As has become a January tradition, Wine Industry Advisor has again chosen 10 individuals from within the wine industry who showcase leadership, innovation, determination and inspiration — both within the industry and in society at large — as its Most Inspiring People honorees.
These individuals were selected from more than 100 nominations submitted by WIA members last November. It wasn’t easy, but the editorial team zeroed in on people who, they felt, have positively impacted the U.S. wine culture (and beyond) over the past year.
Below are our 2025 Most Inspiring People, in (mostly) alphabetical order. Thank you for the commitment, passion and motivation you inspire in our industry each day.
—Alexandra Russell, Managing Editor
Editor’s Note: One feature profile will be released per day for the next 10 business days. Links to full articles will activate as they’re published.
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Heidi Bridenhagen — Opening Doors for Women in Wine
Wisconsin-born Heidi Bridenhagen’s distinguished wine career had its genesis in a happy confluence of circumstance.
