Women in Wine Podcast Kela Driggs

Sophie Gray and her husband James bought and renovated a 7,000 square foot property with 5 acres of grapes, and had no intention to start a winery. But just a few years later they launched Sophie James, a small family wine brand. Sophie has been key in creating very unique experiences at the property, growing the brand's identity and its following.

During this episode, we talk about the origin of the winery - how it started, the growing pains, and how they have grown their tribe or wine club. We also talk about finding her identity after leaving one industry, transitioning to motherhood and then starting the wine brand. We discuss how she sets boundaries and how she has utilized Instagram to connect with consumers and grow the brand identity. There is a lot packed into this episode and very inspiring for anyone who wants to start their own brand. Let me know your thoughts below.

Follow Sophie Gray and Sophie James on the following:

Website: Sophie James

Instagram: @SophieJamesWine

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Rebecca Hopkins is a wine communication guru. She has over 25 years of experience working in the wine industry and extremely open in sharing the wisdom she has learned along the way. She is one of the most well-connected people and has an even bigger heart.

In this episode, we talk about her move from Australia to the United States and adjusting to a new culture. She gives advice on shifting a career and when to take the leap. We talk about wellness in the alcohol industry and creating A Balanced Glass - a forum that is creating a community and discussion on many layers of wellness.

Follow Rebecca and A Balanced Glass on the following:

A Balanced Glass

Instagram:  @ABalancedGlass

Instagram: @BeckHopkinsWine

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Linsey Gallagher is someone I have wanted to interview for years and was thrilled she was interested and available to speak. She is incredibly hard working and an inspiring, accomplished human being. At the same time, she is very humble and down to earth, which you will pick up on in this episode.

For over ten years, Linsey was the Vice President, International Marketing for the California Wine Institute. In this role, she was responsible for managing California’s wine export program; overseeing collaborative efforts with Visit California, the state’s marketing organization; and leading an international team of 25 staff, including 16 international representative offices, as well as a team of four at the San Francisco headquarters. She also led market expansion strategies and tactics in key emerging markets such as China, as well as developed markets including Canada, the UK, and Mexico. 

Recently she has stepped into the role as President of Visit Napa Valley and no doubt will be bringing a lot of success to the region. 

In this episode, we talk about Linsey's background, her surprising decision on where to get a masters degree, her chance encounter into the wine industry, her love for the Today Show and so much more. 

I particularly loved the way she approaches balance in her life. How she gives her self credit when she can. I was so inspired by her perspective and hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did recording it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.   



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For the very first women winemaker episode, I had the chance to interview Laura Brennan Bissell. Laura is the winemaker and owner of Inconnu Wines which she started from scratch. We get the chance to talk about how she started her brand and the advice she would give. We also talk about motherhood, how she is able to balance owning her business, being a mom and dealing with stress. I hope you enjoy this episode and please share and leave a comment. Thank you!

Follow Laura on the following:

Instagram:  @InconnuWine

Inconnu Website

This episode features Esther Mobley the wine critic for San Francisco Chronicle. 

We talk about her journey into the wine industry, working harvest in California and Argentina, landing her job at San Francisco Chronicle and much more. Esther is an incredible writer and I highly suggest you read her articles on San Francisco Chronicle.

Follow Esther on the following:

Instagram:  @EstherMob

Twitter: @Esther_mobley 

Drink with Esther Newsletter

San Francisco Chronicle 

Stevie Stacionis is the co-owner of Bay Grape in Oakland CA with her husband Josiah Baldivino. In this episode we talk about her journey into wine, opening Bay Grape, meeting her husband, deciding to become a mother, and how she balances motherhood while owning a wine shop. Stevie is such a genuine person and I am certain you will find that and more in this episode. 


Find Stevie through the following:
Instagram - @steviestacionis or @baygrape
Bay Grape Website - baygrapewine.com
Bâtonnage Forum Website - batonnageforum.com

For more information on Women in Wine Podcast visit the website or follow us on Instagram at @womeinwinepodcast