In September 2020, Lydia Richards and Maria Calvert established Hispanics in Wine, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Hispanic individuals in acquiring the necessary education, resources, and financial support to pursue careers as vintners, sommeliers, and in other areas of the wine industry. Over the past two years, they have organized the LatinX Wine Summit. Richards, a sommelier, was raised in Panama and resided in New York City for 12 years before relocating to Santa Barbara, California. In 2021, Wine Enthusiast featured her in their esteemed “40 under 40” issue. In this edition of Voices In Food, Richards engaged in a conversation with Garin Pirnia about the evolving representation within the wine industry, the significance of sampling Latinx-made wines, and the need to sustain important dialogues.
Entering the wine industry can be quite challenging. Becoming a sommelier requires extensive work, dedicated studying, and the ability to remember vast amounts of information – which is difficult on its own. Moreover, the financial aspect of pursuing this career can be overwhelming. Specifically, in the realm of wine, one needs to have the means to pay for certifications. During the learning process, it is essential to purchase various bottles to taste and comprehend the material being studied. Unfortunately, the industry remains predominantly white-dominated, particularly in the United States. Nevertheless, I believe positive changes are taking place. Numerous organizations such as The Roots Fund, which offers scholarships to people of color, and the Bâtonnage Forum, focused on supporting women in the wine industry, are actively fostering inclusive communities and transforming the wine industry into a more welcoming space overall.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful celebration, but it should not end there. We must continue supporting beyond that. If you come across a wine crafted by a Latinx winemaker, I encourage you to purchase a bottle and see for yourself.” – Lydia Richards
I frequently come across individuals who express surprise upon discovering that there are Latin people who engage in winemaking or that there are numerous female winemakers in Santa Barbara. I have had the opportunity to speak with several Latinx vintners and winemakers who have been working in the industry for some time. However, many struggled to gain visibility due to limited marketing and PR resources, which are not readily available within the wine industry. Additionally, breaking through and attracting more consumers and raising awareness about their brands is challenging due to stiff competition and the necessity for substantial financial investments. To resolve this issue, it is crucial to focus on supporting these individuals and providing them with the necessary exposure. We are a minority in this field, and by showcasing their work, we can inspire the next generation of wine enthusiasts. Despite facing resistance from people who believe that wine is not an accessible option for them, I genuinely believe that wine is a beverage for everyone interested in it.
Various Latinx winemakers have infused their unique styles and influences into their creations. They have deliberately incorporated elements from their heritage and cultural background, carefully pairing wines with dishes like pozole or empanadas. I have noticed these shared characteristics among many Latinx winemakers. We have all developed a deep affection for this product, regardless of our individual journeys, and we are eager to share our passion and love with our communities.
Although South America is a major wine-producing region, and we consume wines from countries like Chile and Argentina extensively, there seems to be a cultural disconnect when it comes to incorporating wine into our lifestyles and customs. We can certainly integrate wine into our lives in a healthy and balanced manner.
“It is incredibly challenging for Hispanic individuals or Black individuals to thrive in the wine industry and within these communities. How can we ensure a continuous conversation that improves the lives of others and grants them access to this industry?” – Lydia Richards
To truly immerse yourself in the world of Latinx winemakers, it is crucial to visit these wineries, engage in conversations with the winemakers themselves, and not solely focus on Latin wines just for the sake of it being produced by a Latin person. Take the time to listen to their stories and learn why they embarked on this journey. Each winemaker possesses a unique perspective and background. Wine serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations.
While these conversations have been happening on a smaller scale, the global pandemic has prompted us to address issues of injustice and the functioning of our society on a larger scale. From my perspective, we are already here, and I am eager to see what the future holds. It is undeniably challenging for Hispanic individuals or Black individuals to thrive within the wine industry and these communities. However, we have managed to gain a significant amount of visibility. Now, we must take the next steps to improve lives and provide opportunities in this industry. While we are still searching for answers, it is essential to continue engaging in dialogue, involving more individuals in the industry, seeking scholarships and financial assistance programs, and building a supportive network within the community. We must ensure that up-and-coming individuals feel seen and heard. While Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent occasion, we should not limit our support to this specific time frame. Keep buying wines made by Latinx winemakers throughout the year; conduct thorough research when planning wine travels, including visits to smaller producers or Latinx winemakers, and explore their wines. By taking these actions consistently, we can make a significant impact on numerous individuals within the industry.
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