New summer event programming built around conversation, connection, and mentorship in wine.
July 9, 2026 (Sonoma, CA) — Bâtonnage Forum, the nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in the wine industry through community and mentorship, is bringing its community together this summer with a new virtual event series.
The series begins July 13 with “A Conversation on Mentorship” featuring winemaker Alison Thomson and her longtime collaborator Alecia Moore, founder and winemaker of Two Wolves Wine in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. Moderated by Bâtonnage Executive Director Elaine Chukan Brown, the discussion will explore what Alison and Alecia have learned from each other, the role mentorship has played in shaping their paths, and why women supporting women matters so deeply in this industry.
The kickoff event is free to attend. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Puz8shbGSzOxPOw6k5AnsQ
Later in July, Bâtonnage will launch The Bâtonnage Sessions, a three-part interactive online series designed to help participants expand their professional networks, gain insights from industry leaders, and tackle career challenges through peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. This event series is open to all wine professionals and industry enthusiasts alike.
Session 1: Building Your Network in Wine
Monday, July 27 @ 1:00 PM PT
Bâtonnage has hosted speed networking sessions in person for years, and now it is bringing that experience online to reach more members of the community. This session combines guided introductions with curated one-on-one breakout conversations, paired by role, region, or career stage. Business coach Emily Merrell, who knows a thing or two about turning a quick conversation into a real connection, will facilitate these meaningful one-on-ones.
Session 2: In Conversation with Pascaline Lepeltier
Monday, August 3 @ 1:00 PM PT
Pascaline holds the Master Sommelier Diploma and is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and has spent her career behind some of New York’s best wine programs, from Rouge Tomate to her current home at Chambers in TriBeCa. She’s also gotten her hands dirty in production with chëpìka, her winemaking project in the Finger Lakes, and is an acclaimed author. Elaine and
Pascaline will discuss her career path, the unexpected turns it has taken, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Bring your questions.
Session 3: Mastermind
Monday, August 10 @ 1:00 PM PT
A peer-driven mastermind session where participants each take the “hot seat” to present a real challenge and receive focused input from the group. This exercise will draw on the community’s collective experience to problem-solve in real time, with key takeaways for each participant as they look to build their career in wine. Bring a challenge you’re working through, and the room will help you work through it.
Tickets are $45 for one session or $99 for the three-session bundle. Learn more and register here: https://www.batonnageforum.com/the-batonnage-sessions.
If cost is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at info@batonnageforum.com. We’re committed to making these sessions accessible and are happy to discuss options.
To support Bâtonnage programming and to explore sponsorship opportunities, please email info@batonnageforum.com. Donate online at batonnageforum.com/donate.
For more information, visit batonnageforum.com or follow @batonnage_forum on Instagram.
About Bâtonnage Forum
Bâtonnage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that drives meaningful change in the wine industry by empowering women through mentorship, connection, and job opportunities.
Founded in 2018 as a grassroots gathering attended by hundreds, Bâtonnage has evolved into a global network of more than 3,000 wine professionals across 25 states and 15 countries. In addition to hosting year-round networking events, the organization leads a multi-level Mentorship Program that has cultivated more than 2,500 mentor–mentee relationships across multiple sectors of the wine industry.
