Wine Country Moms
GRETCHEN BOOCK
GENERAL MANAGER - BENTON-LANE WINERY
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? 24 years in wine / 19 years as a mom
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? My children have all helped out on the sorting line, the bottling line, dozens of club events over the years ...and everything in between including having strong opinions on label designs, wine deliveries and even floor drain cleaners. As far as their future careers, I just hope they find something that fulfills them like my career has for me!
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? How gut wrenching difficult it can be at times, yet at others, the absolute most joyous thing I ever imagined.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? I would say the ability to juggle many things at the same time. In Oregon wine, we all wear many, many hats. As a mother, especially a full-time working momma, this skill is critical!
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Buckle up and stay strong! It certainly isn't easy, doing all that we do, but it is possible to do it with a smile. Build your support network and lean on them when needed. If you're married, work actively on it to keep it strong, and truly a partnership. Know that there are seasons to life, especially when it comes to raising kids, some brighter than others. Keep your chin up and actively work to cultivate your own happiness. (also, call me)
Any funny stories from business leader/winemaker mom life? Having my kids sneak wine into school to give it to their teachers as Christmas gifts was always funny! I felt like such a rebel, but the teachers always appreciated it!
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Prior to starting your family, establish yourself as a dedicated, hard worker. Develop organizational systems (like shared family calendars), a great partner, strong daycare that aligns with your values and needs, good communication w/all parties. Self-care. Flexibility.
Any other thoughts or insights you'd like to share? Raising my three children while working in the Oregon wine community has been a wonderful experience for me. I love the seasons of it all. Crush is the hardest part, but it's certainly possible to do it all. I am very proud and grateful that I've been able to model to my children that women can have a successful career and family at the same time!
SOFIA TORRES-MCKAY
PROPRIETOR - CRAMOISI VINEYARD
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? 14 years as business leader/ Wine Maker since 2018 and a Mom 19 Years.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? Yes, they helped since they were little. Now Johnny help us in the tasting room every Saturday and he does the charcuterie plates since he is very involved taking culinary courses. He help us to wax the wine, get tasting ready for customers and as a host with us, only on Saturdays. Mateo is already in college but he was helping in many activities in the business, social media, waxing, some marketing call, events, and he will be back in the summer to help us out in the tasting room and other activities in the vineyard and business.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? The unconditional love and re-learning things about life through them. They are my best mentors and my biggest fear is to lose them. It is a non stop job but rewarding, they are always in my mind, day, night. They make me a better person.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? When I purchased the property with my husband, I had the same feeling when I had my first son. I was very excited but very scared to enter in a new stage in my life where I had no experience, did not know how to grow grapes and did not know how to be a Mom. The vineyard is very similar, my plants are my babies, I nurture them, I love them, visit them, I help them to grow healthy, I play music to them, I talk to them and see them growing and maturing, help them with different practices when the weather does snot cooperate, so the same happens raising my kids, they need lots of love, attention, nurture, constant communication,constant guidance till they are ready to express themselves and decide what they want to do in the future. I am always worried about them but happy to see them growing. I find lots of analogies among my kids and my vines.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Do what you love, love what you do. Ask for help, spend time with your kids, make them part of the process and your life, they will learn little by little and talk to them about your challenges, your goals, your dreams, they might don't follow the same path, but they will learn about passion, about patience, about love, about consistency and commitment, about respecting the land and the earth, about follow the dreams, they will learn that challenges are ok to get better. And just love them, love them but take a break as well, from your vineyard and your kids.
Any funny stories from business leader/winemaker mom life? I was making wine and using a water pump to press the grapes, suddenly I heard an explosion, thought I turn the water off but I realized the valve was not working and the bladder explode. Made a mess in my lab and small wine room. Funny now!
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Passion and Commitment with your goals and happiness.
