An International Women’s Day tasting at Inniskillin’s Niagara-on-the-Lake winery put women in the spotlight Sunday, pairing a guided wine experience with conversations about the many roles women play across the winemaking industry.
The event celebrated women involved in winemaking, laboratory work, hospitality and guest services at the winery, as well as longtime Inniskillin figure Debbie Pratt, who spent 40 years with the company and helped shape its early development alongside co-founders Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser.
Andrea Stromski, winery co-ordinator at Inniskillin, has worked with the company for about 14 years and curated the experience for all wine enthusiasts in attendance at the Starling Room.
Stromski described the event as a way to introduce visitors to the range of work required to produce and present wine, which extends beyond fermentation and cellar work.
“We’ve got a lot of talent here, and it’s always important to celebrate each other, celebrate wine, but also take a look at what everyone is contributing to the company,” said Stromski.
Often, she said, many women and girls often do not first consider winemaking as a career option. Events like the one on Sunday are meant to help introduce them to the industry.
“To actually see themselves and look at other women who are involved in the winemaking, that could really encourage them to choose winemaking,” said Stromski.
The wines chosen by women on the winemaking team for the tasting included a barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc from the Discovery Series, Reserve Series Pinot Gris, Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir, Discovery Gamay Noir and Riesling Icewine.
“There are so many women who bring their skills, their talents and their creativity to the table,” said Stromski.
Lynn McDonough, salesperson, tour guide and and “Jill of all trades” at Inniskillin, has spent nearly 25 years at the winery and spoke about the work from a front-line perspective.
“For me, it’s a very physical job, but I love the fact that it is physical because you stay in shape.”
McDonough also described the winery as a place where employees regularly meet visitors from across the world, reflecting the international reach of Canadian icewine and Niagara wines.
“It’s fascinating to meet people from all around the world without having to travel, while staying in one spot, because Inniskillin is so recognized around the world.”
Visitors at the tasting included Julie Racette and Renee Labonte, retirees from Gatineau, Que., who now spend part of each year in Niagara and visit the winery regularly.
“We’ve been coming here since 2008, maybe. But now that we’re retired, we spend six months a year in Niagara,” said Racette.
Racette and Labonte attended the event while taking part in other wine and food programming across the region during the same weekend.
Labonte described the winery staff as a major reason they return.
“We know most of the staff, and they’re great people. They’re always welcoming,” said Labonte.
Inniskillin held similar International Women’s Day programming last year, and staff indicated the winery plans to continue expanding the event as part of its annual calendar of public tastings and tours.
