Our panel will relate how the roles and influence of women in the wine industry have evolved, challenges met and overcome, stories, the importance of mentorship and community, and looking to the future. This is an example of our club’s focus on Realizing potential. For all women.
EVERYONE is invited to attend this Special Event, Tuesday, September 10th, 7-8:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm), at Club Roma, Gemini Room, 125 Vansickle Rd, St. Catharines. For Tickets, CLICK HERE. To download our Poster, Click Here.
Our Moderator:
Jennifer Wilhelm, CAPS Certified Wine Sommelier
Jennifer has held multiple roles in Ontario’s hospitality and agritourism industry for 30 years. She holds credentials from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in both wine and spirits, credentials from Prud’homme Beer, a diploma in Hospitality Management, and studied Human Resources Management with a focus on training and development.
Our Four Panelists:
Donna Lailey, first female Grape King
Donna and her husband, David, took over the Lailey vineyards from William Lailey in 1970. They proceeded to grow the business into one of the top Niagara wineries. Donna has been actively involved in the industry and served on several government agencies such as the Niagara Parks Commission, Grape Growers Marketing Board, and the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario.
Kelly Mason: Winemaker at Domaine Queylus and Owner and Winemaker at Mason Vineyard
Kelly was born and raised in Montreal. Her winemaking career began in 2007 in the Carneros subregion of Napa Valley with an internship at Saintsbury Winery under a Burgundian winemaker. She then studied Winemaking at Brock University before working first at Tawse Winery and then at Le Clos Jordanne, always focused on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. She also owns and farms Mason Vineyard on the 20 Mile Bench, planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Kelly joined the Domaine Queylus team in the summer of 2013 and became Head Winemaker in 2018. She was also awarded Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards in 2024.
Allison Findlay. Head Winemaker, Niagara College Teaching Winery, BSc, Dip. Wine & Vit. MBA Candidate
Originally from Dryden, Ontario, Allison looked forward to a future in plant science and ecology. After completing her Bachelor of Science at Lakehead University, her passion sparked for Ontario viticulture while visiting the Niagara Region and falling in love with the art, science and beauty that is Ontario wine. Allison graduated from the Niagara College Winery & Viticulture Technician program in 2014 and she hasn’t looked back since. Her new passion took her around the world to participate in grape harvests in Australia and Oregon, while also spending some time at a few local wineries before landing an exciting job with Flat Rock Cellars. With a little time, and a lot of hard work, Allison grew into the role of Head Winemaker where she perfected her craft in producing award-winning wines. At the beginning of a new harvest in 2022, Allison began her role as Head Winemaker at Niagara College Teaching Winery, coming back to where it all began. Allison is the first female winemaker at the Teaching Winery, and after having a wonderful career so far in the Ontario wine industry, is ecstatic to be back at the Teaching Winery, where she continues to produce outstanding wines and become a valuable mentor for the budding industry professionals.
Brooke Husband: Assistant Winemaker at Domaine Queylus and Mason Vineyard
Brooke graduated from the Niagara College Winery and Viticulture program in 2018 and during her studies she worked at Domaine Queylus for her first harvest. She then worked in the Okanogan Valley at Black Hills Estate Winery. When she returned to Niagara, she knew her passion was wild fermented Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Brooke has been working at Domaine Queylus since 2017 and received the KML Top-30-Under-30 award for Hospitality in Canada and the Paul Pender Rising Star Award at the Ontario Wine Awards in 2023.