Any other thoughts or insights you'd like to share? Whatever you want to accomplish, take the time and never give up
ANGIE BERSON
OWNER/GENERAL MANAGER - PORTLAND WINE COMPANY
& DAUGHTER ROXY
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I joined Love & Squalor fulltime in 2017, but managed the wine stuff while I had other full-time jobs from 2008 to now. I became a mom in 2009.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? Yes. We have had to throw Roxy (daughter) into all aspects from helping to make the wine to coming to events and doing sales. During COVID we turned our tasting room into a school for her and 5 other girls from her elementary with a tutor to help us all out.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? That you can throw kids into the mix ALL THE TIME. We have had our baby/kid and now teen with us for everything. We had her in a bjorn (that shoulder wrap thing for babies) during harvest in 2010 while we did punchdowns.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
Patience and lots of listening. Also, developing a thick skin LOL!! (I have a teenager after-all)
Also, I really learned how to manage time. How to not really just work 9-5, but also to take the time that my kiddo is in school for time to myself (usually one hour at a time not the whole day). On days that she isn't in school of on weekends, I would bring her to work with a fun project, so I could be with her AND also do some winery work. Our hours are wonky, but it makes it fun. It also means we can go out of town sometimes.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Kids like to be involved. For example, I hear lots of new parents say "I don't go to restaurants because I have a toddler" but you can teach your toddler to sit in a restaurant AND they will love it - same goes with wineries or working events. If kids are allowed, teach your little one to join in (behave but be part of the team). I have known lots of families that have down this, too. Just look at Ames and David Autrey, Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow, Jill and Brian O'Donnell.
Any funny stories from business leader/winemaker mom life? One of the first words she learned was "wine glass" not just "glass" and said so at daycare when the teacher asked the class, "What is this?!" she was about 2. The teacher was very upset, so we had to change classes!! She also would take her "pet" wine bung in for show and tell.
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? I had more than two full-time jobs for awhile. For me, it worked because I had a partner (her dad) that was completely involved and we tossed the responsibilities around like a well managed team...ok not "well managed" but somewhat "well" managed. If I had an important deadline, he would do the evening routines, or visaversa. We also chose the easy path sometimes, like choosing a daycare that was across the street (instead of the fancier one in another neighborhood). It's all about managing chaos.
MELISSA BURR
FOUNDING WINEMAKER - STOLLER FAMILY ESTATE
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I have been a winemaker for 23 years and mom for 20 of them.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? My kids occasionally come to the winery and help sort fruit during harvest. They have worked in our Heritage Tasting Room, our culinary team under Executive Chef Becca Richards, and our wonderful events team. I want them to find their passions and follow their own path.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? The most surprising thing I’ve found about being a parent is how fast time flies. They change so dramatically each year!
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? My advice for new moms is that you can absolutely do both. You have it in you! You have every right to appreciate being a mom and have the career you are passionate about.
Any funny stories from winemaker mom life? I have a picture that one of my kids drew of “what mom does during the day,” it’s me holding a big glass of wine!
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? I’ve learned that the best way to make all the craziness work is to ask for help, delegate, and give yourself grace. We all can’t expect perfection! Making time for yourself is also very critical.
Any other thoughts or insights you'd like to share? The wine industry is so lucky to have mothers working, creating amazing wines, and raising great kids.
KATIE SANTORA
WINEMAKER - CHEHALEM
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I have been in the wine industry since 2007 and a winemaker for 12 years. I have been a mother for almost 5 years.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? My kids are still tiny. I have a son who is almost five and a daughter who is nearly three. They love coming to work with me, but mostly to play/sit on the forklifts and tractors or to sneak some winery snacks that are lying around. I don’t know if they really understand what I do yet. But as they get older, if they are interested in the industry, I would love to show them the ropes and see where they can take it. If not, I will help them discover their passions and interests.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? The daily magical joys and struggles. Every day, there is a moment when I’m with my kids when I get to see how they see something for the first time, finding joy in everything around them or their tiny bodies and minds learning and growing. It is so special to be a witness to that. There are also moments during those same days when kids can push you to new breaking points.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? One of the hardest parts of being a mother is thinking that what I am doing for my child isn’t enough. They should be a part of more, get to experience more, and I should be with them more, etc. But a couple of years ago, I had a moment where my reality of knowing all the options and possibilities for my kids was getting in the way of being present with them and their reality. What they are experiencing is theirs, and as long as they are safe, loved, and fed, if their reality is different from what I expected/wanted it to be, it doesn’t make it less amazing for their lives. Believing this took a lot of pressure off in many facets of life.
