International Women's Day
Kerry Shiels • March 8, 2019
Celebrating women in wine
International Women’s Day is a big thing in Italy. Everyone gives little yellow flowers they call mimosas. It’s a lovely day of appreciation and acknowledgement. When I moved back to the US, I missed this, so I’m taking up the mantle of celebrating women in wine this week.
I am lucky to have always had strong intelligent women in my life as mentors and friends. Joyce runs the science program where I made my first wine in 7th grade. Joyce introduced me to Sara, with whom I did enology work in high school and college. Both these women are friends with Kay, who was one of the influences that led me to UC Davis.
The early focus on science put me on the path to my engineering degree from Northwestern, and to my lifelong habit of seeking out amazing mentors. My sophomore year of college, Lynn helped me publish a research paper, and pushed me to present the work at a pediatric radiology conference. She set me up for a lifetime of success in public speaking with this act!
After college, when I was at Fiat, there were not many women in engineering, or the factory I worked in. Thankfully, my boss Paolo was incredibly supportive. When I expressed frustration at the inappropriate images of women all over the place, he cleaned things up. I wasn’t the most popular person that week, but I am forever grateful for the men who realized it was the right thing to do. I thank my male mentors as well; they have also been instrumental in my life. Fittingly, perhaps, it was a woman, a corporate change agent at CNH, who helped me see that my way forward was not engineering, but wine.
There are so many amazing individuals in the wine industry, and the women are no exception! Katy, Samantha, Kenza, Julie, Jeanette, and Dorian helped me learn through my harvest experiences. Hildegarde, Linda, and Sue were great teachers at Davis, and it was fun with Marty, Jenny, Beatriz, and Beth. It was an honor to be interviewed by Ester for my first Wine Spectator appearance, with a photo taken by Lisa. I love the photos that Andrea takes now. We get to sell fruit to Marie again, and I’m looking forward to her DuBrul Chardonnay! Our vineyard crew is entirely female, and they are awesome. Michelle is at the top of my list to call when I have viticultural questions.
I’ve decided that selling wine is the most challenging area for women in wine. In the vineyard and winery, you work with a team over time. You can build trust the same way anyone can. Somms have to prove themselves to a new set of customers every night. Those like Cara, Deb, and Lindsay do so with enthusiasm and grace every night - it’s amazing.
Most of all, my mom not only had the vision and courage to start Côte Bonneville, but she continues to motivate and inspire me every day. So on International Women’s Day, do your part. Thank a female somm. Drink wine made by a woman. Mentor someone. Hug your mom. Then do it again tomorrow.
Enjoy wines you can feel good about drinking
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