289: Celebrating Women in Wine with Jennifer Wilhelm & Andrea Brambila

Are you curious about the untold stories of the legendary women who helped create the Ontario wine industry and who also shaped its future? Wine might lead people to work in the wine industry, but what sustains a lifetime career beyond that? Why don’t we celebrate people while they’re alive, but instead wait to express those heartfelt thoughts in a eulogy, post-mortem biography or other memorials? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Jennifer Wilhelm. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Jennifer Wilhelm's terrific new book Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario's Grape & Wine Industry. Three of you in Canada will win a bottle of the full-bodied, buttery-rich Chloe Chardonnay. The latter restriction relates to the cross-border shipping of alcohol and all the fun that entails. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!   Highlights How did two tables of broken wine glasses feature in Jennifer’s most memorable wine moment? What was it like hosting a wine event during a hurricane? How are camaraderie and support an integral part of working in the wine industry? What was Jennifer’s inspiration for writing Sharing a Glass? Why have women’s stories been historically underrepresented? What was the most surprising insight that Jennifer discovered while writing Sharing a Glass? Why did Jennifer start the book by profiling Debi Pratt? What risk did Debi Pratt take in joining Inniskillin? Which creative strategies did Debi Pratt use to educate people and promote Ontario wine? How has Inniskillin honoured Debi Pratt's contributions? Who is Dr. Helen Fisher, and why did Jennifer want to feature her in the book? How did Donna Lailey’s advocacy for new growing methods help to move the Ontario wine industry forward? Why was Donna Lailey named Niagara Grape King? Where did Jennifer’s co-collaborator, Elena Galey-Pride, redirect her proceeds from the book? How did Dr. Linda Bramble overcome several obstacles to become a leader in the Canadian wine industry?   About Jennifer Wilhelm Jennifer Wilhelm has dedicated her career to Ontario’s hospitality industry. She is a certified Sommelier, and holds credentials from WSET, Prud’homme, Hospitality Management, and Human Resources with a focus on training and development. She taught at Niagara College for 17 years and was named 2010 Ontario Wine Educator through the VQA Promoters Awards. She received a Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for her contributions to the Ontario wine industry.   Bonus Interview - Andrea Brambila How did Andrea realize she wanted to become a winemaker? Which type of glass does Andrea recommend with full-bodied Chardonnay? Why shouldn’t you judge a wine based on the first sip? Which foods pair well with the Chloe Chardonnay?         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/289.