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Remember, you are a superhero. Whether it's a cape we wear or not, as women, mothers, and working mothers, we have incredible strength. When you feel like you're at your limit, take a moment to breathe. Assess what is truly important, and focus on that. Then, move on to the next task, and the next, and the next, knowing that you have the power to handle it all. The list will always continue, but you can change what is worth your energy and time. And for the things that aren't, set boundaries. Use your voice to say no, not today, I can't, or I need help. These do not make you weak; they make you strong.
CARRIE WYNKOOP
CEO/FOUNDER - AVP WINE COLLECTIVE
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I've been a mom for almost 17 years and worked in the wine industry for the last 10 years.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? Jake loves to smell and taste wines. He loves to help me write tasting notes and help at the winery when he can. I hope he pursues his own dream whatever that may be!
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? I think moms make the best winemakers! We know how to alternately coddle and coerce our offspring into making them the best they can be whether that is wine or a teenager!
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Give yourself some grace. Being a mom is hard! Ask for help and don't expect perfection. You'll never regret spending time with your kids when they need you.
Any funny stories from business leader/winemaker mom life? When Jake was 7 or 8 we were out winetasting and I gave him my glass of wine to smell. He looked at me and said is it possible this smells like Dad's belt? Sure enough it had notes of leather! After that every time I tried to get him to smell some wine he told me he would charge me $1 per smell!!
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Grace, patience, being ok with just being ok!
ALLISON MCMAHON
Co-founder, Co-owner, CEO - ARABILIS
& DAUGHTER PENELOPE
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I've been a wine business owner since the launch of the Arabilis brand in late 2021, though the groundwork for the business began years earlier. And since February, I've also become a mom. Even during pregnancy and in these few short months since our daughter's birth, finding equilibrium between nurturing a wine business and the joys of motherhood has proven both demanding and fulfilling. During pregnancy, it meant finding workarounds like not hauling cases of wine and taking a step back from tastings. With Penelope, my days now involve careful planning, squeezing in sales calls between feedings, emails amidst diaper changes, and the rare moments of elusive naps. Considering we're just scratching the surface of both journeys, I'm sure there'll be plenty of twists and turns ahead. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic about what's to come. And I’ve got tons of empathy and respect for all the business moms out there.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? Penelope has been a great saleswoman so far! Jokes aside, we do hope that she takes an interest in the business but, ultimately, we are looking forward to seeing the path she chooses (even if that doesn't include the wine industry).
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? How much more efficient it is possible to become when you have to. Kenny and I both have full time jobs beyond the winery, so we weren't strangers to balancing our time before... but having Penelope adds a whole new level and motivation. Time is even more precious.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? So many! Naming just a few here. The importance of organization, cleanliness, and planning in advance. Endurance, long harvest days with little sleep and newborn days with little sleep, both test your limits.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? I am one of them. I welcome the advice!
Any funny stories from business leader/winemaker mom life? My first sales call with Penelope in tow, I realized I had spit up on my shirt as I walked out of the restaurant. Is that funny? Or just life? lol We did sell some wine there so I see it as a success either way. I now know to double check and have extra clothes on hand :) I'm sure there are many funny stories yet to come.
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Please ask me again in a few months or years. So far it has been partnership with Kenny, giving ourselves and each other grace, and ready laughter.
