This International Women’s Day, We Celebrate the Inspiring Women of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
Part 2
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country wouldn’t run without the immensely talented women that make the region so special. From tasting room staff, to winemakers and assistant winemakers, to women in leadership, our Wine Country is jam packed with some fierce and fiery female power. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day – Tuesday, March 8 – is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” In celebration, we caught up with some of our favorite Wine Country women to and to ask them what this means to them, and learn more about their journey in wine.
These interviews may have been edited for brevity and/or clarity.
Nadia Urquidez, Assistant Winemaker, Doffo Winery
Born in Ensenada and raised in a small town called San Vicente in Baja California, Mexico, Nadia started as an intern at Doffo Winery as she was completing her degree in Viticulture and Enology. A student of science – Nadia also has a B.S. in chemistry – she fell in love with the process of winemaking. In the following years this passion and knowledge provided opportunities to build her career with Doffo, where she has worked for nearly seven years.
TVWA: The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” – What does this mean to you?
NU: We need to understand that nothing works better than teamwork. We need more education about respect and values, personal and professional. Educate young people.
This career is made for those who are willing to learn, be disciplined, work hard, and be passionate.
TVWA: What sorts of things do you do to lift other women up and support them personally and/or professionally?
NU: My best teacher is my mom, she has very strong moral values and everything I do and say I often ask myself what my mom would think.
I am surrounded by amazing women; I always try to encourage all the positive things they want to do, even if it is a small thought. I feel flattered when they ask me for advice. It doesn’t matter if it is personal or professional, I try to be there for them.
TVWA: Tell us something that many people would be surprised to find out about you!
NU: In my free time I take pole dancing classes!
Maribeth Levine, CEO/Managing Partner, Avensole Winery
Temecula Valley reminded Maribeth of the countrysides of Italy, France, and Austria, where she and her family would travel with their European mother as children. When her brother – Sheldon Lytton – opened up a legal practice in Murietta ten years ago, she would often enjoy a meal or a glass of wine in Wine Country when she would visit him. She fell in love with the region, and ultimately pursued her dream of owning a family winery, naming it Avensole – a word meaning “adventure” and “one of a kind.”
TVWA: The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” – What does this mean to you?
ML: Everyone deserves to be treated as equals and to become the best version of themselves. Empowering women is essential to society’s sustainability.
TVWA: What sorts of things do you do to lift other women up and support them personally and/or professionally?
ML: In managerial positions, women are often overlooked (even today). Most of our managers are, by design, women. I believe women are generally reliable and intuitive and use those traits well in business. Our primarily female organization has been a crucial element in the success of Avensole.
TVWA: Tell us something that many people would be surprised to find out about you!
ML: I am a Julliard trained pianist! I also have two adorable city-turned-wine-country dogs who love to help me keep up with the vineyards and the property.
Christine Mosco, Tasting Room & Wine Cub Manager, Avensole Winery
Christine spent many weekends in Temecula, loving it so much that she finally moved to the region nearly a year ago. She first studied and fell in love with wine while pursuing a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After many years working in resorts, hospitality, and entertainment, she refocused her career in wine, moving up North to work in Napa. However, missing her SoCal family proved to be tough, so she landed herself a job in Temecula, and hasn’t looked back.
TVWA: The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” – What does this mean to you?
CM: To me, this means that we are laying the groundwork today for not only ourselves, but future generations. The quest for gender equality does not happen overnight- it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
TVWA: What sorts of things do you do to lift other women up and support them personally and/or professionally?
CM: My favorite thing to do is support local businesses, and it’s a bonus when they’re run by women! The number one thing you can do to support is not just to show up, but then to talk about it with others! Word of mouth spreads so quickly these days. We talk about that in a negative connotation most of the time- but it can also be a good thing!
TVWA: Tell us something that many people would be surprised to find out about you!
CM: I have a creative side, and I do calligraphy for my Etsy shop!
Michelle Vazquez, Administrative Assistant and Server, Akash Winery & Vineyards
“The 2020 pandemic challenged us all in so many ways,” says Michelle, who talks about her journey to Temecula Valley. Her childhood friend encouraged her to look for opportunities right in her backyard of Temecula Valley, after working through multiple retail jobs. Armed with a retail background and an appreciation of wine, she kicked off her wine career at South Coast in June of 2020. She has pursued multiple wine certifications and is now at Akash Winery & Vineyards where she is trying to learn as much of the business as possible. “The year will mark two years in the industry,” she says. “And I am loving every moment of it!”
TVWA: The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” – What does this mean to you?
MV: Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow means to me that in order for us to advance and adapt to tomorrow’s unknown, we must have a seat for all folks at the table. When we include both women, non-binary, and transgender folks into spaces predominately occupied by men, we are expanding the possibility by bringing in the perspective of folks from different lived experiences.
TVWA: What sorts of things do you do to lift other women up and support them personally and/or professionally?
MV: The best way I try to uplift my community (women, gender non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC folks) is by redistributing wealth, knowledge, and resources. As a queer Chicana, it is already rare to see representation within the industry; so, as I advance my way through my career, I do my best in redistributing knowledge to my community – such as leading study nights, and sharing books and videos with women in the industry. Through communication from word-of-mouth to social media, I highlight women-owned wineries and spread the word of changemakers. Lastly, I love to purchase wines from women-owned/managed brands. Directly in Temecula Valley, I have a group of women I have wine nights with to create space for them to share, learn, and grow together; because when we grow, our community grows.
TVWA: Tell us something that many people would be surprised to find out about you!
MV: Aside from my work in wine, I also am an energy worker. This means I love to connect with people on a spiritual basis through the art of Tarot reading. I connect with folks to messages from loved ones that crossed over, spirit guides, and the higher consciousness, to bring in clarity in the present moment.
Jessica Nielsen, Wedding & Event Director, Avensole Winery
Jessica is a true Temecula local, having lived in the region for the past two decades. She got her start in the wedding business working with her mother, Annette, who shared her wealth of experience. Jessica says that learning from her mom and launching a solo career 10 years ago has been “a magnificent journey.”
TVWA: The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” – What does this mean to you?
JN: If we work to create gender equality now, future generations will have bigger and brighter ideas. Not giving talented people a seat at the table because of their gender only hurts ourselves. Talented, wonderful people come from all backgrounds.
TVWA: What sorts of things do you do to lift other women up and support them personally and/or professionally?
JN:Professionally I spend a tremendous amount of time with my team regarding our mindset. It’s about growth and achieving our goals. It’s about bringing quality that hasn’t been seen before.
Personally I emphasize to all the women in my life the importance of a proper diet and exercise. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re probably not performing at your highest level. Whether it’s sharing a podcast I just listened to or a new workout class I’ve joined, all the people in my life know I’m about growth.
TVWA: Tell us something that many people would be surprised to find out about you!
JN: My husband and I own 59 rental units between California and Arizona!
