Sharing a Glass
Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario’s Grape & Wine Industry
by Jennifer Wilhelm

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Even if you’re not an oenophile, chances are you know that Ontario’s wine industry produces some of Canada’s best bottles. In just a few decades, the wines crafted in the province have begun to claim their rightful place on the world stage, thanks, in part, to the pioneering efforts of the many women spotlighted in Sharing a Glass: Inspirational Memoirs & Memories of the Women Who Shaped Ontario’s Grape & Wine Industry. With their passion and expertise—as scientists, sommeliers, grape growers, winemakers, and more—these women overcame complex challenges in a fledgling agricultural industry that was dominated by men, leaving their indelible mark for the benefit of those who followed. Author Jennifer Wilhelm, who got her own start in the Ontario wine and hospitality sector as a young woman with an insatiable curiosity to learn, wanted to honour the nine women featured in this book by bringing their stories—in their words—to these pages. It is a written record of their profound accomplishments and the knowledge they are still sharing. Their passion and joy is palpable. Reading Sharing a Glass almost feels like sitting down to a good chat with friends, best enjoyed with your favourite Ontario wine. As the readers learn about these remarkable women, they’ll also gain a fascinating understanding about grapes, winemaking, and the evolution of the industry in Ontario, Canada, and beyond. Each chapter is completed with a series of tributes from their friends and colleagues, sharing their own anecdotes and appreciation for these women.

www.sharingaglass.com

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Jennifer Wilhelm was inspired to compile these stories of the often unsung heroes of the wine industry and make their invaluable contributions known to a global audience. Not only have these women helped blaze the trails among the vines, they’ve provided mentorship for others who have gone on to build meaningful and rewarding careers in an industry that’s now flourishing. For the past three decades, Wilhelm has herself built a successful and varied career in the Ontario wine and hospitality sectors and considers herself fortunate to have been mentored by many of the women in this book. She is a respected educator and a certified sommelier with further credentials in wine, beer, spirits, and hospitality management. Wilhelm has developed and taught college-level classes in wine, beer, spirits, culinary, tourism and hospitality programs, and has created and executed distinctive events. She is the recipient of several awards, including the VQA Promoters Award in the Education category, 40 Under 40 Business Achievement Award, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for her contributions to the wine industry. She lives in the Niagara Region, the heart of Ontario’s wine industry, where she continues to dedicate herself to the people who are the heart of the industry. You can connect with her online at sharingaglass.com.

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Contributors

Author

Jennifer Wilhelm

Editor

Elena Galey-Pride

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