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Wine Behind The Scenes

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How to Transform 3,600 Bottles of Wine into Success

Nov 27, 2024

From the vineyards of France and Italy to the vibrant streets of Seattle, today's episode of Wine Behind the Scenes takes you on a remarkable adventure with Marilee Bramhall, the visionary founder of Iola Wines. 

With a mission to champion women-led wineries, Marilee’s story is one of resilience and innovation, especially when COVID-19 hit, leaving her with 3,600 bottles of wine and no market to sell to.

How did she turn this challenge into a thriving success?

Join us as we go into Marilee’s passion for organic, sustainable viticulture, her dedication to the art of winemaking, and her commitment to amplifying the voices of women in this traditionally male-dominated industry. 

Plus, don’t miss our fun segment with Judith Lewis, where we explore today’s quirky wine term that will leave you smiling. Get ready to sip, savour, and explore the fascinating world of wine!

In this episode you will be able to learn about: 
  • Discover how Marilee Bramhall turned a potential disaster during COVID into a thriving wine import business focused on women-led wineries.
  • Learn about the unique challenges and rewards of running a global wine import company, especially in a male-dominated industry.
  • Explore the significance of organic, biodynamic, and sustainable viticulture, and how women in the wine industry are often at the forefront of these practices.
  • Gain insights into the importance of building relationships with wine producers and the value of experiencing wine firsthand in its country of origin.
  • Understand the current landscape of women in winemaking, including statistics and the ongoing efforts to increase representation.
  • Get tips for aspiring wine importers, including the importance of research, understanding regulations, and starting before you're ready.

Marilee Bramhall is a passionate wine importer based in Seattle, Washington, with a mission to showcase exceptional wines from women-led wineries in France and Italy. 

With a deep-rooted love for wine that began in her childhood, Marilee has dedicated her career to elevating the voices of female winemakers in an industry where they are often underrepresented.

Her path into the world of wine was inspired by her father, an enthusiastic wine lover, who introduced her to the joys of wine at a young age. 

This early experience ignited a lifelong passion that has taken her across the globe, exploring the rich histories and traditions of winemaking in Europe. Marilee travels to France and Italy three to four times a year, not only to source wines but also to lead food and wine tours, sharing her knowledge and love for wine with others.

In 2017, Marilee founded Iola Wines, named after her grandmother, to focus exclusively on importing wines from women winemakers who practice organic, biodynamic, and sustainable viticulture. 

Her commitment to supporting female-led wineries stems from her observations of the gender disparities in the wine industry, where less than 20% of winemakers worldwide are women.

Marilee's expertise and dedication have made her a unique voice in the wine community, and she is on a mission to democratize the world of wine, making it more inclusive and accessible for all. 

When she's not busy curating exceptional wines, Marilee enjoys sharing her experiences and insights through various platforms, including her podcast appearances and social media.

Connect with Marilee and discover the incredible wines from women-led wineries at lola Wines!

Contact Marilee Bramhall here:
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