I’m going to start this Women In Wine Day post by recognizing the founders of National Women in Wine Day, Yolanda Papapietro and Renae Perry. They’ve been joined at the hip for 20 years at the winery Papapietro Perry in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. You can read more about Women in Wine Day and nominate a woman in the wine industry for recognition at Women In Wine Day.com. You may realize a number of the women listed for nomination have appeared on this podcast in the past.

The interviews for today’s offering were originally posted in 2022, in honor of the Second Annual Women in Wine Day. I feel they’re worthy of a second posting in 2025 to celebrate this year’s Day. They represent the area well. Katie works in Sonoma County, and Pam, in Napa Valley.

Katie Madigan is one of two winemakers at St. Francis Winery in Kenwood. Katie was lucky enough to develop an interest in wine as a result of her parent’s love and enthusiasm for the beloved nectar. 

Pam Starr is a Co-Owner & Founding Winemaker of Crocker & Starr in St. Helena. She has great enthusiasm about working in all aspects of the wine industry and has made quite a name for herself. As you’ll hear, both ladies share some common experiences.

It was a real pleasure spending time with these ladies, and I hope you enjoy their stories of working in the male-dominated wine industry, although that seems to change with each passing year.

To listen, click the play button below or right-click here to download the audio.