Virginia’s wine industry is on the verge of transformation, driven by a new initiative called Virginia Women in Wine. This organization, founded by food and travel writer Nancy Bauer, is the culmination of five years of informal gatherings among women passionate about the state’s wine industry. Initially, these gatherings brought together women who worked in wine but felt disconnected from each other. Over time, as they shared ideas and discussed challenges, Bauer realized that the solutions to many of the industry’s problems were already in the room.
The idea to formalize this network came naturally. Bauer jokes that it was Shannon Horton of Horton Vineyards who repeatedly suggested turning their informal group into a nonprofit organization. “Shannon would always yell, ‘Nancy, you need to make this a 501(c)(3),’ and I’d respond, ‘You have fun with that!’” Bauer recalls.
On August 6, Virginia Women in Wine officially launched at Eastwood Farm Winery, drawing more than 160 attendees. The excitement was palpable as the organization aimed to empower women in Virginia’s wine industry. The group plans to promote community-building, leadership development, career advancement, and equity, all while using innovative media and marketing strategies.
The turning point came when Bauer had a lunch meeting with Shannon Horton and Megan Hereford, co-owner of Daring Wine & Cider Co. They convinced her to take the next step, even though her initial grant proposal to the Virginia Wine Board wasn’t funded. That proposal, however, ignited a spark among women in the industry. “I invited everyone who had attended one of our dinners or shown any interest to put their names on the proposal—50 women signed,” Bauer recalls. This group of 50 became the foundation for Virginia Women in Wine, which now has a 14-member board and additional committee members.
Bauer estimates that more than 6,000 women work in Virginia’s wine industry, many of whom face specific challenges. Pay inequality, lack of respect, and equipment not designed for women are common issues, as revealed in interviews conducted for the group’s upcoming white paper. Child-care challenges also arise, especially during grape harvest, which coincides with back-to-school season.
Stephanie Pence, co-owner of Brix & Columns Vineyard, sheds light on some of the physical challenges women face in the industry. She recounts how people are often surprised when they see her driving a tractor or unloading pallets from a truck. “I’ve had people say, ‘I thought your husband was going to unload this,’” she says. These experiences emphasize the need for a strong community of women in the industry, both for camaraderie and problem-solving.
This sense of community is echoed by Seidah Armstrong, owner of Sweet Vines Farm Winery. She values the support network that Virginia Women in Wine is creating. “I love that VWW is saying, ‘We see you, and we support you,’” Armstrong says. She adds that the organization can help break down silos in the industry and foster greater collaboration.
Armstrong, a former K-12 administrator, also sees continuing education as a significant challenge for women in the wine business. She hopes Virginia Women in Wine can provide educational opportunities to help women tackle industry-specific issues, such as introducing new grape varietals or finding innovative ways to boost tourism and attract clients.
Athena Eastwood, owner of Eastwood Farm and Winery, emphasizes the importance of representation in leadership roles. “It’s important for people to see faces like theirs doing what they aspire to do,” she says. “When you’re a woman starting out, whether you’re working in the cellar or serving on a board, having another woman in the room can be invaluable.”
Reflecting on the organization’s early success, Bauer is excited about the future. “This board has shown me how much more can be accomplished when we work together,” she says. Although the journey is just beginning, Bauer is optimistic that Virginia Women in Wine will continue to grow and thrive, perhaps even long after her involvement. “It’s pretty exciting to think that this organization might outlast me,” she admits.
