The Big Sip

As a third-generation farmer born in Mexico, Gerardo Espinosa is a key player redefining Lodi’s wine narrative. Often mischaracterized as merely a bulk wine region, Lodi has much to offer, and Gerardo is committed to showcasing the region’s true quality and variety in producing premium, high-end wines.

Gerardo’s journey begins with his grandfather, Victor Anaya, who immigrated to the United States in 1940 through the Bracero Program. Victor worked tirelessly as a farmworker, sending money back to Mexico to support his family and provide an education for his children, including Gerardo’s mother.  This legacy of hard w...

Derek Baljeu is a master of mindset, understanding you have to see to be. His philosophy on life offers a unique perspective that ultimately influences his winemaking style, his daily work-life integration (challenging us all to rethink “work-life balance!”), and how he, much like anyone, can and should serve their community.

As the Head Winemaker of Knights Bridge Winery, Derek’s passion and dedication are rooted in making wines at the highest level while equally tying in an attitude that’s caring of people, conducive to growth, and connecting with others. To quote this brilliant human, “it’s easy to ho...

People come from all different backgrounds and their own unique set of life experiences, but what often unites kids of immigrants is an understanding of resilience, perseverance, doing the best with what you have, and often times being the first to do many "firsts." Salvador was the first in his family to go to college, the first to travel abroad for a harvest internship, the first to become a winemaker, and the first to launch his own business/wine label--Ludor Wines. Being the first to do anything comes with many mixed emotions--excitement for new opportunities often turn into fears...

From displacement to revitalization. From destruction to investment. From exclusion to ownership. Chris Renfro, along with his partner Jannea, founded The Two Eighty Project with the initial goal of increasing equity and diversity within wine to benefit all. The project’s journey began when Chris, a trained horticulturalist, got his chance in 2019 to nourish a once-abandoned vineyard back to life. Tucked away in Alemany Farms, a public park on the backside of Bernal Heights along Interstate 280 in San Francisco, lies a garden and several rows of vines. Next to it? A low-income housing community in the projects. What began as...

Whether you’re spinning his tunes on your favorite music platform or perusing his online clothing website, Dare 2 Be Different (D2BD), Matthew Osivwemu, also known by his stage name as Oke Junior, is making his homecoming debut this Sunday at BottleRock. After Manifesting his dreams and a 2016 tweet to reality, stating he’d one day play at BottleRock, The Recording Academy recently listed him as one of the 10 Must-See Acts at BottleRock.

The Bay area native, who moved from Oakland to Napa, was initially inspired by his brother to make and utilize music as a means of e...

After working 15+ years in the beverage industry for household names like Moet Hennessy, Lillet, Bacardi and others, Amanda Victoria is quickly creating her own household name, one canned whiskey cocktail at a time.  With “hot girl summer” at its full peak in 2019, canned cocktails were all the rave. Meant to provide convenience and an alternative “low calorie” option in comparison to beer, this Veteran spirits expert quickly realized people were being heavily misinformed about what they were actually drinking. This misconception ultimately drove Amanda to redefine standards for the industry and the need to do better. What happens when frustrati...

As a Latina entrepreneur, Rocio Rivera has authentically stayed true to herself and her proud Mexican roots, often bringing cultural elements and warm tones into her powerful, rich photography. As we like to say in Spanish, “tiene un Don.” While some might see her as a wedding and lifestyle photographer, she’s quick to share her refusal to be placed in a box and label herself—she simply captures moments in time. As you scroll through her Instagram page, you can’t help but feel warm inside.

Introduced to photography in high school, Rocio knew she was hooked the...

We’re kicking off 2023 with legendary face of vino Argentina: Dr. Laura Catena. As I sat with Laura I was continuously in awe of her journey and the "Laura of all Trades" that she is. Vintner, author, and scientist are just a few of the titles that come to mind. Named by Latino Leaders as one of the 100 Most Influential Latinas, Laura is certainly making her mark on the world. As a 4th generation winemaker, Laura is currently the Managing Director of Catena Zapata, a winery founded in 1902 by her great grandfather Nicola. She is also the owner of Luca Wi...

Rocio Van Nierop is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Latinas in Tech, an influential non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and connecting Latinas across the entire tech ecosystem. A force of nature herself, Rocio's drive and tenacity has led the organization in welcoming more than 20,000 women that work at more than 100 of the top technology companies spanning 6 different countries. Rocio's prominent role in the tech industry spans for more than two decades and has helped support international technology expansion for markets like Latin America and the Silicon Valley. She was previously the General Manager of Prezi Latin America, making Prezi...

Climate change has been a constant battle throughout the last several decades, especially as it relates to policy and effective change. While it can feel overwhelming wondering when we will see that change, it's important to also think about how we can personally invest in combating climate change, specifically how to mitigate our water footprint. After all, California is an agricultural mecca with an ability of producing a wide variety of crops. Unfortunately, California also has a very largescale water scarcity issue. In fact, 2.7 billion people experience water scarcity at least one month out of the year, globally. As soon...