RACHEL ROSE
WINEMAKER - BRYN MAWR VINEYARDS
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I have been a winemaker for 17 years and a mother for 9.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? No, they are too young for me to be comfortable with them "helping" in the winery - I'm on edge enough about the safety of my adult workers. They also seem to be more fascinated by the forklifts than the ferments at this point in time.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? The depth of stamina within myself. During those early years of motherhood during harvest, when I thought I had reached my limit and poured every ounce of my being into work (physically, mentally, emotionally) that I could still come home and be up all night with my baby; and then do it all over again, for weeks on end.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? The ability to triage and organize tasks is extremely important in both motherhood and winemaking. I've definitely took my winemaking skills and applied them to my household.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Hold on and ask for help from family if you can!
Any funny stories from winemaker mom life? When my oldest son was in daycare we got a note sent home about his behavior - he had developed a habit of spitting water back into the water fountain (again and again). He finally explained that he was "Wine Tasting!"
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Any funny stories from winemaker mom life?
NIKI VOLZ
OWNER/OPERATOR - A VINEYARD WINE TOUR
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I’ve been in the industry since 2019, business owner since 2023. I met my ‘step’ kids in 2007 and have been a bio mom since 2014.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? Not yet-he’s 9, but he will tell you he is a better driver than me! Our two older kids (21 & 19) are out in the world, figuring their own life paths and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? Watching your heart walking around outside of your body in human form. Being a mom and stepmom has been the absolute best thing to happen in my life. Becoming a stepmom and experiencing a love and relationship of choice and being a part of their lives was and is so special. Being a bio mom has given me a whole different approach to life and allowed me to appreciate unconditional love. I’m forever grateful to have my three kids.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? Anticipating the needs of others, being prepared to solve a problem, making sure everyone is taken care of, being empathetic and just loving people where they’re at in their life.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Take pictures and videos of big and little moments and make sure you are in some too! It is so cliche, but time really does go so quickly when watching your kid grow up! I treasure all the moments captured.
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? An amazing support system! My husband is also a small business owner, so we work together to navigate this crazy life! My parents support us regularly with childcare as well. I don’t know what we’d do without them.
Anything else you'd like to share? The great Dr. Seuss gave us the best advice, “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act.” Life is all about balance and giving your energy and time to what fills your cup and what fills other’s cups around you.
KIM MEYERS
OWNER - NW WINE SHUTTLE
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I've been a mom for 12 years. I have two beautiful daughters (Laila 12 and Mackenzie 9). I've been an entrepreneur for 16 years, and have owned NW Wine Shuttle for 6 years.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? Yes, my daughters love the opportunity to help out. They've joined me at meetings, helped me wash vans, pack wine club shipments, and participate in booth duties at events. One of them currently has hopes of going to Linfield and studying viticulture. Her dream, to be a winemaker and live with her parents forever.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? The most surprising aspect of being a parent, is how much you learn about yourself. If you are willing to see it and accept it, your kids tell you a lot about who you are: how caring and loving you are, how you handle stress and the strength you posses. There are moments when I stop and think, "oh my gosh" I talk like that, look like that, act like that. Nature vs. Nurture. Both? No matter if they are showing the good or the bad, it's amazing to discover a little more about who we are through them.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? Patience. Just like there are many seasons in business there are seasons of parenting. They are intense when you are in them, but then they pass, you rise, and it's hard to remember how challenging that phase actually was. I remind myself of this when it's a challenging season of business or parenting. With a little patience, the phase will pass, lessons will be learned, and new challenges await.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Don't rush your child, but take the time to walk next to them, at their pace. If you slow down, you'll see life from their eyes. When you let go of your agenda and live within theirs, you'll connect with them on a whole new level. Let them lead you and show you. Go do all the experiences you've done before, but with them. It's amazing how different it will feel.
