Sonoma, Calif., April 18, 2024—Bâtonnage Forum, a nonprofit organization aimed at opening up a conversation about women in wine and fostering opportunities that create equity, announces its upcoming event on May 9 at Artesa Vineyards & Winery in Napa. The afternoon program will be rooted in the platform’s core values of stirring up conversation and charting positive, inclusive pathways forward for the industry through community and conversation.
The event program will consist of two parts, with option to register for one or both:
3:00-4:30pm Mentorship Panel Discussion & Networking Break-Out Sessions
An enlightening panel discussion will showcase three pairs of accomplished women in the wine industry who have evolved from traditional mentorship roles to become true champions for each other’s success. These industry leaders will share insights on creating supportive environments that foster growth and advancement through advocacy.
Speakers include:
- Martha Stoumen and Imane Hanine, Martha Stoumen Wines
- Mary Maher, Silverado Farming Company, and Julia van der Vink, Aerika Estate
- Angela McCrae, Uncorked and Cultured, and Melissa Lynch, Vinfluential
Following the panel, attendees will participate in small breakout groups, delving deeper into the challenges facing women in the wine industry and collaboratively exploring solutions to these obstacles, in sessions moderated by Bâtonnage team members.
4:30-6:00pm Tasting of Women-Made Wines
The afternoon will conclude with a delightful tasting session on the scenic patio of Artesa, overlooking the rolling hills of Los Carneros AVA. Attendees will savor exceptional wines crafted by talented women winemakers and proprietors while networking and engaging in meaningful conversations. Spanish-inspired tapas will complement the tasting experience for a memorable experience that will create long lasting support networks within our community.
Participating wineries include:
- Corinne Rich, Birdhorse Wines
- Emily Virgil, Trail Marker Wine & Kid Sister
- Jessica Koga, Schramsberg Vineyards
- Julie Johnson, Tres Sabores Winery
- Martha Stoumen & Imane Hanine, Martha Stoumen Wines
- Jacqueline Yoakum, Keller Estate
- Mari Jones, Emeritus Vineyards
- Kira Ballotta, Olivia Brion & Cantadora Wines
- Kimberlee Nicholls, Markham Napa Valley Vineyards
- Natalie Bath, Rudd Estate
- Raemy Paterson, Martin Ray Winery
- Sarah Hoffman, Maker Wine
- Sarah Vandendriessche, Elizabeth Spencer
- Clémence Lelarge, Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot
Tickets for the event are available via the official website, including All-Access Pass (includes entry to walk-around tasting) and Tasting Pass only options. For full program details, visit batonnageforum.com/2024-forum.
Bâtonnage remains committed to empowering women across all sectors of the wine industry, providing a platform for education, support, and progress. By addressing historical challenges and proposing pragmatic solutions, Bâtonnage engages the collective to chart a positive and inclusive course forward for women in wine.
About Bâtonnage
Founded in 2018 by Stevie Stacionis and Sarah Bray, Bâtonnage Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a community for all those who identify as women working in the wine industry. In addition to the annual forum—which educates about the unique challenges and opportunities that women in the field have faced historically and present-day—the platform encompasses a mentorship program, designed to create a positive course forward wherein individuals who have traditionally been overlooked or spoken over achieve equal opportunities and equal representation across all sectors and tiers of the industry. For more information and to join the conversation, visit batonnageforum.com.
