New board members, highlights from our latest trip, upcoming events, new offers and more from WWS!Women For WineSense news and updates inside!
President’s Message
Greetings, Women For WineSense Members and Friends!
Cheers to Spring!
I hope that, wherever you are, you are finding glorious things to celebrate as we approach Spring.
We’ve certainly had a lot to toast at Women For WineSense, thanks to members like you and the fantastic volunteers that make up our chapter and national boards.
We kicked off the year with an executive retreat in January in Texas, with members of several of our chapter boards and our national team joining together in Grapevine and Dallas. Both chapters hosted us and showed us their favorite restaurants, tasting rooms, a nearby winery, and one member even hosted us for dinner in her home (Thank you, Whitney Johnson!!). Together, your boards talked about what makes each chapter unique as well as what binds us together. We also set goals for the year ahead. We were delighted that members of our newest chapter (Raleigh, NC!) were even there before officially becoming a chapter.
Not long after the retreat, Tessa Butterfield led a Women For WineSense tour to Argentina and Chile that was so popular that we just may be announcing another trip to South America soon. (If I were you, I’d check all your emails from Women For WineSense—you don’t want to miss out! The last one sold out in a matter of hours!!) Jonjie Lockman, who joined us on the trip, shares a few highlights from the February trip in this issue.
As we move into 2025, we celebrate 35 years of Women For WineSense. Read on to hear what Grapevine chapter member and National Director of Chapter Development Sheila Rasmussen has to say about our beginnings and a few notable moments from our history.
There’s lots more to read about below (plus a few offers just for members), and, of course, there is always more to discover on our new website. In April, for example, there will be a virtual event just for Pro Members. (Pros, you don’t want to miss this!)
Have you ever wondered why we’re called Women For WineSense? Here’s a look at our origins.
In the late 1980s, anti-alcohol sentiment was on the rise in the U.S. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) were gaining influence, and schools were teaching children that alcohol was as dangerous as hard drugs. Despite the growing controversy, the California wine industry largely remained silent, hoping the movement would pass.
But in February 1990, Julie (Williams) Johnson and Michaela Rodeno decided they couldn’t stand by. They recognized the threat to their family lifestyle and the wine industry, so they took action. Supported by pioneers like Margrit Mondavi, Margaret Duckhorn, Rosemary Cakebread, Kit Wall, Lynne Carmichael, Gabrielle Saylor, and Cathy Clifton, they fought to promote wine appreciation and responsible consumption.
And the name? Julie’s husband, John, coined it, explaining that these were “women for wine sense, not women for alcohol sense.”
By April 1993, their advocacy helped Congress declare American Wine Appreciation Week, a major milestone. But they knew their work wasn’t finished. What began as a movement to counter prohibitionist rhetoric soon evolved into a thriving community focused on education, networking, and mentorship for women in the wine industry—alongside wine lovers of all backgrounds.
Women For WineSense Today
Now, with nine active chapters nationwide and nearly 700 members, WWS continues to champion wine education, professional development, and a culture of moderation.
Key Milestones:
1990 – Napa/Sonoma Chapter founded
1991 – First National Conference
1992 – Finger Lakes Chapter opens
1993 – Congress declares American Wine Appreciation Week
1998 – Seattle Chapter opens
1999 – Rochester Chapter opens
2004 – Professional Roundtables launched
2007 – Dallas Chapter opens; First Grand Event in San Francisco
2010 – Third Grand Event in Napa
2012 – Fourth Grand Event in Napa
2014 – Central Florida Chapter opens
2015 – 25th Anniversary & Fifth Grand Event in Napa
2017 – Los Angeles Chapter opens; Sixth Grand Event in Finger Lakes, NY
2018 – Grapevine, TX Chapter opens
2020 – National Chapter membership launches (because even COVID couldn’t stop us!)