Any funny stories from mom life? Sparkle is my daughter's American Girl doll sized horse (18" tall). This horse went everywhere with us. One beautiful sunny day, I dressed up my girls and brought them to Resonance for a glass of wine and some charcuterie (the girls favorite). Along came Sparkle, standing tall right on top of the table. At first I was very uncomfortable. How inappropriate, I thought. But this outing wasn't about me, it was about letting my girls into my life from their lens. Little did we know that Sparkle would attract attention from every single group that would join us on the patio. They wanted to know everything about her. My daughter could not be more proud of her larger than life toy horse. This was the first of many similar moments. Sparkle would go on to attract attention from people every place we went. Good thing she is a good horse.
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? The love and support of your family and friends. That's where the magic happens. If you believe in your dream, so will everyone else, and they will do anything to help you succeed.
Anything else you'd like to share? The great Dr. Seuss gave us the best advice, “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act.” Life is all about balance and giving your energy and time to what fills your cup and what fills other’s cups around you.
MICHELLE MARGHERITA
OWNER - TRIANGLE WINE COUNTRY TOURS
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I've been a mom for 30 years and owner of Triangle Wine Country Tours for 3 years.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? My daughter Chloe has been a great asset in teaching me how to use social media to promote our business and, as a writer, she edits my blog posts. She is a business owner in her own right so she is teaching me so she can spend more time promoting her business as an astrologer.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? I was surprised when my kids starting teaching me things! As parents part of our job is to teach our kids, so when the tables are turned, it's unexpected but very gratifying to see them grow into their own people.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? Since I have been a mother longer than a business owner, I use my "mothering" skills to take care of guests on our tours. I make sure everyone is safe, communicate agendas, keep everyone fed and hydrated and know where the bathrooms are!
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? Sleep as much as you can! The laundry, cleaning, food prep can wait-take care of yourself so you are fully present to parent, which is much easier if you are rested. And schedule time for you and your spouse to be alone, even if its once a month-everyone needs a break from our kids!
Any funny stories from business leader/winemaker mom life? I'll go back to when my kids were young: I was travelling for my job and got a call from my daughter before school, I was worried something was wrong, even though she was home with my husband John. She wanted to know if I knew where her sneakers were!
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Don't be afraid to delegate, no one has to do everything-prioritize and focus on the things that are important to you. I chose to hire a house cleaner when my kids were little, I didn't want to waste precious time with my kids to clean the bathroom!
Any other thoughts or insights you'd like to share? Try not to worry all the time and have more fun!
KATHY LAUER
CO-CEO - BRYN MAWR VINEYARDS
How long have you been a winemaker / business leader and how long have you been a mom? I have been the owner of Bryn Mawr Vineyards since 2009, so almost 15 years. I have been a mom since 1989. My oldest will be 35 in August.
Does your child help out in the winery/vineyard or in your business? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps? All three of my children have worked at the winery at times. Currently, my son David, who has been with the business full time for 8 years, is our Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. My daughter Krista has been with the business for almost two years, and is our Vice-President of Hospitality. My son Jeff, who currently works for Deloitte & Touche in New York, and his wife Nina, worked with us in the early days, staffing our tasting room, planting new vines and establishing our wine club. I hope that they all have an interest in following in our footsteps.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent? How much fun it is to have adult children and how you are never happier than your least happy child -- even when they are grown-ups.
What skills from winemaking or business ownership transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa? Efficiency, organization, empathy, training/mentorship, team play, transparency, the ability to keep calm in a crisis, communication.
Our industry has a lot of brand-new moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them? It is impossible to "have it all" at the same time. There are times when you need to devote more time to your children and times when you will be able to devote more time to your career. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and you need to make sure that you have the reserves to handle both family and work issues as they arise. You may have to put off some of your desired work achievements until your children are a bit older, but in the long run, you will be glad that you did. And get the best child care you can afford.
As a mom and winemaker or business leader you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work? Organization and efficiency are very important, but I think that the key to making it all work is the ability to be fully present for the task at hand. That requires the ability to compartmentalize work and family issues, the judgment to know where your attention is needed most and the discipline to focus on family or work -- without the distraction of the other -- as much as possible.
