Ensemble Hospitality’s executive team is comprised of 90 percent women and Jackson Family Wines’ winemakers are 60 percent women, topping a wine industry average of just 15 percent
LONG BEACH, Calif. (March 1, 2024) – In celebrating “Women’s History Month,” Ensemble Hospitality, in partnership with Jackson Family Wines, toasts the women trailblazers who have uncorked opportunities for generations to come while presenting its first wine promotion, a “Wine Dinner Series” celebrating illustrious women in wine throughout March.
“Women’s History Month” commemorates and encourages the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
“Women’s History Month” began as International Women’s Day when it was first observed in 1911. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation in 1980 declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. Congress next passed legislation in 1987 that designated the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” Since then, each U.S. president has issued annual proclamations designating March as “Women’s History Month.”
Recognizing leading women at the helm in the wine industry during “Women’s History Month” this year, Cambria Estate Winery celebrates Katherine Jackson, co-proprietor, Julia Jackson, co-proprietor, Jill Russell, winemaker, and Denise Shurtleff, General Manager; in addition to Kristy Melton, Winemaker for Freemark Abbey.
“As we honor ‘Women’s History Month,’ let us savor the complexity and depth of women’s successes and skills, much like a fine wine,” said Kristi Allen, Executive Vice President of Hotels at Ensemble. “We value our partnership with Jackson Family Wines in presenting our first ‘Wine Dinner Series’ in March to celebrate women’s achievements and to also share in the many ideals and goals of both organizations.”
Ensemble Hospitality and Jackson Family Wines will present its “Wine Dinner Series” at four Ensemble Hospitality hotels by showcasing 4-course to 5-course elevated wine dinner events with respective winemakers or sommeliers to include:
- Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel, March 13 at 6 p.m., Hostess: Kristy Melton; featuring wines “By The Glass” including Freemark Abbey Chardonnay and Merlot; and “By The Bottle” including Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot and Napa Cabernet. For reservations, please call 831-877-1099 or https://www.opentable.com/lucia-restaurant-and-bar-bernardus-lodge
- Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, March 27 at 6 p.m., Hostess: Master of Wine, Katie Werthmuller; featuring wines “By The Glass” including Cambria Katherine’s Chardonnay and Julia’s Pinot Noir; and “By The Bottle” including Cambria Signature Series Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Rose, Barbara’s 667 Pinot Noir and Syrah. For reservations, please call 831-740-8069 or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dream-inn-presents-women-in-wine-a-celebration-of-wine-making-excellence-tickets-820378593457?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa, March 28 at 6 p.m., Hostess: Master of Wine, Mollie Battenhouse; featuring wines “By The Glass” including Cambria Rosa, Cambria Signature Katherine’s Chardonnay, Freemark Abbey Chardonnay and Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The “Wine Dinner” consists of Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc, Cambria Viognier, Cambria Syrah, Stonestreet Cabernet and Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet. For reservations, please call 707-527-7687 or https://www.opentable.com/john-ash-and-co
- Hotel Maya in Long Beach, March 28 at 6 p.m., Hostess: Winery Ambassador and Educator, Katie Phillips; featuring wines “By The Glass” including Cambria Katherine’s Chardonnay and Julia’s Pinot Noir; and “By The Bottle” including Cambria Katherine’s Chardonnay, Viognier, Rose, Julia’s Pinot Noir and Syrah. For reservations, please call 562-481-3910 or https://www.opentable.com/fuego-maya-hotel
In addition, three Ensemble Hospitality hotels are presenting special wine and cheese packages while promoting women in wine to celebrate “Women’s History Month” to include Hyatt Place in Pasadena, Calif., DoubleTree by Hilton Carson in Carson, Calif., and Delta Hotels, Marriott in Mesa, Ariz.
In 2023, Ensemble Hospitality acquired the stunning Vintners Resort & Spa in partnership with the Jackson Family, one of the oldest and most revered wine families in the country. Together they share a commitment to sustainability at its properties and farm-to-table cuisine in its restaurants.
As Ensemble invests and develops in communities, they seek to make a positive impact through their continued commitment to sustainability, service programs, donations and sponsorships. In August 2021, Jackson Family Wines unveiled a 10-year sustainability and climate action plan that is a bold, comprehensive set of goals and initiatives designed to lead climate solutions, create a positive social impact, and support the Jackson family’s long-term vision for a sustainable future.
“Jackson Family Wines and Ensemble Hospitality have a shared passion for social responsibility and sustainability in the wine and hospitality industries,“ said Katherine Jackson and Julia Jackson, co-proprietors at Cambria Estate Winery. “Together in March we will spotlight the achievements of women in our industry and beyond with presentations of wine dinner events that celebrates the female spirit.”
Jackson Family Wines also leads industry-wide efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, deploy regenerative farming practices in its estate vineyards, and drive positive social impact in its local communities. A core Ensemble value is contributing to the communities they serve and that is on full display at their 11 hotels. Each property hosts and participates in up to four community service programs a year. By prioritizing sustainability in hospitality and tourism, Ensemble is engaging with local communities to ensure tourism benefits are distributed equitably while contributing to socio-economic development.
About Jackson Family Wines
Jackson Family Wines is a family-owned, vineyard-based company with a penchant for exploration. Founder Jess Jackson placed his faith in farming and a meticulous expression of wine with his first landscape-changing vintage in 1982, an ethos that chairman Barbara Banke, the Jackson family, and our employees continue to uphold to this day. The Jackson family’s collection of 40 wineries spans significant winegrowing regions, from California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, France, and Italy in the northern hemisphere, to Australia, Chile and South Africa in the southern half of the globe. Vineyard ownership and sustainable practices remain key to consistent quality and artisan winemaking underscores a steadfast commitment to making wines of character and integrity. Jackson Family Wines is an Equal Opportunity employer. For more information about Jackson Family Wines, please visit www.jacksonfamilywines.com.
About Ensemble
Ensemble is a leading commercial real estate investment firm specializing in comprehensive planning, development, ownership, and management. Established in 1989, Ensemble has consistently delivered transformative projects across hospitality, corporate office, life science, multifamily, and retail sectors. With headquarters in Long Beach, CA, and offices in Phoenix and Philadelphia, Ensemble assembles a diverse group of talented professionals to steward resources with creativity and tenacity, delivering inspiring environments and exceptional experiences.
For more information, visit www.ensemble.net.
