FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Executive Director: Devon Perry
T: 856-761-9986
devon@newjerseywines.com

Media Contact: Paige Wolf
T: 215-407-8832
paige@paigewolf.com
segelassociates@gmail.com

Get to Know the Women Behind the Vines:

Second Annual Women in Wine Meet and Greet with Career Panel 

Mt. Laurel, NJ – There are more women in vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms than ever, thanks in part to the spirit of cooperation and mentorship from women winemakers. With the mission of honoring that legacy and continuing to highlight and increase women’s participation in the New Jersey wine industry, the Women in Wine Caucus of the Garden State Wine Growers Association is proud to present the Second Annual Women in Wine Meet & Greet.

EVENT DETAILS: GET TO KNOW THE WOMEN BEHIND THE VINES

WHAT: Career Panel with Meet and Greet

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21st at 11 a.m.

WHO: Students and professionals interested in learning about the wine industry are strongly recommended to attend.

RSVP before May 1, 2024

The Second Annual Women in Wine Meet & Greet Event will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at 11 a.m. at Alice Paul Institute in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and will include Garden State-grown wine and food. Guests can RSVP here.

In addition to sipping New Jersey’s terroir-driven wine paired with light bites, attendees can take part in a career panel geared toward encouraging and educating women in the industry as well as those who are curious about opportunities in New Jersey wine. Noted journalist Robin Shreeves will moderate a panel that includes Leigh Ann Wilson, head of winemaking and Business Development at Cedar Rose Vineyards; Jules Donnini, owner and winemaker at Auburn Road Vineyards & Winery and Madeline Cozine, vineyard manager at Working Dog Winery.

“The event will be held in an incredible space that’s devoted to a woman who made history, and will host women who are currently making history,” says Staci Dempsey, Chair of the Women in Wine Caucus. “We’re bringing together passionate industry women who are excited to share their experiences. The inclusive day is for any woman who is curious about how to start in the wine industry, women who are currently studying for a career in the industry, and women already in the industry who want to network with other like-minded professionals.”

The Women in Wine Caucus provides education and training for women exploring careers in the wine industry as well as women on the industry frontlines. Session topics include heavy machinery training, maintenance training, dormant pruning training, and tasting training. The group consists of owners, managers, winemakers, journalists, sommeliers, consultants, distributors and more. 

The Women in Wine Caucus is an educational and supportive community for women in the New Jersey wine industry. Founded by Victoria Reader, the group was created as a place for women to come together to learn, network, and grow. Staci Dempsey, who is now leading Women in Wine, says she is excited for another busy year of programming designed to provide women in the industry with a range of skills they need to move forward but may not have access to otherwise. 

“Only 17% of winemakers nationwide are women according to one study,” says Devon Perry, Executive Director of Garden State Wine Growers Association “The Women in Wine Caucus aims to increase that percentage and make this industry more accessible to everyone.”

The Women in Wine event is sponsored by Red Vanilla, a premier designer and distributor of beautifully crafted wine glass and tabletop collections.

“Red Vanilla Tabletop Company is proud to support the Garden State Wine Growers Association, recognizing the deep synergy between the craft of winemaking and the art of fine dining,” the company says. “Just as Red Vanilla is dedicated to enhancing the aesthetic and sensory experience of dining through exquisite tableware, we appreciate and value the dedication of Garden State’s winemakers to producing premium wines that elevate culinary experiences. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to wine glass excellence, quality, and the celebration of local craftsmanship. By supporting the Garden State Wine Industry, Red Vanilla aims to foster a culture of appreciation for the finer things in life, where the pairing of exceptional wine with beautiful wine glass and table settings becomes an integral part of memorable dining experiences. Together, we aspire to promote the region’s culinary and viticultural excellence, highlighting the harmonious blend of art, nature, and craftsmanship that defines our community.”

With more than 60 wineries and vineyards in four distinct American Viticultural Areas, there’s a New Jersey winery within less than an hour’s drive across the state! The four American Viticultural Areas (AVA) of New Jersey are the Warren Hills AVA, the Cape May Peninsula AVA, the Central Delaware Valley AVA and the Outer Coastal Plain AVA. Vineyards across New Jersey grow more than 80 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Albarino and Chardonnay. New Jersey’s wineries also produce a wide array of fruit wines, and New Jersey is one of the top producers of wine in the country.

 

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About Garden State Wine Growers Association

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a non-profit organization of New Jersey-based wineries, vineyards and allied businesses. It serves as a centralized information repository, resource and clearing house for industry members, and offers a unified voice advocating for issues important to the entire range of New Jersey winery and vineyard operations. Central to this mission are efforts toward branding, marketing, public relations, education, and legislation and regulation for the furtherance of the vineyard and wine industries in the Garden State. For more information, visit www.NewJerseyWines.com.

About Red Vanilla

The Women in Wine event is sponsored by Red Vanilla, a premier designer and distributor of beautifully crafted wine glass and tabletop collections. Red Vanilla’s mission is to enhance everyday dining experiences and a special occasion with their unique collection of wine glasses and accessories. Founded on the principles of innovation, quality, and timeless design Red Vanilla has become synonymous with sophistication and elegance in the wine glass and tabletop industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, they meticulously curate their collections to cater to a wide range of tastes and styles, whether your glass preference is stemmed or stemless, we ensure that every piece reflects our passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail. Renowned for their artistic heritage and commitment to quality, “Red Vanilla” is proud to contribute to the vibrant culture of design, and creativity.