Ten Distinguished Sommeliers Selected for Transformative Mentorship Experience
Sonoma County, CA (January 22, 2025) – The Court of Master Sommeliers is thrilled to announce the selection of ten outstanding female sommeliers who will attend the third Women’s Sommelier Symposium, set to take place April 6-9, 2025, in Sonoma County, California. This enriching mentoring experience is designed to foster empowerment, equality, and excellence within the wine industry. This year marks the first time the event will be held in Sonoma, having been hosted in Santa Barbara County, California for the first two years.
The Women’s Sommelier Symposium offers a unique opportunity for female sommeliers to connect, learn, and grow. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and immersive vineyard visits, all aimed at deepening their knowledge, refining their skills, and building a stronger sense of community within the hospitality and wine industries.
The participating women, all Certified or Advanced Sommeliers through the Court of Master Sommeliers, were selected by the SommFoundation from over 100 applications. They will be joined by female Master Sommeliers Gillian Ballance MS, Élyse Lambert MS, Andrea Robinson MS, Laura Williamson MS, Emily Wines MS, CMS-A external board member Liz Ngonzi, and CMS-A Executive Director Julie Cohen Theobald, along with winemakers, general managers, and other leaders in the wine industry in Sonoma.
The following sommeliers have been selected to participate in this prestigious event:
- Jennifer Anderson – Washington, D.C.
- Ermoni Best – Chicago, IL
- Gia Bivens – Birmingham, AL
- Emily Blackman – Orcutt, CA
- Justyna Brewczyk – Houston, TX
- Angie Cediel – Mexico City, Mexico
- Katelyn Claunch – Portland, OR
- Mercedes Cowper – Washington, D.C.
- Carolina Cruz – Miami, FL
- Yetem Nicodimos – San Francisco, CA
“We are excited to welcome these talented women to Sonoma for an experience that promises to inspire and elevate their careers,” said Julie Theobald, Executive Director of the Court of Master Sommeliers. “The symposium is a testament to our commitment to supporting diversity and excellence in the wine industry.”
Emily Wines, Master Sommelier and founder of the Women’s Sommelier Symposium, added, “This symposium is about creating a space where women in wine can come together to share their experiences and learn from one another. Moving the event to Sonoma allows us to explore new opportunities and continue to grow this incredible community.”
The Court of Master Sommeliers extends its gratitude to the event sponsors for their generous support, including Jackson Family Wines, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Treasury Wine Estates, Drop of Sunshine Wine, Sonoma County Winegrowers, and the “Heilmann Trophy” from Badass Women in Wine.
To follow these women’s journey through the symposium, follow the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas on Instagram at @mastersommeliers_americas.
About the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
The Court was established in England in 1977 and sets the global standard of excellence for beverage service within the hospitality industry with integrity, exemplary knowledge, and humility. The first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam to be held in the United States was in 1987. The Americas chapter, which serves both North and South America, was established in 1987. Since then, 170 professionals have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter. The title Master Sommelier marks the highest recognition of wine and spirits knowledge, beverage service abilities, and professionalism in the hospitality trade. Education was then, and remains today, the Court’s charter. For more information, please visit www.mastersommeliers.org.
For more information about the Women’s Sommelier Symposium and future events, please contact:
Julie Theobald, Executive Director, Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
jtheobald@mastersommeliers.org
