Vinica Education Society’s Equity in Wine Leadership program, formerly known as AgriDiversity, was offered in January-April 2021 and 2022, to a total of 42 BIPOC British Columbians. The goal of the program was to create sustained employment for underemployed individuals experiencing barriers to participation and advancement in the wine industry. The program included global industry-standard wine credentials (Wine and Spirit Education Trust and Wines of British Columbia education,) mentorship by a top BIPOC wine professional, an internship at a BC wine business, professional skills training and employment support.
Vinica mentor (and Order of Canada recipient) Howard Soon showing his vineyard to Equity in Wine Leadership program participants.
With funding provided by the Government of B.C., and the Government of Canada, through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement, with additional support from Wine Growers BC and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, this program has set a global standard for diversification of the wine industry.
In a November 2022 survey of Vinica’s 2021 and 2022 Equity in Wine Leadership program graduates, 26 of the possible 42 respondents answered the survey, and 6 additional graduates sent a direct message indicating their employment status. In total, 76% of graduates responded.
Following participation in the Equity in Wine Leadership program, as of November 14, 2022, 97% of the program participants indicated that they were employed, and of those, 81% indicated they were employed directly in the wine industry.
None of the program graduates are occupying entry-level roles; notably, they are leading the wine industry in mid-level and often leadership roles. Both the employment statistics and the job roles indicate this program has been successful in supporting equitable access for BIPOC British Columbians into wine industry leadership.
Vinica graduate Vish Mayekar competing on Top Chef Canada
Vinica graduate Neelam Dhaliwal, operations manager at Kismet Estate Winery
Additionally, several program participants are now serving in mentorship roles in business and education, enabling other BIPOC British Columbians to get into and advance in the industry.
Six of the program participants are employed in different sectors; however each noted that their participation in the program played a key role: “it helped me find out who I am.” Additionally, two graduates (one employed, one not employed) currently not in the wine sector, indicated they are currently attempting to advance their careers in wine, by studying language in France, and touring Australian wine regions to learn more about international production.
Employment in Wine – Job Titles
The job titles of Equity in Wine Leadership program graduates, employed in the wine industry include:
• Assistant winemaker / cellar hand (winery) (3) • Assistant Guest Experiences Manager (winery) • Assistant Manager (restaurant)
• Business Owner (wine agency)
• Chef and General Manager (1)
• Chemist (wine and non-wine analytics)
• Consultant (wine service)
• General or Operations Manager (restaurant) (2) • Program Manager (wine technology)
• Marketing Coordinator (wine importer)
• Operations Manager (winery)
• Sales and Events Manager (bar/caterer)
• Sales Manager (winery) (2)
• Sales Specialist (wine retail)
• Sommelier (3)
• Territory Manager (wine wholesale)
• Vineyard Worker
• Winemaker
• Winery owner
Quotes – Impact of Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership program
“Vinica connected me to an amazing group of talented people who share a passion for wine and highlighting diversity. I’m delighted to see BIPOC individuals being highlighted for their achievements and helping other BIPOC individuals succeed.”
“Vinica’s Equity in Wine Leadership was the springboard and catalyst to my budding career in the wine industry. It introduced me to the right people and places to further advance my career. I can’t imagine what I would’ve done if I didn’t take the leap and apply for the program. It changed my life for the better.”
Vinica graduate Karen Chapman, vineyard and tasting room at Black Market Winery, and Okanagan College viticulture program mentor: “I have more confidence – The WSET2 and WSET3 has made an amazing impact on my knowledge and confidence. I’m thrilled to now support other Indigenous people to join the wine industry.”
Vinica graduate Diana Odah, marketing coordinator at Trialto Wine Group: “It was an invaluable experience for me, personally and professionally. I could not have hoped for a better way to break into the wine industry, explore my passion, and gain confidence about my career aspirations in wine, as a member of the BIPOC community.”
“Vinica highlighted the disparity that exists in the wine world and how important it is to advocate for not only equity, inclusion through active participation.”
“I learned so much from this program about wine industry, WSET 2 and 3 courses were phenomenal. Made new friends and overall gained self confidence.”
“Before taking this program, my experience with wine was just that I liked to drink it. I applied with the expectation to be able to feel more confident when choosing a wine on a list. That quickly progressed into me now recommending what wines should be placed on lists in some of my favourite restaurants. I feel more comfortable in the wine world and finally feel like I’m a part of the industry. This wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunity to participate in Vinica.”
“I learned so much from this program with the actual textbook such as grape varietals and their characteristics. And I also made some friends in the industry which has been great because before I didn’t know anyone.”
“Vinica gave me so many great connections within the industry. Those connections directly led to the position that I currently hold. I was unable to advance from my former position even though I had the education necessary. “
“Without Vinica, I never would have my current position as chef of the best Italian restaurant in Vancouver, and never would have made it onto Top Chef Canada.”
“Vinica has impacted my life both personally and career-wise. My eyes have shifted purposes in traveling for pure enjoyment to being an educational experience, sipping one bottle of wine at a time. I have also found a new career path and passion for wine and the entire hospitality industry, creating a job catered for me where I can share those passions for food, beverage, and events.”
“I love and appreciate wine on a whole new level (and my love was already at a pretty high level!). Vinica inspired me to do wine, port and sherry tastings and enhance my education in Spain and Portugal, and do tours to learn about their development processes.”
“The Vinica program provided me with the support and the tools to confidently pursue a career in the wine industry. It was an incredible experience led by remarkable people. I feel very honored to have been able to be a part of something so special with my fellow Vinica alumni. A HUGE thank you to the Vinica program for helping me get to where I am today!”
“Being part of Vinica’s second cohort presented itself as a wonderful opportunity, at the most perfect timing… it was a catalyzer. The whole experienced allowed me to meet incredible people that made me feel inspired, supported and excited, to move to wine country and try my luck in the wine world.”
“I had worked in the industry for a number of years before Vinica but the course really opened my eyes to the many career opportunities within the industry. Also having the opportunity to learn so much and make so many connections really jump started my interest and possible career within the wine industry.”
“Vinica opened doors for me when they seemed to closing during the pandemic. It allowed me to step into an industry and see how I could be part of it at this stage in my life.”
“Without the Vinica program, I would not have made connections in the wine industry, specifically on the winemaking side. Post program, I jumped into harvest season at two wineries – the experience and knowledge I gained from harvest is invaluable. Another bonus of the Vinica program are the friendships and mentors developed.”
“The Equity in Wine Leadership program is unlike any other Wine Program to exist. It gives students the opportunity to obtain very important credentials that help open doors immediately in the Wine Industry. But not only this, it provides a safe space for students to share their experiences as BIPOC in the workforce. You truly feel empowered to go after your dream job in this industry because you’re given the resources, experience, and support you didn’t realize you needed. As a Vinica student, you know you have people in your corner to support you through the process. We had access to an entire team of mentors who have a great wealth of knowledge to share and truly want to help you succeed. The Equity in Wine Leadership program gave me the knowledge to succeed and a sense of belonging in the industry.”
CONTACT
Arnica Rowan, Chief Learning Officer, Vinica Education Society: clo@vinica.ca