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How long have you been a winemaker and how long have you been a mom?CHO Wines’ launched during the pandemic, however, my winemaker role is very new, joining my husband and winemaker Dave Cho in the cellar for the first time in 2022. I’ve been a mom for 9 years.
Does your son or daughter help out in the winery/vineyard? Are you hoping he or she takes an interest in following in your footsteps?
Our kids are helpers with every club shipment. We currently ship out of our home as we await the completion of our tasting room and production facility in late 2023. They see the value of hard work and gratitude towards our members who put trust in our product and family. We hope they will follow their own path and if that leads to the winery, wonderful! If not, wonderful! They planted their first vines this spring.What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent?
Each day I’m surprised by my children’s intuition and maturity. Their resilience through the pandemic was inspiring.What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
The ability to multi-task, the patience to nurture over time, and the faith that your good intentions and efforts will be rewarded.Our industry has a lot of brand-new winemaker moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them?
Take good care of your mental health, proactively and preventatively. If mom is healthy, the family, the kids and the wine are healthy. Neglected mental health can lead to neglected children and wines. We are all better for taking care of ourselves first.Any funny stories from winemaker mom life?
Kids say the darnedest things: “Daddy is the winemaker, and mommy does the tax-ey stuff and tough-ey blah!”As a mom and winemaker you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work?
Accepting help from others! -
How long have you been a winemaker, and how long have you been a mom?
My first job in the wine industry was in 2007. I've been with Chehalem since 2012 and was promoted to head winemaker in 2018. I became a mother in August 2019.
Does your kid help out in the winery/vineyard? Are you hoping he takes an interest in following in your footsteps?
At this point, no, my son does not help in the winery or vineyard. He was born just before the start of the 2019 vintage, so when he was a newborn, he came with me to work, and it was great. He mostly slept, ate, and went to the bathroom, as most newborns do. As he's getting bigger and more toddler-like, bringing him to work has become more of a distraction than a help.
That said, I let him smell the wine I drink at home to help grow his sense of smell from an early age. If he follows in my footsteps, it's up to him. I would love for him to enjoy wine, respect it, and understand it down the road. But if it only goes as far as just drinking a glass, that is just fine by me.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent?
The continuous seesaw of extreme love and admiration for this little human we brought into the world, versus the extreme amount of patience needed to take care of him. Being a mom is the best and hardest thing I have ever done.
What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
Multi-tasking! Being a winemaker, there are always several things happening at different stages during the year. You have to be flexible at all times because things never go exactly according to plan. If this isn't setting you up to be a mother, I don't know what else is. You can only try to control as much as you can for these souls. To be ready to multi-task and be flexible at all moments is a must. Now, instead of harnessing that idea only at work, I am harnessing it at all times of my life.
Our wine community has a lot of brand-new winemaker moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them?
My son is only 20 months old, so I would put myself within this group of new moms. I have learned a lot about the mom work/life balance over the last year and a half, though. The first year is tough. I love being a mother, and I love working, but they are hard to do together. And that is ok. There are many days where I feel like I am not doing either great, but I think that's pressure I put on myself. My advice is to be gentle with yourself, set boundaries, ask for help when you need it, and reach out to other working moms. Knowing you aren't alone and not the first one trying to do it all is reassuring and helpful.
As a mom and winemaker you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work?
This is a hard question. Some days it just all works together, and you feel like no matter what is in your way, you can do it all. Other days, nothing works. Just knowing that everything ebbs and flows is comforting. Your love for your children is all they need, even if you're not at the top of your mothering game that day. And, your dedication and passion for wine is enough for the days where you don't feel like you're enough.
Also, a good team is critical. As a mother and a winemaker, I really cannot do either alone. I have an amazing partner and father to our son that is always there to help or step up when I need support. And, I have the best team and boss I could ask for to help keep this winemaking train moving in the best direction.
