I don’t even know where to start about my “quick” weekend experience. So I’ll start at the beginning. I found out about the Batonnage Forum from Julia Coney on Instagram and thought I NEED to be at this conference! Now if you know me personally, follow me on IG or Twitter or even read my blog then you know Napa is my happy place! I had to figure out how to get there and back by Sunday (since Sunday was my Mom’s Birthday!).
This is how the stars aligned for me and I knew it was meant to be! I found an early am flight on Friday where I would arrive to SFO by 9:30am (using points). Plenty of time to visit some wineries (Matthiasson, Clos Du Val, Stewart Cellars)! I was able to find a midnight flight that allowed me to arrive home on Sunday morning (I used points for this flight too). Could this get any better? Yes, yes it could! I used hotel points for my overnight stay and I was gifted some extra points by a wonderful person I’ve never met because I fell short by a few points. I even received a scholarship to attend Batonnage via Julia! So now do you understand why I say this was meant to be?
This weekend was amazing!! The Batonnage Forum was held outside on a beautiful, sunny day. This sold out event was to support Women in Wine — whether you were a Sommelier, Winemaker, Vineyard Worker, Wine Writer or simply a Winelover. Although some of the session topics and comments from the audience may have been a little difficult for some to hear, they were very necessary conversations. This is how we learn and grow from one another. I thoroughly enjoyed the panel, “Pathways to Inclusion: But How, Really?” The panelists were very authentic and passionate about the topic.
Some of my favorite quotes from the day: “Foster greater self-awareness” – Elaine Chukan Brown; “Share your Learning” – Vinny Eng; “Use your voice…amplify other voices” – Rebecca Hopkins; “Everyone needs a fucking job” – Dr Akilah Cadet (perfectly said!!); “Just be you” – Jennifer Reichardt; “Know your stories and brand”
After the sessions were finished, we were able to socialize more and taste wine from women winemakers. They so generously donated not only their wine but their time to be there in person and pour for us. It was awesome to taste different grapes, like Raft’s Counoise, and sip wine made by some fantastic winemakers. There were 450+ people in attendance. Just being surrounded by so many incredible women made my spirit so happy!
If I am able to attend next year I will make this promise to myself: to meet and have a conversation with more of these trailblazing women (not just smile and say hello). I’m an extrovert with sometimes introvert tendencies.
Special shout out to: the lovely Julia Coney, the beautiful Batonnage Scholarship Crew for welcoming me, the sweet, helpful lady (Joanie) from Marriott Bonvoy and last but not least Stevie (Co-Founder of Batonnage & BayGrape, your passion is infectious!!)
