Bâtonnage

Annual forum stirring up the conversation on women in w**e. Join the Bâtonnage community and help make change.

09/25/2026

“As a Dominican in the w**e business, it’s important to stay connected to your identity and celebrate each accomplishment earned.” 🇩🇴

Meet Yumilka “Yumi” Ortiz (𝓨𝓾𝓶𝓲 𝓞𝓻𝓽𝓲𝔃 💜 ), Sommelier, Traveling W**emaker, W**e Educator, and WSET Level 3. After transitioning from a successful career in TV production and non-profits, Yumi built her w**e journey from the ground up through intentional outreach and dedicated mentorship. Today, she’s passionate about paying it forward through education and networking.

Follow to learn more about Yumi’s journey and her advice for navigating the industry!

**eEducation

09/22/2026

For Hispanic Heritage Month, we handed the reins over to Bâtonnage Board Director Maria Calvert (Maria Ramos Calvert ). Maria brought together a group of incredible Hispanic/Latine women in w**e to reflect on community, mentorship, and what it means to open doors for the next generation.

Jesica Vargas (Jesica Vargas | South American W**es ), Founder of Andes Uncorked and Writer-at-Large for W**e Enthusiast.
For Jesica, seeing the Latino w**e community thrive is a powerful reminder that real, authentic change is happening in our industry.

“I hope to inspire the next generation of Latinas to be themselves and do things their way, so we can keep making room for our community...” 🌿✨

**e **eEnthusiast

09/08/2026

Inclusion is being invited to dinner. Belonging is asking how you can make the table comfortable for them. ✨

While inclusion gets people into the conversation, belonging happens when they feel safe showing up as their full, authentic selves. It’s the shift from being merely invited to being truly welcomed.

Read through our latest newsletter to explore the difference between inclusion and belonging, plus practical ways to cultivate both in your everyday spaces!

📸: Chester Cooley Photography The Cookout At The Vineyard

08/24/2026

We’ve officially launched our new and improved website🥂! Take a look around to see what’s new, explore our latest initiatives, and find resources tailored for our community.

Special thanks to Christy Weber Christy Weber at Action & Co. for crafting a site that truly reflects our community and mission.

Click the link in our bio to check it out!
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08/20/2026

Got questions? Need advice? Or just want to sip a glass with community? 🍷

Pull up a chair for Bâtonnage @ Decant Napa: Office Hours: a weekly pop-in mentorship and connection with no RSVP required.

✨Where: Decant Napa (2999 Solano Ave)

✨When: Sundays starting Sept 6 | 2:00–4:00 PM

✨Details: By donation | Come as you are!

Kick off September with us and featured guests like Elaine Chukan Brown (Sept 6) and Monika Bielka-Vescovi (Sept 13). Details link in bio! 📲

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08/10/2026

Cheers to 40 years! 🥂 Our friends at J Vineyards & W**ery J Vineyards & W**ery are hosting a special Industry Night to say thank you for four decades of support. Stop by for live music, delicious bites, great w**e, and $40 magnums while supplies last!

🗓 When: Friday, Aug 14 | 5–7 PM

📍 Where: J Vineyards Tasting Room, Healdsburg

🎟 RSVP: Scan the QR code on the image to save your spot.

**e **eCommunity **eNetworking

08/06/2026

Got a career roadblock, a business puzzle, or a project you’re trying to launch? Don’t figure it out alone.

This is a peer-driven mastermind session led by Emily Merrell Business Coach + Connector Community | Events | Podcast designed to crowdsource brilliant solutions in real time using our community’s collective expertise.

Bring your current challenge, put it on the table, and let the room help you solve it. Monday, August 10th, 1:00-2:00pm PST on Zoom.

The Run Down:
✨The Hot Seat: Every participant gets dedicated time to pitch a real-world challenge they are currently facing.
✨Crowdsourced Genius: The group dives in with focused feedback, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving.
✨The Takeaways: Walk away with concrete action steps for your own career. Bring something you’re working through, and let’s work through it together!

Register today via the link in bio! If cost is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at [email protected].

**e **eCommunity **eNetworking

07/29/2026

She’s a highly acclaimed sommelier, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, an acclaimed author, and co-founder of chëpìka, her w**e project in the Finger Lakes. Now, Pascaline Lepeltier Pascaline Lepeltier is sharing the story behind her career path in w**e our community.

Bâtonnage Executive Director Elaine Chukan Brown Elaine Arnaqiaq Chukan Brown sits down with Pascaline for an unfiltered conversation about hospitality, production, business, and everything in between. It all takes place Monday, August 3rd, 1:00-2:00pm PST on Zoom.

What to Expect:
✨10 min: Welcome & intros with Emily Merrell
✨40 min: Deep-dive interview on building a dream career
✨20 min: Open Q&A, ask Pascaline your burning questions!

Register today via the link in bio! If cost is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at [email protected].

**e **eCommunity **eNetworking

07/20/2026

Bâtonnage is taking its speed networking events online! We’re breaking down regional barriers to bring our growing community together. Join us Monday, July 27th, 1:00-2:00pm PST for curated matches and connection advice from Emily Merrell Business Coach + Connector Community | Events | Podcast !

✨ The Vibe: Curated 1-on-1 breakout chats paired specifically by your role, region, or career stage.

✨ The Host: The amazing business coach Emily Merrell of Second Degree Society and Ready Set Coach, guiding us on how to turn brief introductions into powerful, long-term connections.

Register today via the link in bio! If cost is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at [email protected].

**e **eCommunity **eNetworking

07/02/2026

Introducing… The Bâtonnage Sessions.

This summer, we are hosting a three-part virtual series bringing our community together for deep conversation, connection, and interactive mentorship.

Grab your calendar and save these dates:
💻 Monday, July 27 | Session 1: Building Your Network in W**e

💻 Monday, August 3 | Session 2: In Conversation with Pascaline Lepeltier

💻 Monday, August 10 | Session 3: Bâtonnage Mastermind

Tickets go on sale this month (July!). Stay tuned for ticket release details and speaker announcements.

Turn on post notifications so you don’t miss the ticket drop! 🔔

**e **eEducation

Address

Sonoma, CA

Website

https://www.batonnageforum.com/

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