It's amazing what we can accomplish when we get out of our own way. When we dream and decide to put action into going after those dreams. For Jamele, many of those dreams have been possible to realize because of the community of people who surround him. Early on in his childhood, it was his community that instilled a belief that he would be magnanimous and accomplish anything he wanted to. In his young adulthood, that was reflected by becoming the first person in his family to go to college. As years went on, his world expanded and reflected a...

For more than a decade, Aminah "Chef Mimi" Robinson-Briscoe has focused on the often-overlooked intersection of food, social justice, and entertainment. In her article, "Black Girls Don’t Eat Avocados: A Holistic View of Food Disparities in the Black Community,” Chef Mimi shares her own personal food journey and the philosophy that informs her work. A proud Oakland native, Chef Mimi is the founder of the Black Food & Wine Experience, a mission-driven event that bridges Black culture, food, beverage, education and health together for the most amazing culinary experiences. At the heart of the Black Food & Wine Experience, which will be h...

Terroir is the idea that wines made in different places will taste like that place, taking on the characteristics of the geography and culture in which they were produced. The same could be said about music --it takes on the character of the place and time in which it was written. So can digital terroir exist? I like to think so, and there's one powerhouse Latina who's leading the trail as a digital content creator through her Shitty Wine Memes empire. Amanda, the beauty and brains behind social media and the wine world's favorite Instagram page, Shitty Wine Memes, truly...

Born and raised in Modesto, CA with parents from Michoacan, Mexico, Chris grew up on American culture with love for his family's Mexican roots and customs. In Episode 27 we dive into what it means to stay true to your roots, crafting a brand and collection of wines that speak to Hispanic roots and Latin culture from a region that's rarely given the recognition it should (shoutout to Lodi!). Chris shares what it means to create sustainability for people of color in the wine industry, and ways of moving beyond the fear of having to assimilate to fit into a traditional...

I can become lo que yo deseo. This is Armando Tam's mindset. On episode 26 of The Big Sip, Amando Tam and I joked how I didn't really know how to introduce him because he's involved in so many different industries - food, sports, business development, culture--but at the core is a human who simply wants to do and become anything he loves, while simultaneously ensuring there are opportunities and pipelines for the current and future success of Latinos and Latinas, all while breaking down barriers along the way. Born in Nicaragua and raised in the Bay Area, Armando has always...

From the beginning Jaton Gunter has always been a writer. As a young child, Jaton gravitated towards writing poetry, eventually channeling a little bit of Darius from Love Jones as he grew older. Not only was he great at writing poetry, he knew his talent could help pave a way to connect deeper with women and understand the world that surrounded him. With time, this talented, young black man soon began to find other means to connect with women, leading him to discover the world of wine. Because of his affinity for writing, it was no surprise that he soon...

Mailynh Phan is the definition of industry trailblazer full of pure joy and light! It's been more than a decade since she began managing operations as the CEO for the Vietnamese-owned, women-run winery that's geographically on the outskirts of Napa Valley. Not only is she leading a winery that pays homage to her heritage, she's also ensuring anyone who interacts with RD Winery truly feels community in wine--free of judgment with accessibility to affordable, exceptional wines. Growing up with a white mother and Vietnamese father, Mailynh wrestled with how she fit in. In an industry and region that's historically iterated...

In episode 22 of The Big Sip, I had the honor of sitting down with Jose Becerra, a skilled self-taught Latino photographer living in the East Bay Area. Looking back, he notices how everything began aligning from the moment he was a child. Both his father and uncle were artists, and while he never thought much about art as a child he always had an itch for creativity.  Though his family would consistently tell him he "had the eye" and should hone in on this craft, Jose struggled with exploring this curious passion of his. Raised in a Latino household, Jose's c...

Justin Trabue is a head-strong, determined femme whose ready to slay any goal she sets her heart on--whether it's horseback riding, co-founding a non-profit wine club, or creating a financial and equitable pipeline for future BIPOC students' success. As she put it: "I do what I do so that future generations don't have it as hard as I did." While her passions have always been many, wine has always been at the center. From a young age, Justin was influenced by the industry (it's even how she got her name!). After being introduced to a Black sommelier, Justin's decision to...

Victoria Coleman is currently the Director of Winemaking and winemaker for Lobo Wines. While she passionately loves this industry, it wasn’t always on her radar. Originally, Victoria was studying Computer Science but was exposed to the world of wine through a friendship founded in Mexico while on vacation. Needing a change of scenery, she moved out of Seattle and headed to Napa to take a chance on love and explore the wine industry, getting her feet wet as an administrative assistant at Stags Leap. Shortly after, a breakup put her at a crossroad point—go back home and continue focu...

