The Women Who Raise Our Spirits
Elizabeth McCall
VP, Master Distiller – Woodford Reserve
Karinna Enriquez Hurtado
Master Taster, Quality Control Supervisor – Casa Herradura
Lexie Phillips
Assistant Distiller – Jack Daniel Distillery
Zidanelia Arcidiacono
Pinot Winemaker – Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
These women celebrate their position in the spirits industry 365 days a year, as they continue to make a splash in the historically male-dominated sphere.
– Jillian Dara
As Assistant Distiller, few people have a more profound impact on the Lynchburg-crafted golden liquid than Lexie Phillips.
– Spirited Zine
It’s not just about the numbers of women in certain positions to pitch as marketing fodder; it’s all the offerings and attitudes that Brown-Forman shows on a daily basis to empower its employees.
– Stephanie Cain
Spotlighting Women in Production
Elisa Gutierrez
VP, General Manager, Casa Herradura
Q: What is your favorite part about the work you do?
A: I would say 2 parts: 1) Learning from people with different backgrounds. There is no day one of them doesn’t make me smile and feel valuable, and vice versa. There is no day I don’t learn something new. 2) The second is to see very clearly and everyday how my organization and I are contributing to the success of the company and this also means progress in my own country.
Donna Willis
Director of Engineering, Jack Daniel’s
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for women who are starting out in production and more specifically, in the wine and spirits industry?
A: Every role will come with its opportunities and challenges, navigate the journey one step at a time. Experience and learn as much as you can; don’t be afraid to ask questions or take the short-term assignments and focus on being great in your current role before looking to the next role.
Erica Mandl
Director of Winemaking, Korbel
Q: Tell us about your experience as a woman working in the wine industry. How have you seen attitudes change toward women working in this industry?
A: I’ve been very fortunate because over the years my supervisors, both male and female, have always been forward-thinking and supportive. That’s not always the case, so I feel very lucky and it’s a big reason why I’m still here at Korbel after so many years. The wine industry, like all industries, is definitely changing in its attitudes towards women. Change can be slow, especially in an industry that is so focused on tradition.
Shannon Donnell
Grower Relations and Vineyard Operations Senior Manager, Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
Q: Do you feel it is important for more women to aspire to have roles like yours? If so, why?
A: I feel like women can bring a unique perspective to production roles, and management roles. I oversee a department of 40 people, all who are men, and I am the first female manager most have had. Some have shared with me that they feel I have brought more collaboration and communication, soft skills, to the team. I feel that some of that comes from being a woman, and approaching my team with the mindset of people first, then production.