2023 – Mini-Grand Event in Fredericksburg, TX; Texas Hill Country Chapter opens
Continuing the Fight
As history has shown, the neo-prohibitionist movement never fully disappeared—it just shifted focus. Michaela Rodeno once noted how, after the anti-alcohol wave waned, activists targeted Girl Scout cookies, branding them the “least healthy cookies in America.” The same fate befell fettuccine Alfredo, labeled a “heart attack on a plate.”
She optimistically wrote, “Wine has become so clearly identified with a moderate, healthy lifestyle that I doubt they’ll try again.”
Yet here we are.
Once again, Women For WineSense is taking a stand. If you believe in protecting wine’s place in culture and commerce, we invite you to join us. Together, we’ll continue advocating for education, moderation, and the joy of wine.
Author:
Sheila Rasmussen
WWS National Chapter Development Director
Two new volunteer leaders
have joined the National Board of
Women For WineSense!
Welcoming Susan Nuzum,
our new National CFO
Women For WineSense is built on the dedication and expertise of our incredible members. Today, we are thrilled to introduce our new National Chief Financial Officer, Susan Nuzum, and express our deepest gratitude to our outgoing CFO, Tamara Mattison.
Tamara has been an integral part of our leadership team since 2017, bringing her passion for wine and financial acumen to ensure the strength and stability of our organization. As a devoted member of our Dallas Chapter, she has played a key role in helping Women For WineSense grow and thrive. Thank you, Tamara, for your years of service, commitment, and leadership—we raise our glasses to you!
Stepping into the role of CFO is Susan Nuzum, a seasoned wine industry professional with a strong background in finance and accounting. Susan began her wine career as an intern at Winebid.com while studying at UC Davis, later joining Cakebread Cellars, where she managed wine club services and hosted events across the country. She advanced into financial roles at Duckhorn Wine Company and Vintage Wine Estates before earning her CPA license and joining Allen Wine Group in 2019. Today, she works closely with wineries of all sizes, overseeing accounting teams and financial operations.
Beyond her professional expertise, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband and two children in Windsor, supporting her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and unwinding with a great glass of wine—poolside in the summer, fireside in the winter.
Please join us in thanking Tamara for her incredible service and welcoming Susan as she brings her talent and passion to Women For WineSense! We could not do what we do without incredible volunteer leaders like them!
Welcoming Tessa Butterfield,
our new National Director of Education
As you know, Women For WineSense is committed to empowering our members with knowledge and insight into the ever-evolving world of wine. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that Tessa Butterfield, Vice President of our Grapevine Chapter, is stepping into the role of National Education Director!
Tessa’s passion for wine is rooted in her love for agronomy and agriculture. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Tarleton State University in 2007, she entered the wine industry in 2011, managing a tasting room and working hands-on in the winery. Her fascination with how varietals express themselves across different terroirs and winemaking styles continues to drive her pursuit of wine education and hospitality excellence.
As a Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) diploma candidate, an Argentina Wine Specialist, and a Certified Specialist of Texas Wine, Tessa brings a wealth of expertise to this role. She currently works for Piattelli Vineyards in Argentina, advocating for the quality, consistency, and value of South American wines. She actively engages with winery and vineyard owners to stay abreast of industry trends and challenges.
In this new role, Tessa aims to elevate wine education at the national level while enhancing the value of our professional membership. She is passionate about exploring diverse topics beyond winery showcases, highlighting hot industry issues and specialized areas of expertise that are shaping the future of wine.
Please join us in welcoming Tessa and celebrating the exciting initiatives she will bring to Women For WineSense!
Join us online
March 26 &
Discover Hidden Gems
Join us for an exclusive Women For WineSense National Wine Lovers Virtual Event as we shine a spotlight on female-led micro-producers crafting exceptional wines in ultra-limited quantities!
This is a rare opportunity to explore three distinctive wines from Villa Ragazzi Winery, Elkhorn Peak Cellars, and Lost Valley Ranch Wines. Presented by the inspiring women behind the labels: Michaela Rodeno, Elise Nerlove and Debra Becker. Hear their stories, learn about their winemaking philosophies, and taste along as they guide us through their handcrafted, small-batch wines.