The power of the internet is truly amazing! Two strangers connecting from opposite sides of the Coast through technology, both on a mission to amplify and elevate the BIPOC experience in wine. That's exactly what happened when I met Angela McCrae, powerhouse woman and founder of Uncorked & Cultured, a media company and lifestyle brand that curates original content, e-commerce and global experiences to consciously connect consumers with brands that share the same ideals. Uncorked & Cultured is unapologetically connecting BIPOC culture and the diaspora to wine, wellness, culture and adventure! Prior to launching Uncorked & Cultured, Angela was living in Los Angeles...

Each story has its abstract nuances, and without words, it's a visual artist's language. Sakhon's language and soul is global and boasts with curiosity. Having extensive experience, education, and training in both Interior Design & Photography, this phenomenal human has collaborated with major corporations like Pottery Barn and small "mom and pop" shops locally in Napa Valley, including BottleRock and Napa Valley Film Festival! Sakhon, a first-Gen American and descendant from the vibrant artistic culture of Cambodia, is worldly down to her roots and continues to passionately create through her new Napa Studio! It is here where Interior Design, Photography for...

"Un brindis por aquellos que nos miran y sonrien desde el cielo!" Those are the words you'll find on La Cheve's webpage, an homage and cheers to those that have come before us, who watch over us and are smiling down from the heavenly skies.  What started out as a fun experiment and beautiful bonding activity with Cinthya Cisneros and her dad in their garage, has quickly expanded and resulted in one of the most talked about Mexican restaurants in Napa Valley. A place servicing up more than just food, but revolved around family. Filled with authenticity that transports you b...

His mother would say his love and passion for food and creativity started with binging Food Network (long before binging was a legit thing@), entice by Emeril Lagasse, but he'd tell you it started with his dad, serving up a signature dish for Howard County's community fundraiser, "Man in the Kitchen," benefitting the Museum of African Culture. A graduate of the Culinary Institute's Hyde Park, Chef Aaron LeRoi has had a series of successes in the culinary industry working as Chef for Disney's 5-star Artist Point Restaurant in Orlando, FL, showcasing his craft at Bottlerock Napa Valley Music Festivals since...

In Episode 16 of The Big Sip, we get to dive in and sip from Tamer Hamawi's cup--incredible entrepreneur, humble human, world traveler, and all-around eclectic individual whose goal in life is #chasinghappiness. It's his joy for bringing happiness and genuine connectivity to others that's led towards his success of establishing four restaurants ranging from the East Coast to the West Coast (and even a nightclub in Melbourne, Australia!).  How exactly does one sustain and thrive a handful of businesses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic challenges? With a great team/support system and a beautiful community that's embraced him a...

Trailblazing the Pan-African soulfood diaspora in the Bay Area, you'll find Chef Solomon Johnson bridging Jamaican, Puerto Rican, and West African foods and flavors to delight every foodie lover's cultural palate. Not only is he creating delicious and aesthetically pleasing soulfood dishes, he's pushing the cultural palate and narrative further by educating his consumers along the way, integrating and highlighting food products that are indigenous to West Africa, while healing a community that is often left out of the food literacy conversation. Originating from Maryland, Chef Solomon Johnson finds comfort in the sacrifices his ancestors made, knowing history has provided...

Dale, like so many words and expressions in Spanish, has a fluid definition that varies. To Chef and creator of Dale Bars, Caroline Rae Green, Dale is a way of life. in one of the most challenging years, Dale also served as a reminder to go ahead, keep going.  Dale was created with the intention to provide active and busy #foodie lovers with deliciously satisfying treats. Having struggled with work-life balance in a laborious industry, boundaries, and mental health, Caroline knew the importance of bridging ingredients that fuel individuals to feel good, without sacrificing flavor. On Episode 14 of The Big S...

Episode 12 of The Big Sip officially kicks off our Culinary Spotlight Series, with none other than Executive Chef Sean Streete. Of West Indian heritage, Sean and his family migrated from Jamaica when Sean was a youth. In his early adulthood life he encountered an "Into the Wild" moment, yearning to discover the meaning and purpose of life, ultimately leading him to Miami. Upon completing his Associates Degree at the Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu in Miami, Florida, Sean was given the opportunity to work for the illustrious "95 Cordova" in St.Augustine, Florida. After receiving a call from a legendary...

One of the most raw and unfiltered conversations yet featuring three phenomenal black business owners in the Napa Valley: James Moss of J.Moss wines Darryl Bell of 816 BBQ, Stateline Road Charles "Buster" Davis of Buster's Southern BBQ In Episode 11 of The Big Sip we dive into honest conversations around what it means to be successful, especially as a black business owner. What are the challenges that come with that success and the tightrope many of us, especially those in the black community, often have to teeter without falling. Join the conversation as we get to hear from three generations...

