The Sanctuary Nights Series: A Toast to Women in Wine
By Ashleigh McCurdy / @Life_DesignedByAshleigh
There are few experiences as timeless as gathering around a glass of wine. The depth of wine can illustrate a story in a glass. It’s a reflection of the land, the climate, the craft, and the hands that shaped what we taste.
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Seattle, those stories came together extraordinarily at the 2026 Women in Wine Taste Experience, hosted by Urban Connoisseurs at Osteria la Spiga.
As a guest of Converge Media, I had the opportunity to attend this annual celebration, which brought together 13 remarkable women winemakers from across the country to share their wines, their journeys, and their passion for the craft.
The main floor of Osteria la Spiga quickly transformed into a gathering space where guests moved from table to table, discovering new wines, meeting the winemakers behind each bottle, and engaging in conversations about the artistry and science of winemaking.
Each tasting station offered a chance to sample up to three wines, allowing guests to explore a wide range of flavor profiles and styles, from bold reds to elegant whites, while learning about the unique regions and philosophies that shaped each vintage.
Yet what made the afternoon particularly special was not simply the wines themselves, but the women behind them.
For many of the featured winemakers, their presence reflected perseverance and progress in an industry where representation has historically been limited.
The Women in Wine Taste Experience, created by Urban Connoisseurs founder Marcee Jones, was designed with a clear purpose: to connect wine enthusiasts with key voices in the wine world while celebrating the talent of women whose work continues to reshape the industry.
Ashleigh McCurdy (left) stands with Urban Connoisseurs Founder & Women In Wine Event Coordinator Marcee Jones (right) (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Complementing the tasting experience was a thoughtfully curated culinary offering by Executive Chef Sabrina Tinsley, co-owner of Osteria la Spiga. Chef Tinsley’s menu, inspired by her Louisiana heritage and love of Italian cuisine, offered guests beautifully balanced bites that enhanced the flavors of the wines poured throughout the afternoon.
The event also carried an impactful philanthropic mission.
Proceeds from the Women in Wine Taste Experience support the Black Winemakers Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to students pursuing studies in viticulture, enology, and agricultural sciences. These scholarships play an important role in helping cultivate the next generation of Black winemakers and leaders within the industry.
In this way, the event became something much larger than a tasting experience, but a gathering rooted in education, opportunity, and community.
Moments like this are exactly the kinds of experiences I love highlighting through The Sanctuary, where culture, creativity, and community intersect.
Events like the Women in Wine Taste Experience remind us that some of the most meaningful conversations happen when people come together, share stories, exchange ideas, and raise a glass to the future.
For those who missed this year’s event, it is certainly one worth keeping on your radar. Between the remarkable wines, the inspiring women behind them, and the community gathered in the room, the experience was both memorable and meaningful.
And sometimes, the best way to celebrate progress is to lift a glass and toast the women who are helping shape the future of the wine world.
As the afternoon came to a close, the room was still buzzing with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, a reminder that the best wine experiences are never just about what’s in the glass.
They’re about the people behind the bottle, the stories shared across the table, and the community that forms when passion and creativity come together.
Photo: Jordan Somers
Meet the Women Behind the Wines
This year’s event featured 15 inspiring women from wineries across the country (13 were present), each contributing to the growing diversity and innovation within the wine world.
Dr. Sheila Adams — Kai Simone Winery
A respected leader in the wine industry, Dr. Sheila Adams founded Kai Simone Winery with a focus on producing wines that celebrate both heritage and craftsmanship. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of wine professionals.
Jamila Conley — WeRise Wines
Founder of WeRise Wines, Jamila Conley, has created a brand dedicated to celebrating diversity and empowering women within the wine industry.
Kristin Harris — Côte of Paint Wines
Kristin Harris brings creativity and artistry to winemaking through Côte of Paint Wines, blending innovation with a deep appreciation for the craft.
Nelly Some — Mvinyo Winery
Representing the unique voice of Mvinyo Winery, Nelly Some is part of a growing movement of women redefining the landscape of modern winemaking.
Desarie Ball — Capitol View Winery
Through Capitol View Winery, Desarie Ball showcases wines that reflect both precision and passion, offering guests a memorable tasting experience.
Nicole Camp — LaShellé Wines
Nicole Camp’s LaShellé Wines continues to gain recognition for its distinctive style and commitment to quality winemaking.
Belinda Crawford — T. Crawford Cellars
Belinda Crawford of T. Crawford Cellars brings a dedication to craftsmanship and storytelling through every bottle she produces.
La’Rissa Dwyer — OBK Winery
As founder of OBK Winery, La’Rissa Dwyer is helping create space and visibility for underrepresented voices within the wine community.
Shae Frichette — Frichette Winery
Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery is widely recognized for producing elegant wines that reflect the character of Washington’s wine regions.
Chrishon Lampley — Love Cork Screw Wines
Founder of Love Cork Screw Wines, Chrishon Lampley, has built a nationally recognized brand that combines creativity, accessibility, and philanthropy.
Theodora Lee — Theopolis Vineyards
Known as “Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards,” Theodora Lee of Theopolis Vineyards is a respected voice in the industry and a champion for representation in winemaking.
Marvina Robinson — B. Stuyvesant Champagne
Marvina Robinson is the visionary behind B. Stuyvesant Champagne, a brand based out of New York, is bringing luxury sparkling wines to a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
Donna Stoney — Stoney Wines
Donna Stoney’s work with Stoney Wines reflects both dedication and passion for producing wines that celebrate craftsmanship and community.
Sharmaine Taylor — Noir Sunshine Winery
Founder of Noir Sunshine Winery, Sharmaine Taylor, is recognized for creating wines that celebrate Black culture and the joy of gathering.
Justine Ward Trabue — Ward Four Wines
Justine Ward Trabue of Ward Four Wines continues to elevate the wine industry through innovation, excellence, and a commitment to community.
Together, these women represent a powerful and inspiring cross-section of the modern wine industry, each contributing their own voice, expertise, and vision to the craft.
And if Sunday’s celebration was any indication, the future of wine is in very good hands.
