Divas Uncorked Hosts New Generation Of Female Wine Innovators In Boston

Vintners Dinner and Wine Conference Encourage Wine Scholarship in Non-Intimidating Atmosphere

Past generations of uptight oenophiles have made the world of wine seem intimidating and uninviting. Enter Divas Uncorked and a new generation of female wine innovators who are convinced that women should be educated consumers that are just as capable of touting knowledge of vintage and varietal, minus the attitude. This contemporary cohort of female entrepreneurs-wine makers, store owners, authors-realizes and respects that women constitute the largest part of the wine consumer market, accounting for 54% of core wine drinkers (those who drink wine once a week or more) and 60% of "high end" wine buyers (those spending more than $15 on a bottle), according to The Wine Market Council.

For the third time, Divas Uncorked, Inc., a wine education and consumer advocacy group comprised of ten vibrant and vivacious women, brings education to the table at their annual Vintners Dinner and wine conference. And this year, they have invited four notable female wine experts to help them.

"Our mantra has always been 'wine savvy, not wine snobby,'" says Divas Uncorked founder Stephanie Browne. "Our conference allows us to share our knowledge in an enjoyable and completely non-intimidating atmosphere, and we've found just the women to facilitate this experience."

The first female of renown is Leslie Sbrocco, author of Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine. With her relaxed style and extensive knowledge, Leslie will share wine consumer facts and personal anecdotes as she guides guests through a five-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, March 24, 2006, at Sheraton Boston Hotel. The Vintners Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. and is open to all.

The following day, Saturday, March 25, the Divas invite fellow female wine enthusiasts to share lunch with three industry trailblazers: Jai Jai Greenfield, co-owner of Harlem Vintage Wine Store in New York City, a visionary businesswoman whose boutique reflects Harlem's rich history by carrying the largest selection of black- and ethnic-owned wines in the country; Elin McCoy, author of The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr., and the Reign of American Taste, a strict believer in simply choosing what tastes best for your palate, not what has the highest rating or reputation; and Christine Wente, fifth generation winegrower and vice president of marketing for Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California, a woman who holds a unique position in a predominately male industry and brings new perspectives to the 120-year-old family business. The luncheon's host is Bella English, The Boston Globe living/arts writer who has a flair for picking up trends and making them relevant to readers.

The three-course luncheon will feature wines from Wente Vineyards, the newest partner of the Divas Uncorked Collaborative Consortium, which was formed in 2004 to help wineries, distributors and retailers expand to reach new consumer markets, specifically women and people of color. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. at Sheraton Boston Hotel.

Following the luncheon, guests will have the opportunity to broaden their wine knowledge with education workshops constructed specifically for the female consumer at Divas Uncorked's third annual "Wine, Women and..."-Grapes to Glass conference. Sisters who sip can choose from three educational "flights," entitled Restaurant Row, Wines of the World, and Wine 101. These will cover everything from "Reading a Restaurant Wine List" and "Decoding Delicious French Wines," to determining the oft-asked question, "Does the Glass Matter?" A wine tasting reception completes the festivities, where participants can enjoy their newfound knowledge and appreciation of wine. Registration for the conference begins at 10:30 a.m. at Sheraton