Growing up in Southern California, Jessica Koga would have never guessed she'd end up as a winemaker in Napa Valley. After graduating high school she headed to UC Davis with the intention of becoming a veterinarian, but that quickly took a turn after being exposed to the world of wine. Upon graduating from UC Davis, she started working at Schramsberg, and after a few years decided to broaden her horizons by working harvests in New Zealand and New York. Eventually finding herself back in California, she returned to Schramsberg in 2015 as the Associate Winemaker, focusing on the red wine program...

In Episode 8 of The Big Sip, I am so honored to have sat down with Diana Hawkins, winemaker for Responsible Hedonist. After realizing that happiness doesn't need to be sacrificed at the expense of financial security (and that you really CAN love what you do!), Diana quit her corporate job to pursue a career as a sommelier in Chicago. She's worked at James Beard award winning and Michelin starred restaurants, guiding all sorts of palates and curious mind through her experience as a Wine Director. In 2017, she moved to Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue her Master's in Wine Science from...

Born and raised in St.Helena, CA and with 3 generations of family working in the agriculture industry of Napa Valley, Sam was destined to make wine! After rising through the ranks with Pine Ridge and taking a trip to Oregon in the early 2000's, Sam migrated and planted his roots in Willamette Valley in the summer of 2016. Through his hustle and dedication he's been able to expand and establish Parra Wine Co while utilizing his networking skills to gain and sustain the buy-in of prominent growers throughout Oregon, who share the same passion for cultivating stellar single-vineyard wines. While Oregon...

Uprooting their life from the Big Apple after graduating from the CIA with a dual bachelor's degree in Culinary Science and Applied Food Studies, Darwin Acosta's journey to wine country is an inspiration for anyone out there looking to take a chance on themselves. This phenomenal human is one of the first scholarship recipients of The Roots Fund's "Rooted In Napa" scholarship, providing Black, Indigenous, and LatinX individuals with a secure pathway towards their advancement and opportunities in the wine industry. What does it really mean though when companies say they want to prioritize amplifying diversity in the wine industry...

Dis·rupt·or /disˈrəptər/ : "A company or form of technology that causes radical change in an existing industry or market by means of innovation." That's exactly what Christy Serrato, CEO & Founder of Pair Anything, is doing! As a woman of color entrepreneur, Christy's PairAnything platform will be the catalyst for disrupting the gender and racial imbalance in the wine industry, as well as reimagines the wine experience to be more accessible. Knowing that women make up 80% of wine purchase decisions in the U.S., Christy hopes PairAnything will empower the industry to push to cater to the diver...

The Big Sip launches its 5th episode and the 1st of 2021 with a true change-maker in the industry, challenging those in the industry around him to question: what does it mean to be a "luxury wine company," when so often that's tied to signifying exclusivity? With roots tracing back to his home-grown country in Iran, Kashy dives in and reflects on how coming from an oppressive country shaped his mindset on recognizing the importance of individuality and inclusivity. Marching to the beat of his own drum, and drawing inspiration from legend punk rock artists and bands, much of his approach...

On this week’s episode of The Big Sip, we are joined by an incredible woman winemaker, Priyanka French, of Signorello Estate. Born and raised in Mumbai, Priyanka details her first encounter with wine, her immediate love for the industry, and the PowerPoint presentation she created that ultimately led to her parents support of her educational pursuit in wine. Through her worldly travels she has come to discover the heart of the wine industry lies within the stories, people, and places. As an Indian immigrant woman winemaker, she recognizes the adversity and challenges that underrepresented minorities, people of color, and wo...

Lydia Richards and Maria Calvert are the dynamic duo determined to lead companies and brands in the wine industry towards reaching and expressing true diversity in wine through their work as PR gurus for a renowned company in the East Coast, and their venture in cofounding Hispanics In Wine--a platform dedicated to showcasing Latin@s in the wine industry from all around the world! Although these two Chingonas originally started their careers in polar opposite industries (Maria started her career in finance and spent 8 years on Wall Street and Lydia started off in the fashion industry), their courage and passion...

George Washington Carver Walker III's journey to Napa is the definition of everything wonderful that can happen when you "shoot your shot." Hailing from Michigan, this inspiring and humble human guides us through the journey that led to his venture out West, and the fruitful opportunities he embraced prior to landing a power position as the Assistant Director of Operations for Wade Cellars. Sip from his cup of wisdom and gain insight on what's currently inspiring him to continue creating, and his ongoing commitment towards building up those around him to equally strive for greatness.

From hosting self-care sessions at the age of 7 just so she could get her hands on her fave candy, to curating all of the programming for this season's holidays hottest virtual market @ftcmarket, tune in and sip from Maryam Ahmed's cup to learn all about what makes her a badass, and the journey that led to her launching her own company!