Women in Wine

The Garden State Wine Growers Association’s Women in Wine Caucus, as it is formally named, is a network that connects women with other women, providing opportunities for jobs and meeting others in the industry. A priority for the group is offering education and training in areas such as heavy machinery, maintenance, dormant pruning, tasting, and more. This education is often free and can help women advance in their careers in the industry. It is also a place for a leg-up for women who may want to get into the industry. For more information or to join, please contact our leadership team at womeninwinenj@gmail.com.

Women in Wine Background

On July 18, 2021, New Jersey’s Women in Wine launched. 

The first members? Three women who work at New Jersey wineries who wanted to make a change and provide a much-needed space for women in the industry. Since then, the group has grown to include more than 40 members and is now a thriving community for women to network with others in the industry, learn about opportunities in wine, hone skills, and much more.

Since the group’s inception, members have had the opportunity to hone their skills in driving forklifts and tractors, blending wine, dormant pruning, and more—and the group is just getting started. The wine blending trial led to the organization’s first bottled wine, a white blend (that’s yet to be named or released).

“Our group is definitely centered around supporting all roles in the wine industry that women might hold,” says Staci Dempsey, chair of the Women in Wine committee. “From owners, winemakers, and vineyard managers to tasting room employees who educate the public—this group is for all women regardless of what role they have in the industry.”

Women in Wine invites all women in the industry to get involved. For more information or to join, email womeninwinenj@gmail.com.

Follow Women in Wine on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Spotlight On Women in Wine Leadership Team

Staci Dempsey, LUTCF, FFC, Chair of the Women in Wine Committee

Staci is part of the second-generation family-owned Dempsey Weiss & Associates which has served and worked with New Jersey’s agricultural community for the past 20 years. For the past five years, she and her brother Joel have immersed themselves in learning and understanding the needs of vineyards and wineries. American National Insurance named the sister and brother team the Winery Specialists for the state of New Jersey. 

At Wilmington, Delaware’s Padua Academy, Staci focused her education on Women’s History and Women’s Studies before joining her family’s business. Part of Dempsey Weiss & Associate’s business model is to serve the people they wish to work with and be a part of the Women in Wine Caucus to serve the clients she works with.

“I gain a better understanding of the challenges the wine industry has, and when possible, I help,” she says. 

Staci lives in Logan Township with her husband, John, and two children, Monroe and Bishop. 

Staci is joined by the following women in the New Jersey wine industry on the leadership team:

Press inquiries for information on the Women in Wine organization or to interview any of the leadership team can be directed to: womeninwinenj@gmail.com.

New Jersey Women in Wine in the Press

Recent Events

GWGA WIW 61824

Sharpen Your Senses: A Workshop on Recognizing Common Aromas and Flavors in Wine

Date: June 18

Time: 9am – 12pm

Location: Auburn Road Winery

Are you confident in your ability to identify aromas, flavors and mouthfeel of wine?  Do you have the vocabulary to describe wine characteristics and varietal differences? Can you communicate those features to your staff and your customers? Sharpening these skills is an ongoing process.  Join us for a workshop where we will explore our senses, improve our wine tasting skills and apply what we’ve learned to examples of NJ wines.

Dr. Beverly Tepper

Dr. Beverly Tepper is a professor in the Department of Food Science at Rutgers and has been an educator and researcher in sensory science for 35 years.  Beverly’s research examines individual differences in taste and smell and their implications for food and beverage preferences including wine.  She is the developer and director of the Rutgers Grape and Wine Science Certificate Program, a 1-month course to prepare adult learners with the foundational knowledge they need to prepare for positions in grape growing, wine making or winery operations.  She holds a level 2 certification from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is the co-owner of the recently established Crosswicks Creek Estate Winery in Roosevelt NJ (Monmouth Co.).

On May 21, 2024, Women in Wine hosted the 2nd annual Meet & Greet and career panel discussion at the Alice Paul Institute. Watch this highlight video from the event!

 

 

What: Get to Know the Women Behind the Vines: Second Annual Women in Wine Meet and Greet with Career Panel

When: May 21, 2024 at 11AM

Where: Alice Paul Institute, 128 Hooton Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

Who: Students and professionals interested in learning about the New Jersey wine industry

This event was sponsored by Red Vanilla.

red vanilla WIW sponsor

“Red Vanilla” is a premier designer and distributor of beautifully crafted wine glass & tabletop collections. Our mission is to enhance everyday dining experiences, and a special occasion with our unique collection of wine glasses, and accessories.

Founded on the principles of innovation, quality, and timeless design “Red Vanilla” has become synonymous with sophistication and elegance in the wine glass & tabletop industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, we meticulously curate our collections to cater to a wide range of tastes and styles, whether your glass preference is stemmed or stemless, we ensure that every piece reflects our passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail. We are renowned for its artistic heritage and commitment to quality, “Red Vanilla” is proud to contribute to the vibrant culture of design, and creativity.

Red Vanilla Tabletop Company is proud to support the Garden State Wine Growers Association, recognizing the deep synergy between the craft of winemaking and the art of fine dining. Just as Red Vanilla is dedicated to enhancing the aesthetic and sensory experience of dining through exquisite tableware, we appreciate and value the dedication of Garden State’s winemakers to producing premium wines that elevate culinary experiences. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to wine glass excellence, quality, and the celebration of local craftsmanship. By supporting the Garden State Wine Industry, Red Vanilla aims to foster a culture of appreciation for the finer things in life, where the pairing of exceptional wine with beautiful wine glass and table settings becomes an integral part of memorable dining experiences. Together, we aspire to promote the region’s culinary and viticultural excellence, highlighting the harmonious blend of art, nature, and craftsmanship that defines our community.