Meet South Jersey native Victoria Reader who started Women in Wine in 2021 – a safe space for women working in the New Jersey wine industry to exchange ideas, network, collaborate, and promote education in different aspects of the industry. The group’s mission is to unite and provide an inclusive, dedicated, supported, and educated community.
While studying natural resource management and agriculture in college, Victoria aspired to pursue a career in Wildlife Biology. Her love of viticulture and grape growing began when she worked at the South Jersey winery Auburn Road Vineyard Winery & Enoteca. After working for Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, she moved on to Stokelan Estate Winery as Assistant Winemaker and Vineyard Manager. Recently, Victoria transitioned to Assistant Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Amalthea Cellars. Victoria’s greatest passions are within the entire growing experience and winemaking process; checking the soil, processing the grapes, and getting the bottle into someone’s hands.
Women Winemakers in New Jersey
Only 17.8% of winemakers are women, and 82.2% are men. Victoria is looking to change that by helping women become more educated about the opportunities that exist in the winemaking industry. She hopes that through Women in Wine, more women will consider a winemaking career locally or elsewhere. Eventually, she would like to start chapters nationally for Women in Wine.
Even though men dominate the wine industry, women are leading the charge in New Jersey wines. The South Jersey wine region is becoming more known statewide and nationally, with many women involved at all levels of winemaking. The Garden State Wine Growers Association is located right here in Haddonfield under the tutelage of Executive Director Devon Perry.
What to expect from Women in Wine in 2023:
- Trainings (for WIW members)
- Meet & Greets (networking & fundraising events)
- Limited-Edition Collaborative Wine
- Wine Tastings & Wine Dinners
- & more!
Best wishes to Victoria, and stay tuned for more about Women in Wine as it becomes available.
As always, support our local wine region! There are over 30 wineries and vineyards in South Jersey alone. Click here for a directory of South Jersey wineries and vineyards.
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Marilyn is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of South Jersey. You can find more of her writing on Philly Grub and NewsBreak.