Women in Wine Festival: Featuring American Wine Project's Erin Rasmussen - Madison

At Waterford, our mission has always been to share, educate, and discover the greatest, most thoughtful bottles in the world. This summer, we are thrilled to turn our focus toward the incredible craftsmanship, vision, and leadership of women in the global wine industry.

Join us  for a grand tasting event celebrating exceptional terroir-driven wines made by trailblazing women winemakers around the globe.

We are incredibly honored to welcome special guest Erin Rasmussen, the brilliant winemaker and mind behind Wisconsin's own American Wine Project.

Erin  grew up in Madison,  and relocated to Napa, California in 2008 to learn to make wine. After 10 years working in the California wine industry, and receiving a Post-graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Enology from Lincoln University in New Zealand, she returned to the Driftless region to work exclusively with cold-hardy grape varieties. Erin is single-handedly changing the midwest winemaking scene, and is helping the global wine industry understand what is possible with these American grape varieties.

Erin will be in the house pouring her acclaimed, low-intervention  wines and sharing her unique perspective on crafting distinct, cool-climate expressions that challenge the status quo.

But that's just the beginning, we’ve invited some of our favorite women from Madison's vibrant beverage community to join the party.

Talented professionals from the area’s top restaurants, wine bars, and premier distributors will step behind the tasting tables to pour and champion their personal favorite woman-made wines.

Among our guests will be: Sophia Georges , Wine Steward at Cento and one of the brightest rising stars of the Madison wine scene; Erin Grace, Director of Wine & Spirits at New Glarus-based Select Sellars; and Lexi Koliner, Bailli of the Madison Bailliage (Chapter) of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society.

We'll also welcome back industry veterans and friends of Waterford Jessi Stebbins of L'eft Bank Wine Company and Abby Dibbs of AVA Wine & Spirits.

From classic, old-world European estates to cutting-edge, new-world rising stars, this walk-around festival offers a rare opportunity to taste a diverse range of premium, hand-selected bottles while connecting directly with the local women who shape our community's wine culture.

Whether you are looking to discover your next favorite bottle, learn more about global winemaking trends, or support the dynamic women leading our local hospitality scene, this is a festival you won't want to miss.

Space is limited for this special tasting event. Reserve your glass today and celebrate the power, place, and artistry of women in wine!