Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216
DEPARTMENT HEADER may 2015 / the tasting panel / 89 "L ook at how far we have come." This phrase—heard time and time again—became an unofficial man- tra of the inaugural Women of the Vine Global Symposium, held from March 12–14, 2015 at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, CA. With more than 500 women (and a number of men) attending the sold-out event, it didn't take long to understand the reason for the repetition, or for the significance of the event to sink in, especially after hearing the numerous accounts from industry veterans who remember times when a gathering of all the women in the wine industry would have easily fit into a hotel room. Stemming from her book Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women who Make, Taste and Enjoy Wine, the symposium was created and organized by author Deborah Brenner not only to call attention to the gender gap, but also to recognize the women who are taking steps to bridge that gap and who are excelling within the wine industry. The agenda contained plenty of panels, speakers, interac- tive sessions, networking luncheons, winery dinners and meet and greets. Topics touched on included the dos and don'ts of direct-to-consumer and direct selling, brand- ing and women in leadership roles. Our own Northern California Editor Deborah Parker Wong gave wine compa- nies tips on how to best get the media's attention during the Pitch Perfect panel. Topping off the weekend, the Women of the Vine Grand Tasting highlighted the hard work of 45 award-winning women winemakers and proprietors and reminded all the attendees that—on so many different levels—the juice is truly worth the squeeze. Discussing the benefits and pitfalls of a family business in the winery, members of the Family Ties: Taking the Reins panel: Jo Terlato, Terlato Wines; Christine Wente, Wente Vineyards; Cheryl Indelicato, HandCraft Artisan Collection; Kim Stare Wallace, Dry Creek Vineyard; Cynthia Lohr, J. Lohr; and Susan Sokol-Blosser, Sokol Blosser Wines. Winemaker and General Manager of Rutherford Hill Marisa Taylor and Winemaker and General Manager of Chimney Rock Elizabeth Vianna at the Grand Tasting that closed out the inaugural Women of the Vine Global Symposium.