Women in Wine Leadership Symposium 2nd Annual Conference Celebrates Women in the Wine Industry

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Oct 15, 2013) - The second annual Women in Wine Leadership Symposium (WWLS) held on October 7, 2013 at the Helen Mills event space in Manhattan was an inspiring and joyful gathering of women in the wine world. The WWLS, hosted by Winebow, Inc., is the first event of its kind with a mission to empower and educate women in the wine industry through a series of interactive panel discussions and wine tastings.

Over 100 women from all sectors of the wine business participated in the half-day symposium, including winemakers and producers from around the world, and established as well as up-and-coming sommeliers, retailers, educators, and journalists. Panel discussions addressed topics such as "Building Key Relationships: Mentoring and Sponsoring" and "Strategies for Career Advancement." A guided tasting entitled "Inspired by Wine" allowed winemakers and winery owners to share their personal histories and introduce the audience to wines that were particularly meaningful to each woman. The passion and commitment to quality of the exceptional women in Winebow's portfolio was further illustrated during a walk-around tasting of wines from around the globe.

In her opening statement, keynote speaker and moderator, Madeline Triffon -- the first female Master Sommelier in the U.S., (and one of 135 Master Sommeliers in the Americas, 19 of whom are women) -- urged attendees not to be afraid to take risks. Ms. Triffon reminded the audience of the notion, "There are no failures in life, just people who give up."

Julie Johnson, owner and winemaker of Tres Sabores Winery in Napa Valley, echoing Sheryl Sandberg in her book Lean In, affirmed that her career path was absolutely "a jungle gym, not a ladder," having started her professional life in nursing before founding two wineries and launching Women for WineSense. On mentoring, Virginia Philip, Master Sommelier of The Breakers, Palm Beach and founder/owner of Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy, offered this advice, "Teach your team everything you know so that they are prepared." Jill Roberts, Beverage Director at New York City's The Marrow restaurant, shared this insight, "It's important to be true to ourselves as women -- be strong or be soft. You'll find opportunities." Marnie Old, sommelier, author and wine educator, commented from the audience, "As women, we underestimate the value of asking for help; it is not a sign of weakness."

Ms. Triffon summed up the conference, "The WWLS celebrates the diversity and strengths of women in the wine industry. By sharing our experiences, in one half day we succeeded in raising the bar, in sharing how to do things better, not better than men, but as a personal and collective best."

Panelists included: Anna Beninger, Catalyst; Roberta Ceretto, Ceretto; Silvia Imparato, Montevetrano; Julie Johnson, Tres Sabores; Pascaline Lepeltier, Rouge Tomate; Mary Melton, P.F. Chang's; Linda Milagros Violago, Contra; Kristie Petrullo, Petrullo Wine Consulting; Virginia Philip, MS, The Breakers and Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy; Jill Roberts, The Marrow; Marta Santander Martínez Bujanda, Viña Bujanda, Finca Valpiedra, Finca Antigua; Sandra Tavares, Wine & Soul; and Debbie Zachareas, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.

The Women in Wine Leadership Symposium program is guided by an advisory board comprised of leading women in the industry: Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW; Mary Gorman-McAdams, MW; Lisa Granik, MW; Karen King; Linda Lawry, DSW, CWE; MS; Melissa Sutherland Amado; and Beth von Benz.

For more information, video highlight reel and photos please visit: http://www.winebow.com/wwls. For press inquiries or access to the full photo album, please contact Elyse Genderson at egenderson@cornerstonepr.com or 212-605-0370.

About Winebow, Inc.
Winebow, Inc., founded in 1980 by Leonardo LoCascio, is a major importer, distributor and developer of a wide range of acclaimed fine wines and spirits from the world's most prominent growing regions. Winebow is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey with offices in New York; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Boston; Chicago; Seattle and Wallingford, Connecticut. For more information please visit www.winebow.com.

About Cornerstone Communications
Cornerstone Communications, Ltd. is a full-service public relations, marketing and event management agency specializing in wine, food, travel, and other lifestyle clients. With over 25 years of experience, Cornerstone Communications has built a reputation in expanding brand awareness with fresh approaches and providing effective marketing solutions for luxury products. For more information, visit www.cornerstonepr.com.