Introducing Grafted: New Organization Seeks to Build Community Among Texas Wine Women

A new organization for women in Texas wine debuted last month. Grafted is a personal and professional development organization focused on enriching the community of women in Texas wine through four key pillars: empowerment, education, equity, and engagement.

Curious about the name? The name Grafted stems from the principle of grafting a grapevine to a particular rootstock. The act of grafting merges the two parts to ensure that the grapevine will thrive. This strong union inspired Grafted’s mission statement: To cultivate, enrich, and sustain a community of women within the wine industry to confidently own their positions as leaders, students, and advocates of Texas wine.

Grafted sprouted from Ladies in Leadership, an internal effort at William Chris Wine Company. Grafted founders recognized that the networking, mentoring, and leadership training that the company provided would benefit the larger wine community. The founding members include Claire Richardson (Uplift Vineyard), Valerie Elkins (William Chris Wine Company, Texas Wine Auction, and Texas Wine Growers), Kelsey Kramer (Hill Country Wine Academy), and Tina Melcher (Hill Country Wine Academy).

The debut Grafted event drew approximately 100 women and a handful of men. Texas Wine Collective in Fredericksburg hosted the sell-out crowd. The agenda included a nationally recognized speaker, a guided discussion on wine terminology, and a happy hour tasting flight. Texas wines were shared enthusiastically throughout the event.

The Program

Claire Richardson, winemaker at Uplift Vineyards, gave the opening remarks which included the history, vision, and goals of the organization. Grafted intends to share practical advice and actionable skills that will allow women to be fruitful in their personal and professional lives. Next, Valerie Elkins shared results from the Texas Wine Auction and talked about the importance of mental health in the wine industry. A portion of funds raised by Texas Wine Auction are earmarked to support hospitality industry wellness. Mental health support has been identified as a critical need.

Maryam Ahmed of Maryam + Company was the keynote speaker. She is a well-known wine speaker, writer, social impact entrepreneur, and TV personality.  In the keynote address, she encouraged attendees to develop and communicate our purpose with clarity and confidence. With a goal of community building, Ahmed led a series of fun exercises. She asked participants to “hype up” another woman at the event and then to craft a hype narrative of our own.

Hill Country Wine Academy director of education Kelsey Kramer led a lively discussion on wine terminology. Specifically, the group evaluated several wine descriptors that can be problematic: Old World, New World, masculine, and feminine. Each of these terms has advantages and disadvantages that were discussed. Kramer encouraged the use of more specific terminology rather than relying on terms that aren’t clearly defined and can easily be misconstrued. Attendees shared tips on how tasting room staff can use more descriptive language to enhance the guest experience.

With new wine terminology in mind, attendees sampled a flight of four Merlot wines from Texas (BLACKMON and William Chris Vineyards), Bordeaux, and Napa Valley. Afterward, attendees discussed favorites and were encouraged to describe the wines. Instead of promoting our favorite wine, we were tasked with “selling” our least favorite. Now that’s a much more difficult job!

The mood at the event was decidedly positive and supportive. Table talk encouraged sharing, and networking time was plentiful. Many women traveled from outside of the Hill Country to share in the education and networking. Sarah Holder of Valley Mills Vineyards road-tripped from Waco to attend. She said, “What an unforgettable experience attending the first Grafted! The warm, powerful energy of the women in the room propelled the entire day. The Texas wine industry is roaring, and it’s the sound of a community of strong women.”

Next Steps

By all accounts, the inaugural event was a grand success. Richardson said, “How incredible it was to have a diverse group of talented, hardworking, and forward-thinking individuals come together for the purpose of developing themselves and the Texas wine industry. We cannot wait for the future of Grafted and the impact that we will have on the Texas wine industry.”

What’s next for Grafted? Organizers are strategizing about future programming. Initial plans are to hold two educational events each year. Leaders are evaluating the feedback from the event and polling attendees for topics of interest for future seminars.

Stay tuned to @Grafted_TX on Instagram to find out when the next event is scheduled.

Thank you to the Grafted key sponsors Bingham Family Vineyards, Uplift Vineyards, Wine For the People, William Chris Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, Lost Draw Wines, and Phil and Marcella Richardson.

Additional and in-kind support was provided by Texas Wine Collective, Signor Vineyards, French Connection Wines, Hill Country Wine Academy, Jaclynn Renee Wines, Elisa Christopher Wines, Texas Wine Consulting, and Scenarios Media/Caroline Bradley.

Photos courtesy of Scenarios Media/Caroline Bradley.