We are thrilled to announce the selection of ten outstanding female sommeliers who will attend the third Women’s Sommelier Symposium, taking place from April 6-9, 2025, in Sonoma County, California. This enriching mentoring experience is designed to foster empowerment, equality, and excellence within the wine industry. This year marks the first time the event will be held in Sonoma, having been hosted in Santa Barbara County, CA for the first two years.

The Women’s Sommelier Symposium offers a unique opportunity for female sommeliers to connect, learn, and grow. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and immersive vineyard visits, all aimed at deepening their knowledge, refining their skills, and building a stronger sense of community within the hospitality and wine industries.

The attendees, all Certified or Advanced Sommeliers through the Court of Master Sommeliers, were selected by the SommFoundation from over 100 applications. They will be joined by female Master Sommeliers Gillian Ballance MS, Élyse Lambert MS, Andrea Robinson MS, Laura Williamson MS, Emily Wines MS, CMS-A external board member Liz Ngonzi, and CMS-A Executive Director Julie Cohen Theobald, along with winemakers, general managers, and leaders in the wine industry in Sonoma.

The following sommeliers have been selected to participate in this prestigious event:

  • Jennifer Anderson – Washington, D.C.
  • Ermoni Best – Chicago, IL
  • Gia Bivens – Birmingham, AL
  • Emily Blackman – Orcutt, CA
  • Justyna Brewczyk – Houston, TX
  • Angie Cediel – Mexico City, Mexico
  • Katelyn Claunch – Portland, OR
  • Mercedes Cowper – Washington, D.C.
  • Carolina Cruz – Miami, FL
  • Yetem Nicodimos – San Francisco, CA

“We are excited to welcome these talented women to Sonoma for an experience that promises to inspire and elevate their careers,” said Julie Theobald, Executive Director of the Court of Master Sommeliers. “The symposium is a testament to our commitment to supporting diversity and excellence in the wine industry.”

Emily Wines, Master Sommelier and founder of the Women’s Sommelier Symposium, added, “This symposium is about creating a space where women in wine can come together to share their experiences and learn from one another. Moving the event to Sonoma allows us to explore new opportunities and continue to grow this incredible community.”

The Court of Master Sommeliers extends its gratitude to the event sponsors for their generous support, including Jackson Family Wines, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Treasury Wine Estates, Drop of Sunshine Wine, Sonoma County Winegrowers, and the “Heilmann Trophy” from Badass Women in Wine.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the symposium as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of these remarkable women in the wine industry.