Diversity and Inclusion Efforts Are Key to The American Wine Industry’s Future
Now, the growing diversification of wine professionalism is compelling new conversations around vineyard workers. When sommelier DeAna Ornelas moved to Oregon to join Winderlea Vineyard as tasting room ambassador and communications lead, she found few other Mexicans in winery leadership roles. She and other Latinx leaders formed Ahivoy, an organization that provides English-immersion education and professional development to Latinx wine workers to advance their careers.“It’s a Hispanic thing,” says Ornelas. “We spend time in the community uplifting each other.” But Ahivoy is good for winery and vineyard owners, too. “Having a more knowledgeable workforce improves your capacity to take on adversity,” she says, “and to create a positive company culture.” Read the full article here.