview any of the leadership team can be directed to: womeninwinenj@gmail.com.

• New Jersey’s Women in Wine Caucus, Edible Jersey 
• Meet the ‘Women in Wine’ taking the world by storm from New Jersey, 6 ABC 
• In New Jersey, Women in the Wine Industry Are Taking Control of Their Skills Training, The Vintner Project 
• Women in Wine NJ Boosts Camaraderie in a Male-Dominated Industry, NJ Monthly 
• Interview with Victoria Reader, Founder of NJ Women in Wine, Garden State Woman Education Foundations
• Meet Victoria Reader of Women in Wine, South Jersey Food Scene

Rise & Rosé 

Enjoy an inspiring lecture by Joanne Newborn, “Turning Imposter Syndrome Into Empowerment Through Strategic Network Leadership.” Following the presentation, savor a rosé tasting featuring selections from local New Jersey wineries, accompanied by light bites and great company. We look forward to raising a glass with you!

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

WHO, WHAT, WINE, HOW – Women in Wine Educators Roundtable

Date: March 31