14 April – Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls of Napa Valley’s Markham Vineyards will be in attendance as a proud partner of the inaugural Restaurant Reset Conference, hosted by non-profit organization MAPP (Mentorship, Advocacy, Pandemic relief, and the Power of women). The conference – taking place from April 24-26 at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL – explores how to bring greater prosperity and equity into the culinary and hospitality industry, where women have historically been underrepresented. In addition to notable chefs like Karen Akunowicz, Tanya Holland, Katie Button, a female chef or restaurateur from nearly every state in the U.S. will be in attendance at the conference.
“Restaurants play such an important role in providing us with moments of magic through standout food and wine pairings. As a winery, we want to support the hospitality industry and be a part of finding solutions around gender bias within the food system,” said Nicholls. “Similar to the restaurant industry, the wine industry has been a historically male-dominated field. As one of the few female head winemakers in Napa Valley, MAPP’s mission resonates deeply with me. I look forward to our ongoing partnership and am excited to do my part to ensure the voices of women in the food, wine, and hospitality industries are heard and respected.”
Markham Vineyards has been involved with MAPP since the organization was founded in 2019, following a screening of founder Joanna James’ film, A Fine Line, at the Napa Valley Film Festival. As one of the few wineries in Napa Valley with a women-led winemaking and viticulture team, MAPP’s mission to empower women across the U.S. resonates with Nicholls.
Known for its acclaimed Napa Valley Merlot, Markham Vineyards will be at the conference pouring wines throughout all three days of the event. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth, taste wines and converse with Nicholls and the Markham team.
WHERE:
- Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
- 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
- Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
WHEN:
- Sunday, April 24 – Tuesday, April 26, 2022
- (Tickets can be purchased here)
ABOUT MARKHAM VINEYARDS:
Markham Vineyards is a Napa Valley winery focused on Bordeaux varietals, with an unwavering passion for Merlot. With 260 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards and land, Markham’s wine portfolio showcases the nuanced characteristics of the Napa Valley along with a commitment to Merlot. Markham’s deep experience with Bordeaux varietals give it the perspective needed to not only honor its history, but to take a modern approach to farming, winemaking and hospitality. For more information, visit markhamvineyards.com.
ABOUT MAPP:
Founded in 2019 after Joanna James’ film premiere of A Fine Line sparked national conversations regarding gender bias in restaurant culture and the food system, the 501C3 non-profit Mentorship, Advocacy, Pandemic relief, and the Power of Women (MAPP) was created to empower women to lead through mentorship and advocacy. MAPP furthers the fight for equal rights through 1-on-1 mentorship, advocacy for gender and racial equities and policies that support working families sponsoring pandemic relief grants and creating opportunities for representation where women and people of color are sorely missed. For more information, please mappimpact.org or follow along on Instagram.
