After nearly a decade working in the US wine industry along with extensive travels and studies of European wine regions – and more than a few wine exams* – the idea of Iola Wines was born.

Through these experiences, I noticed that despite how women were kicking butt in so many professions, wine seemed different. No small wonder, really. In Europe, for centuries vineyards were handed down from father to son, not daughter. As wine spread to the new world this notion traveled with it, leaving women out of the picture for far too long.

I realized that I could, in some small way, do my part to change the wine-world status quo: I could champion women winemakers who are every bit as talented as their French and Italian brethren.

My focus today isn’t just on women winemakers. It’s on exceptional, expressive, vibrant wines. The women winegrowers I work with have consistently -and courageously- grown and made wines of depth and beauty despite being dismissed every step of the way.

Iola Wines feels like my life’s purpose; it would be an honor to have you alongside as together we bring these exciting wines to the forefront and celebrate the inspiring French and Italian women winemakers making them.