Don’t miss this intimate and interactive tasting experience that celebrates women, passion, and the artistry of boutique winemaking!
📅 Date: March 26th, 2025
⏰ Time: 5PM PT/8PM EST
📍 Location: Virtual – join from anywhere, members only!
On February 11, ten Women for WineSense members from across the US met at the Santiago airport for a week of wine tasting in Chile and Argentina. Most had never met each other before. But through our love of wine and our Women for WineSense connection, our travel family formed quickly and easily.
A certified expert on Argentinean wines, frequent traveler to South America, regional wine sales manager, mother of two adorable children, skilled photographer, and incredibly patient trip leader… Tessa Butterfield.
A co-founder of Women for WineSense, trailblazing wine industry leader for her entire career, vintner, grower, and putting people half her age to shame with her travel stamina… Michaela Rodeno.
A writer turned AI expert, entrepreneur, long-time Houston Rodeo volunteer and leader, mother of three, gin-loving National President of Women for WineSense… Amy Gross.
A financial advisor, football (soccer) loving forever athlete still dawning his football boots regularly, father of three, and huge supporter of his wife… Gary Gross.
Three-time retired, breast cancer warrior TaijiFit Conductor and Nia Black Belt grandmother from the Texas Hill Country with the most adorable southern drawl… Karen (KK) Taylor.
Accomplished attorney from Long Beach, CA traveling across South America for an entire month on her own aside from the week with WWS… Ramona Petersen.
Empty nester, former social worker turn expert of everything in support of the family software business, tennis playing snowbird, loving their new home in Orlando, FL… Eve Kochman.
Fellow empty nester, software entrepreneur, jokester, huge wine suitcase owner, and always looking out for anyone who needs help with stairs… Kevin Kochman.
Retired Air Force meteorologist turn everyone’s personal weather forecaster, dog whisperer, never too serious, beer loving, wine loving, wife loving sweetheart… Steve Callis.
And finally, a wine loving business leader from North Carolina working in Napa, CA who’d ride her bicycle most anywhere and hike any mountain… me.
This cast of characters represented WWS well in South America and even planted seeds for two new chapters after all was said and done.
Our journey started as we flew through (not over) the Andes Mountains from Santiago, Chile to Mendoza, Argentina. What a stunning mountain range with its highest peak right in our path, Aconcagua standing 22,837 feet. Our first winery stop was at Piattelli Vineyards where Valeria Antolin is a third-generation winemaker. The entire Piattelli team was so welcoming and generous. We had lunch by the lake and vineyards while getting to know each other and raising our first of many glasses together.
Second stop, Catena Zapata in the Agrelo sub-region of Mendoza where the one and only Laura Catena leads a tremendously successful wine company rooted in Argentinean culture and climate with a huge bent on higher education and research.
A key element of Argentina and especially trips organized by Tessa is that there will be plenty of delicious meals. The first day’s dinner was at Lares de Chacras, a lovely restaurant and inn in the town of Mendoza. We ended the evening in the best house in Luyan du Cuyo where we all slept comfortably and peacefully.
Over the next few days, we visited Zuccardi Winery in the Uco Valley, Norton Winery in Luyan du Cuyo, Laur Olive Oil in Maipú, and Bodegas Chandon where Michaela felt almost right at home. Every place we went was steeped in a long history of winemaking with caves and buildings dating back to the 1800s. And the scenery is everything a wine-loving nature lover could ask for with lush vineyards and the beautiful Andes Mountains as their backdrop.
In addition to a home cooked breakfast every morning and diverse lunch settings throughout our trip, I must mention our incredible dinner at Casa Vigil where 10 courses were paired with 10 lovely wines from El Enemigo. Winemaker and co-owner, Alexander Vigil, scored the first 100-point Cabernet Franc from Argentina with Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc. We tasted it with dinner, and I gave it 102 points. Vigil is also the head winemaker at the renowned Catena Zapata.
Oh, and one night our football loving Gary organized an evening by the pitch for anyone who had the energy to join him. Steve, Ramona, and Michaela joined Gary in the fun and warmed our hearts with their team spirit.
