Gina Gallo, a third generation family winemaker, and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, the first woman to earn a Master of Wine accreditation in the United States, have accepted invitations to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of The National Women’s Wine Competition.
“We are very proud and pleased to have these two exemplary leaders in the wine industry as our co-chairs this year,” said competition Director Lea Pierce.
This is the third year for the competition, which this year will be held March 9-10 in Santa Rosa, Calif.
“This is an event that recognizes the important role of women in the wine industry and one that I am honored to co-chair this year with Gina Gallo,” said Ewing-Mulligan. “The competition offers a unique opportunity for producers to have their wines judged by some of the most respected female palates.”
According to Gallo, “Women have been making their mark in winemaking for generations, and the NWWC is leading the way in recognizing the role that women play in our industry, both in the U.S. and around the world. I expect the wines in the 2009 competition to set new benchmarks that will encourage even more women to explore the world of wine.”
As the first and only national wine competition judged solely by women, the event is designed to provide a unique perspective on the wine that women want. Last year, more than 1,900 wines were entered. Wife-husband teams may enter as long as the woman winemaker is responsible for the final taste of the bottle.
