Set your phone reminder: Sunday is Mother’s Day. We all have one — many of us are ones — and to honor moms in the beverage industry, we reached out to a handful to speak their truths on parenting, what it means to them and their choice tipple to toast to their own mothers.
Jackie Dodd
Author, The Beeroness
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“Love and worry in equal measure! People always tell you about how much you’ll love your kid, but no one tells you how much you’ll worry. It’s the truest and most honest form of love, to worry to your bones about the people you mother. Which really is when we need to drink the most, am I right?!”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and others mothers in the beverage industry?
“Emma Lemma IPA from Stoup Brewing, you can get to-go cans right now. And Stoup is such an awesome brewery run by some fantastic women. It’s the perfect beer to toast with the women in your life.”
Tracy Kendall
Winemaker, Domaine Nicolas-Jay
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“For me, fundamentally, being a mother means there is another person on this earth who matters more than you do. It’s a role of selfless giving and endless wonder. It’s full of love and openness and delight, but also one of challenge and sorrow. I never knew how bright the world was until I became a mother and am still astounded each day when I wake up to the sound of a tiny person of my creation laughing, chatting and asking questions, all before morning coffee. There is a constant pull as a mother, to be with your child and to contribute to your life. To work and to mother and to be the CEO of your family. It’s demanding and relentless and I’d have it no other way.”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and others mothers in the beverage industry?
“Perhaps a lovely bottle from the grande dame herself — Madame Clicquot. Honoring strong mothers everywhere!”
Nancy Bishop
Owner/cidermaker, Alpenfire Cider
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“Motherhood is such a gift. I loved the joy that comes from small arms wrapped tight around your neck. Even the hands patting your face asking: ‘are you awake?’ was great in retrospect! There is the fascination with watching that child grow into its own person, and then there is so much gratification in friendship with your grown children. All the lessons you learn about yourself as a parent is one of the biggest gifts.”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and all mothers of the drinks industry?
“One spring afternoon, my mother and I were heading out to the orchard to enjoy the blossoms with a cold glass of our Spark cider. She stopped suddenly and said, ‘Oh my, does that really taste that good?’ She passed away several years ago but every time I have a glass of Spark I toast her and wish she were here for another walk in the orchard.”
Gloria Gilbert
General manager, Gilbert Cellars
What does it mean to me to be a mother?
“Being a mother has forced me to look into a mirror I didn’t even know was there until I had my daughter, Daisy. She has pushed me be to become more mindful of my words, my actions, and most importantly my reactions in all of the greatest ways. I feel like I slip up a lot, but I find solace in knowing that all parents feel that way from time to time.”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and all mothers of the drinks industry?
“My mom in California just requested a case of our 2019 Vin de la Vallée, so that’s what I’ll be toasting her with on Mother’s Day. It’s our blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier, ideal for a slow Sunday in the garden.”
Anatalia Wright
Partner and Chief Marketing Officer, American Northwest Distributors
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“This is, by far, the most important job I’ve had to date. From the moment I found out there was a tiny seedling in my body and that I was responsible for growing this human and safely bringing him into the world, I set out to be the best me I could be for my child. In doing so, I hope to lead by example each and every day to show Roman what it means to be compassionate, empathetic, loving, kind, courageous, generous, bold and vulnerable. I hope he chooses the best path for him and feels empowered to make these decisions based on the way we lead and the lessons we help him learn. I look forward to watching our little seedling sprout as he’s the most precious gift we’ve been given. I’m grateful that this transition into motherhood has helped me to slow down and truly appreciate what’s right in front of me and embrace the Now.
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and mothers of the beverage industry?
“I would toast moms with a spicy mezcal margarita because I feel like it’s all the things we need: spicy, smoky, stimulating, strong, citrusy, balanced and delicious. Cheers to all the mamas: you’ve earned it!”
Whitney Burnside
Brewer, 10 Barrel Portland
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“Motherhood has taught me to be incredibly selfless, sacrificing many of my own wants and needs for that of my child‘s. But I also find it incredibly important to acclimate and expose her to the busy life of her working mom. I want her to grow up seeing first hand what my job as a brewmaster entails and the importance of a woman’s role in a male-dominated industry. Being a mom to me means that I not only do my best every day to care for her but to also show her that she is capable of anything she wants in life no matter what obstacles are in her way.”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and mothers of the beverage industry?
“To toast my mom, I would choose either a decadent stout with a huge chocolatey flavor profile or a glass of Dell’Emilia Lambrusco. For all the other mamas in the industry, I would toast with a glass (or bottle) of bubbles to celebrate all that we do!”
Teresa Spellman Gamble
Co-Owner, Tinte Cellars
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“As a mother, you know how to weather any storm because this, too, shall pass. And though the tides will ebb and flow and the salty water will burn your eyes, if you ride the waves and bob up and down with them, you will land somewhere beautiful and amazing. Being a mother is a choice you make every day to put someone else’s happiness and wellbeing ahead of your own. To teach hard lessons. To do the right thing, even when you’re not sure what the right thing is. And to forgive yourself for not being perfect. Being a mother is the most rewarding, challenging and important job there is!”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and mothers of the beverage industry?
“I raise a glass of Tinte Cellars Viognier to my dear mother in heaven, and to all the mothers of the beverage industry: ‘A mother is one who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.'”
Mhairi Voelsgen
Founder/CEO, broVo Spirits
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“Every day I wake up and say that this is the best day of my life. I’m so fortunate to have a great son, Joey, and husband, Chris.”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and mothers of the beverage industry?
“My mum passed away six years ago and when I want to remember her, I sit with a small glass of Edradour Single Malt Scotch. It’s a small, family-owned distillery in Scotland, where my mum was from.”
Page Knudsen
Managing Partner, Knudsen Vineyards
What does it mean to you to be a mother?
“For me, being a mother means being there, no matter what, for my children. Whether providing physical support, by helping them learn how to ride a bike, prepare for a race or move their stuff from one apartment to another, I am there. Whether providing emotional support by being a shoulder to cry on during a break up, a sounding board before making a big decision or a gentle presence during a time of personal reflection, I am there. Whether offering my nonjudgmental presence during a time of spiritual awakening, compassion in a time of dark depression or forgiveness after a mistake, I am there — in the past, present and future. To be a mother is to create space in my relationship with each child where trust, respect and love can be nurtured to grow and thrive.”
What drink would you use to toast your own mother and mothers of the beverage industry?
“I would toast all mothers of the beverage industry in general and my mother in particular with wine made in her memory and named in her honor — our Knudsen Vineyards 2018 Julia Lee Knudsen Founders Series Chardonnay. Produced exclusively from estate-harvested fruit off French Dijon Clone 95 vines planted 25 years ago, it embodies her optimism, energetic spirit and love of family, friends and this place. Happy Mother’s Day to all!”
