Nonprofit organization offers comprehensive viticulture and winemaking mentorship program starting in May 2022
NAPA, CA, March 14, 2022—Bâtonnage Forum, a nonprofit organization aimed at opening up a conversation about women in wine and fostering opportunities that create equity, is now accepting applications for Level Three of their Mentorship Program, which equips candidates to enter and grow in the wine industry by creating hands-on work opportunities to further their careers. The 2022 Level Three position will include placements with two leading companies in the Napa Valley—Silverado Farming Company and Dana Estates—for a comprehensive experience in viticulture and winemaking. The position begins on May 15, 2022 and concludes at the end of the year.
“We’re so excited to offer such an extensive Level Three placement this year,” says Priyanka French, Bâtonnage board member and winemaker at Signorello Estate. “This is an opportunity to work with and learn from some of Napa Valley’s most talented viticulturists and winemakers. The mentorship experience is designed to provide invaluable skills for someone seeking to grow their career in the wine industry.”
The mentee will join the Silverado Farming Company team for the busy growing season from May to September 2022 to work in all aspects of viticulture, including research and vineyard management. For 20 years, Silverado Farming Company has provided vineyard management to Napa Valley’s best estate wineries.
In June 2022, the mentee will join Dana Estates, a small boutique winery located in St. Helena, for bottling activities. The mentee will then fully transition to Dana Estates in August or September 2022 for a cellar position that will include crush and harvest activities, providing experience with quality assessment and winemaking decisions. Dana Estates produces three vineyard-designate Estate Cabernets, a Bordeaux blend, and a Sauvignon Blanc under the direction of Winemaker Chris Cooney and Consulting Winemaker Phillipe Melka.
Sarah Ferguson, viticulturist at Silverado Farming Company, states, “We’re proud to support the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program, which aligns with our commitment to fostering success within our community here in Napa Valley. Our team is dedicated to fostering the next generation of winegrowers and vintners.”
“Working harvest is the best way to gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge of winemaking,” adds Dana Estates associate winemaker Maura Johnson. “We look forward to welcoming a passionate mentee who loves quality wine as much as we do. We want to see them thrive as part of our team during harvest and beyond.”
Bâtonnage will work closely with Level Three mentor organizations to ensure mentees are supported professionally, socially, and financially for the duration of the placement.
Candidates should hold an Associate’s Degree or higher with related studies and should ideally have one or more years of winery experience. Forklift experience is encouraged and candidates must maintain strong sanitation and cleaning practices. Candidates should be prepared to work extended hours and weekends, especially during harvest. This is a paid position with an hourly rate of compensation. Please review the position description and qualifications.
Interested candidates may apply through the online form no later than April 7, 2022. Bâtonnage Forum, Silverado Farming Company, and Dana Estates will work collaboratively during the selection process and will grant one candidate the opportunity to participate, to be announced on April 15, 2022.
About Bâtonnage Forum
Founded in 2018 by Stevie Stacionis and Sarah Bray, Bâtonnage Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a community for all those who identify as women working in the wine industry. In addition to the annual forum—which educates about the unique challenges and opportunities that women in the field have faced historically and present-day—the platform encompasses a mentorship program, designed to create a positive course forward wherein individuals who have traditionally been overlooked or spoken over achieve equal opportunities and equal representation across all sectors and tiers of the industry. For more information and to join the conversation, visit batonnageforum.com.
About Silverado Farming Company
Founded in 2001, Silverado Farming Company oversees vineyard management for many of the Napa Valley’s most esteemed Cabernet Sauvignon-driven estates. The company donates one percent of its gross revenues through its foundation, One Percent for the Community, annually directing the money to underfunded grassroots nonprofits focusing on farm worker-related issues and at-risk youth. silveradofarming.com
About Dana Estates
Founded in 2005 by Korean businessman Hi Sang Lee, Dana Estates has quickly established itself to be one of the world’s leading cabernet houses. Classic winemaking techniques are blended with the winery’s cutting-edge technology. In conjunction with Proprietors Lee and Jae Chun, an all-star winemaking and viticultural team, including respected wine industry players Philippe Melka and Pete Richmond, have created an unparalleled operation in the famed Rutherford appellation, in the heart of Napa Valley. Three unique vineyards yield three distinct wines, which are made in limited quantities and with a meticulous attention to detail. A limited amount of wine is produced each year, which is primarily sold to the winery’s mailing list and select restaurants in the United States. danaestates.com
