Why did you decide to stay in the wine world?
On April 6, 2022, Forbes published an in-depth article about Breaking Ground, highlighting the program, how it began, and what we hope it will become. You can read the article here, which was written by Jillian Dara, but because you can only fit so few people in one article (that article featured two of our ambassadors), we wanted to share how our other farmer ambassadors responded to the questions Jillian asked our farmers. Below, you’ll find the questions Jillian asked, and you’ll get to hear from the farmers who responded to those questions. You’ll also see them in both English and Spanish. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to see some of the making of Breaking Ground, and that afterward, you’ll join us in raising a glass to those who grow our grapes.
Why did you decide to stay in the wine world?
Jaime Gonzalez: For the interest of learning and knowing more and how interesting it is.
Miriah Falce: I’m a big believer in “when you know, you know,” and I knew without a doubt this is what I wanted. I was lucky enough to work in a production winery and learn the winemaking side while also spending half the year in the vineyards learning the growing side, and then use that joint experience to end up where I am now. I realized the wine world was a way to show my soul, while also being a part of something bigger. It’s not just a local or state community, its reaches span across the country and across the world. The soul of the land and the soul of the wines are represented by the hands of every individual that works on them, and getting to be a part of that experience is what draws me vintage after vintage.
I realized the wine world was a way to show my soul, while also being a part of something bigger.—Miriah Falce
Bernadette Gagnier: The wine industry is very much a sink or swim environment, where if you put in the work to keep swimming and keep your head above water, there are always hands to help you. I have had so much help and encouragement along the way, and it has made me want to do the same in the future. There are always ups and downs in any field but the encouragement I have had makes me want to stay. Also, the research I am doing now is all for sustainability and reducing harmful chemicals applied in vineyards. It is work I feel good about and know it can have an impact in the wine world and agriculture as a whole and I want to see it through as I continue to grow and learn in the wine industry.
Brittany Komm: Because it is a challenge and constantly changing. I love it! I also love being a voice for my crews and being able to share their stories. Better yet, I love that the crews I work with trust me enough to share their stories with me and allow me to share them with you.
Sadie Drury: As soon as I stepped foot in a vineyard I couldn’t learn enough. It’s always felt like home and most days I can’t imagine doing anything else. The people I work with are amazing and the community is definitely what keeps me coming back vintage after vintage.
Rosanna Lugo: I have learned so much about this industry and all its details to make high quality wine and I find it very fascinating; along with tasting the wine. The ability to be outdoors in all types of weather, seeing the vines change their color, grapes growing and then into harvest with such awesome people that spend hours in the vineyard is totally gratifying.
Jay Itote: It’s strange because the grape- and wine-producing industry is 98% white. That’s a big turn off to many folks of color. It’s not that black folks don’t love a good vintage, but if it means being at winery that caters to group of people that become fearful or uneasy when people of color walk though door, then it’s not worth the trouble. It’s the same feeling of fear that happens when I, for example, start to walk across a crosswalk and hear the car doors lock. Staying in this industry at my age is inevitable. My goal is to leave whatever is done of the plan to my wonderful daughters.
Staying in this industry at my age is inevitable. My goal is to leave whatever is done of the plan to my wonderful daughters.—Jay Itote