Takeaways:

• The growing involvement of women in the wine industry has significantly shifted marketing strategies.
• As the primary consumers of wine, women influence how products are presented and sold.
• The storytelling aspect of wine enhances the customer experience and creates deeper connections.
• Social interactions around wine consumption have become increasingly important in today's society.
• Technology has changed how accounts order wine, but tasting remains an irreplaceable experience.
• Post-COVID, restaurants face higher challenges, making unique, artisanal offerings more valuable.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Southern Glazer

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

Laura DePasquale from Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits delves into transformative mentorship programs to empower women entering traditionally male-dominated sectors like supply chain and logistics. She highlights the importance of these initiatives in providing tailored guidance, ensuring women in the wine business receive the support needed to thrive. Laura shares her journey, noting the gratifying shift from being the only woman in the room to seeing women in leadership roles, including her boss, Cindy Leonard, the Executive Vice President of Wine. She also discusses the Next Gen Leaders program, which offers recent graduates the opportunity to explore various career paths within the company, from marketing to logistics. Laura emphasizes the importance of embracing passion in professional settings and encourages women to redefine their approach to being perceived as emotional, distinguishing it from genuine passion backed by facts.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

Takeaways:

• Southern Glazer's offers multiple mentorship programs to support women entering the wine business.
• The company has leadership development programs for new, advanced, and senior leaders.
• Opportunities for women in leadership roles have significantly increased over the years.
• Passionate advocacy in professional settings should be balanced with factual backing.
• The Next Gen Leaders program helps recent graduates explore different career paths.
• Women should embrace their passion without fear of it being seen as emotional.

In this enlightening episode of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, host Forrest Kelly dives deep into the world of artisanal wines with Laura DePasquale, the Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Artisanal Wines at Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. Discover the remarkable journey of Southern Glazer's, a family-owned company now in its third generation, and their immense contributions to the Wine industry and community.

Laura shares her insights on the often-debated definition of fine Wine and how Southern Glazer's has taken a unique approach to categorizing wines. Learn about the distinctions between artisanal Wine, fine Wine, and commercial Wine, and how these categories are defined by production levels and market availability. Laura also discusses the challenges of scaling Wine production compared to spirits and the intricacies of Wine distribution across different global markets.

With nearly 20 years as a Master Sommelier, Laura reflects on her continuous learning journey and the satisfaction she gets from bringing clarity to the Wine industry. Tune in for an episode filled with professional insights, industry challenges, and the passion that drives the world of artisanal wines.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In this episode of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, Forrest Kelly continues his engaging conversation with Laura DePasquale, a trailblazing Master Sommelier with two decades of experience. Laura opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in the Wine industry, particularly during her early years when she was often the only female executive in the room. Despite these obstacles, Laura's determination and passion for Wine have led her to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of women in the field.

Laura shares a compelling story from her early career as a Florida state Italian Wine specialist, where she navigated the male-dominated landscape with resilience and ingenuity. Her journey to becoming a Master Sommelier, a title held by only 30 women worldwide, showcases her commitment and expertise. Laura's decision to become a pioneering figure in the industry has earned her multiple promotions and recognition as a groundbreaking leader.

Laura also attributes much of her success to her upbringing and the invaluable mentorship she received throughout her career. Her current role at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits allows her to support traditional and innovative wineries, ensuring their commercial success and sustainability. Tune in to hear more about Laura's inspiring journey and her vision for the future of the Wine industry.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In this riveting episode, Forrest Kelly welcomes Laura DePasquale, the Senior Vice President for Artisanal Wines at Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and a Master Sommelier. Laura shares her unexpected journey from aspiring artist to renowned sommelier, detailing how a chance encounter with the Court of Master Sommeliers ignited her passion for Wine. Discover how Laura's career evolved from working in top restaurants in New York and Miami to becoming a pivotal figure in the Wine distribution industry.

Laura recounts her experiences of working at Norman's in Miami, her transition into the business side of Wine, and her role in establishing a boutique artisanal Wine division at Southern Glazer's. She also provides a layman's overview of Southern Glazer's, the largest distributor of wines and spirits in the world, highlighting its extensive reach across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Tune in for an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and the fascinating world of artisanal wines.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

Melanie, the winemaker at Cana Vineyards and Winery in Middleburg, Virginia, shares her inspiring journey from a physical therapist to a celebrated figure in the wine industry. Notably, she made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to win the Governor's Cup in Virginia's modern wine competition, a significant achievement in a field traditionally dominated by men. Melanie discusses the challenges of winemaking in Virginia’s humid subtropical climate, highlighting the rigorous work involved in producing high-quality wines while contending with disease pressure and unpredictable weather. As she reflects on her passion for rosé and the unique character of her wines, listeners are invited to appreciate the artistry behind each bottle. The episode delves into Melanie's philosophy that wine should be accessible, emphasizing the importance of welcoming experiences for all visitors to the vineyard.

Join us in this episode as we travel to Middleburg, Virginia, the nation's horse and hunt capital, and home to Cana Vineyards and Winery. Our guest, Melanie, the winemaker, Vineyard manager, and all-around cellar team, shares her unique journey from being a physical therapist to an accomplished winemaker. Discover the origins of Cana Vineyards, named after Cana of Galilee, and learn about Melanie's transition from healthcare to viticulture.

Melanie recounts her early career in physical therapy, her growing passion for Wine, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue winemaking full-time. With a production of 2,500 to 3,000 cases A Year, Melanie handles almost every aspect of the winemaking process herself, making her story both inspiring and educational for anyone interested in the Wine industry.

Don't miss this captivating episode filled with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and a touch of humor.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Cana Vineyards and Winery
• Fresno State
• Greenstone Vineyards

Join us in the final part of our interview with Melanie from Cana Vineyards as we explore five of their best wines. First up, we dive into the 2022 Albarino, a Wine that holds a special place in Melanie's heart due to her decade-long relationship with Greenstone Vineyards. Discover the serendipitous beginnings of this Wine and its rise in the mid-Atlantic region.

Next, we shift to the vibrant world of rosé. Melanie shares her passion for crafting high-quality rosés, starting with the Rosé of Merlot, which began in 2017. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of producing three distinct rosés, including the Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, and how these wines have become a cornerstone of Cana Vineyards.

As we wrap up, Melanie reveals that rosé is currently their top seller, with Albarino quickly gaining recognition. Tune in to hear about the competitive nature of winemaking and the importance of time and experience in creating exceptional wines.

Don't miss this episode filled with personal stories, professional insights, and a love for winemaking. For more information, visit Cana Vineyards and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In part 3 of our interview with Melanie, the talented winemaker at Cana Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia, we delve into the stunning property and the award-winning wines that have put this Vineyard on the map. Melanie shares the serene beauty of the winery, from the original structure built in 2011 to the new pavilion with its retractable sides and cozy fireplace, perfect for year-round enjoyment.

Discover the various tasting experiences offered, whether guided or self-led, and learn why visitors often spend hours, if not the entire day, enjoying the expansive lawn, picnic grounds, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Melanie opens up about the immense satisfaction of winning awards, particularly for her cherished rosé wines. She recounts the excitement and anticipation leading up to her 2019 vintage wines' recognition at the Virginia Governor's Cup, including the prestigious Governor's Cup and a top twelve placement for her red blend, La Mariage. Melanie's heartfelt story of nurturing her estate-grown grapes from Vineyard to bottle is a testament to her dedication and passion for winemaking.

Don't miss this inspiring episode that celebrates the art and hard work behind every bottle of Cana Vineyards Wine.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.