Although we wanted to stay in Mendoza a bit longer, it was time to enjoy Chilean wines on the other side of the Andes. Arriving back in Santiago on the evening February 14th we discovered that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for Americans. Love was in the air!
Our taste through Chile’s best wine regions began with lunch at Viña Concha y Toro followed by a tour and tasting at Viña Cousiño-Macul in the Maipo Valley. There’s so much rich history to explore here as well with century old caves and vineyards.
On Sunday we changed things up a bit and went to the coast. We toured the vibrant and colorful cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. Together they are the second most populated area in Chile. Valparaiso is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique urban form, developed in response to its challenging geography of steep hills and narrow coastal plains which create an amphitheater-like layout. Plus its rich historical architecture and cultural diversity which resulted from its role as a major port city that has attracted people from around the world throughout its history. Before calling it a day we tasted a few wines at Casas del Bosque in the cool climate of Casablanca Valley then capped the night with a lovely dinner together at Mestizo.
The final day of our week in the beautiful wine regions of South America was one of the best with a visit to Errazuriz in the Aconcagua Valley. Set right at the base of the mountains the setting is gorgeous and the wines measure up to the view.
If you’ve made it this far in my not so short story, then you can tell we had a magical time. Those of us who knew each other already are so much closer now and those of us who we met for the first time will now be lifelong friends. We are so thankful for Tessa offering to plan the trip and for making it happen, for Amy’s and Nicole’s valuable support, and for the rest of the national board’s stamp of approval.
Where are we going next?
Author:
Jonjie Lockman
WWS National President, 2014- 2015
CEO, Intervine
March Outstanding Women in Wine Campaign on Social Media
Watch our upcoming March Women in Wine campaign on social media, where we celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the wine industry. Throughout the month, we’ll spotlight trailblazing professionals who are not only making their mark but also lifting others along the way. Join us in honoring their passion, leadership, and commitment to shaping a more inclusive and inspiring wine community.
Current and upcoming openings on the Women For WineSense National Board
Do you have experience in WordPress and perhaps Membership Works and a desire to help Women For WineSense thrive as we head into our next 35 years?
We are seeking a new National Director of Technology and would love to hear from you if you are interested.
The Women For WineSense Technology Director updates and maintains our website, working with our national administrator and our local chapters. Additionally, all National Board Directors meet monthly via Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month and host meetings with their chapter counterparts throughout the year.
Directors serve for 2-year terms and may serve up to 6 years (3 terms) in one role.
All Director roles are volunteer positions.
If you would like to learn more, please send a note to Nicole Economou, our Administrative Assistant, and we will be in touch.
Membership Statistics March 2025
New York Kitchen is a nonprofit located in the Finger Lakes region dedicated to celebrating New York’s bounty by fostering a connection between people, agriculture and craft beverage through education and creative exploration. We provide a variety of engaging in-person and virtual experiences, including wine and craft beverage classes, WSET certifications, hands-on cooking classes, and a 100% New York State Tasting Room. Women for WineSense members receive 10% off classes and certification course registrations.
As a Women for Winesense Professional or Corporate Tier Member Benefit, DP&F offers a complimentary trademark consultation and preliminary USPTO clearance search for new clients looking to establish or expand their brand portfolio.
Offer expires December 31, 2025.
Member Offers
WWS Pro Member Brianne Cohen invites you to join her on a dream cruise with Avalon Waterways through the Rhône and Saône Rivers from November 11-18, 2025, sailing through France from Burgundy to Provence!
Your cozy home for the week, the 150-passenger Poetry II, will take you to the heart of charming French towns like Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Lyon. Plus, you’’ll be sipping incredible wines in iconic spots like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Beaujolais, and Mâconnais. Brianne can’t wait to travel, taste, and toast with you! After all, there’s no better way to connect than over a shared glass of wine.
Will she see you there? If you’re interested, please complete the short 4-question form linked below! More information can be found on her website here.