It is not an easy balance but one I would not trade for anything. I love my son, and I love my job. As a woman, you don't have to choose one over the other. You can have both. -
How long have you been a winemaker and how long have you been a mom?
Winemaking 14 years, "mom-ing" for six.What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent?
The lack of quality sleep.
What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood and vice versa?
I'm very good at multitasking, prioritizing in chaotic environments, and triaging disasters. I think these skills are all perfectly transferable between winemaking and motherhood.As a mom and winemaker you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work?
I'm still working on that part.
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How long have you been a winemaker and how long have you been a mom?
I have been in the wine business since 1999 when I co-founded Owen Roe Winery with my husband, David. In 2019, together with my four daughters, Brigid, Moira, Me-Z, and Roisin, I founded Distaff Wine Company.Do your kids help out in the winery/vineyard? Are you hoping they take an interest in following in your footsteps?
Since 1999, all of our kids have seen and been a part of our winemaking team from the vineyards to the cellar and sales. Although they have all worked in every aspect of winemaking, I never really expected them to choose winemaking as their career. Our purpose was to give them sound work ethics, a sense of respect for managers and coworkers––skills that can be applied to any aspect of life. It was also a way in which they could be a part of the investment in funding their college education.However, the winemaking blood runs deep. After college our eldest, Dom, furthered his winemaking skills in New Zealand, Australia, then California, where he made wine at Ojai Winery and now Topa Winery. The girls went off to college, graduated, traveled, and worked in managerial positions in other fields but also restaurants and wineries. Then, missing the wine industry in the Pacific Northwest, they returned to begin a winemaking venture together with their mom and their younger sister.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent?
During my daughters’ time away in college, work and travel experiences, they acquired new ways of accomplishing the old ways of doing things. So much had changed since our early years. We were able to integrate past experiences with fresh new approaches to the entire business of winemaking. I am totally excited by our new adventure.What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
As we all know, in motherhood, there are many sweet moments as well as challenges. The challenges are almost always overcome by collaboration. We had the challenge of conflicting tastes and ideas, mostly resulting from generational differences. By working together we were able to come up with a plan that we all agreed upon. The pandemic caused even greater issues. We had to pivot and find new ways to make, bottle and ship our wines. In motherhood, when faced with a seemingly impossible barrier, one never gives up but finds a way to overcome that barrier—so too, in winemaking. We found a way to continue during the pandemic while addressing an issue we had long wanted to solve, and ship in PET plastic bottles. Together, we created a fun brand with balanced, approachable wines in an infinitely recyclable vessel that reduced its economical footprint by half.Our wine community has a lot of brand-new winemaker moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them?
To new winemaker moms, I would say as in winemaking, balance is everything, but kids come first. Their time with you is so short, but essential to their confidence in who they are and in knowing they are loved. Along with kids comes the responsibility to being there for them, however that looks. Don’t miss a game or performance if you can help it. My youngest are now teens which allows me to be at the winery more often around their busy schedule, but when it comes to their needs and activities, I make that time and space. Today, my four daughters and I make and sell wine together. That balance has come to fruition. We are not only a family, but also a team! -
How long have you been a winemaker and how long have you been a mom?
I’ve been making wine since 2008. My first and only child arrived in January of 2020!Does your kid help out in the winery/vineyard? Are you hoping he takes an interest in following in your footsteps?
Not sure I’d call it helping. His dad is also a winemaker, so I imagine he’ll steer clear after years of parents in the business!What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent?
The constant changes in all the most amazing ways.What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
Time management! The whirlwind of juggling harvest certainly transferred to parenting.Our industry has a lot of brand-new winemaker moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them?
Take a breath. Give yourself time to be a mom and a winemaker. It’s hard to step away from a project you are so passionate about, but the little ones need our time too. I have to remind myself daily to put the work away and just be a mom.As a mom and winemaker you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work?
Still figuring that puzzle out! Help from my amazing partner should makes things easier. -
How long have you been a winemaker and how long have you been a mom?
