Female sommelier’s creating small batch wine to help women in their industry

OKANAGAN – A team of young, female sommelier’s from the Okanagan are giving back to the industry that gave them so much.

The B.C. chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier are creating both a small batch of exclusive red and a white wines which will be on sale across the Okanagan.

Grapes for the two wines come from vineyards around the Okanagan, and the wines are being produced at Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls. They will be on sale at restaurants across the province mid-May.

Fewer than 550 cases will be produced with all money raised going towards a scholarship program which helps support food and beverage education for women in B.C.

Mireille Sauvé, director of the Wine Umbrella and member of the B.C. chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, became Canada’s youngest female sommelier in 1997. She says she has the scholarship program to thank and by continuing the tradition, she hopes to give something back.

"A number of extraordinary women have benefited from scholarship funds provided by Les Dames d’Escoffier, and many are now taking part in this project to raise funds for future scholarships," she says. "Everyone who buys this wine can savour each sip while supporting dynamic women. These are unique wines and the first project of its kind in Canada."

For more information visit the Dames Wine website.


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Adam Proskiw

Adam has lived in B.C. most of his life. He was born in the Caribou, grew up in the Okanagan, went to university on Vancouver Island and worked as a news photographer in Vancouver. His favourite stories incorporate meaningful photography and feature interesting, passionate locals. He studied writing at UVic and photojournalism in California. He loves talking tractors, dogs and cameras and is always looking for a good story.


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