I took over as winemaker of my family’s winery, Maysara in 2007. I became a mother to my daughter in January 2019 and once again to my son in February 2022.
Does your son or daughter help out in the winery/vineyard? Are you hoping he or she takes an interest in following in your footsteps?
My daughter goes to pre-school and my son does come to work with me as he is too young for school yet. He is absolutely fascinated by watching the forklift, winery, and vineyard equipment in action. It would be nice if they take an interest in the wine side of our family business in the future but it will be their choice to decide what they want to be when they grow up.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing for you about being a parent?
I think that one of the most surprising things that I’ve learned after becoming a parent is that when I used to see other children out in public on their best behavior, I never realized how much work those parents were putting in at home to instill those good behaviors and mannerisms in their children. Each child is so unique and has their own set of challenges to overcome. While it takes a lot of time, patience and love to support them as they develop their skills and talents, seeing them make themselves proud is incredibly rewarding!
What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
Here at Maysara Winery, we are Demeter Certified Biodynamic in the vineyard and the winery meaning that I make the wines in a natural way and approach each lot by helping it evolve into what it wants to be instead of making it taste a certain way. I think how this carries over to my role as a mom is that I don’t approach motherhood with a one-size-fits-all approach. Each of my children comes with their own unique set of skills, interests and challenges and just like my wines, I meet them where they are at and am going to help them become who they want to be.
Our industry has had a lot of brand-new winemaker moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them?
I think it is important to know and remember that healing (physical and mental) takes time and don’t rush yourself if you’re not feeling up for things. Finding a great support system of friends or family that you can talk about how you feel is so important. I had my second child last year and he really took a lot out of me but having my support system in place really helped.
Any funny stories from winemaker mom life?
I think this is funny story. When I go to the grocery store my daughter, Leila, goes to the wine section and looks for Maysara wine. She’ll always yell back to me “mommy’s wine is here” or “mommy your wine is not here” depending on if she finds our labels or not. Makes me sound like I need wine for the people in the store that don’t know who I am.
As a mom and winemaker you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work?
The key for me making it work is asking for help. Especially with my kids. It really takes a village to raise kids. My family is really important to me but at certain times my work has things that I need to prioritize as well. Having a great support system to step and provide the help I need is amazing. Creating an amazing support system is the key to being a great mom.
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How long have you been a winemaker and how long have you been a mom?I have been making wine for 10 years and have been a mom for 3.5 years.
Does your son or daughter help out in the winery/vineyard? Are you hoping he or she takes an interest in following in your footsteps?
He is too little right now to help in the winery, but I do hope that someday he takes an interest in our family winery. If he doesn’t, that’s okay too, I just want him to do something that he’s passionate about.
What skills from winemaking transfer over to motherhood, and vice versa?
Multi-Tasking! Wrangling a toddler some days can feel like the craziest day of harvest when you’ve got 100 things going on at once and are trying to keep all your ducks in a row - or simply get a shirt on your 3 year old. It’s crazy, beautiful fun!
Our industry has a lot of brand-new winemaker moms in the last year! What advice do you have for them?
Remember to pause and enjoy your little ones. It goes by so fast and I feel its so easy to get caught up in the grind that we forget to slow down and soak up our kids while we have the chance. So take a breath, take a moment to rearrange your schedule and spend some extra time with your little one.
As a mom and winemaker you have two full-time jobs. What's the key to making it all work?
I would really appreciate the answer to that question! ;-) In all honesty, I think its just about finding a balance that works best for you and your family. I think some days I feel like I have to pack everything in, get it all done and make sure I make time for my kiddo too, when in reality I just have to have an honest conversation with myself about what the priorities are for the day, and that making extra time for my little boy is the most important thing. It is so tough to balance it all sometimes, but I share that with him and I think it's good that he watches me work and see’s how passionate I am about my wine, so that as he gets older we can share in that bond.
