I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marilee Bramhall, the inspiring founder of Iola Wines and the Iola Wine Society. Marilee is on a mission to bring more diversity and passion into the wine industry by highlighting the incredible work of female winemakers in France and Italy.
In our conversation, we dive deep into Marilee’s journey from the corporate wine world to creating her own business that champions women in wine. We explore the fascinating concept of terroir and how the environment shapes the flavor and character of the wines Marilee sources. Marilee also shares some insider knowledge about the differences between Left and Right Bank Bordeaux wines, the beauty of Italian white wines, and the rich history of Champagne.
But this episode isn’t just about wine—it’s about connection, community, and the power of women. Marilee and I discuss the importance of savoring life’s moments, whether it’s through a glass of wine or the meaningful relationships we build along the way. If you’re passionate about wine, empowering women, or simply love a good story, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Learn more about the Vixen Founders Collective: https://vixengathering.com/vixen-founders-collective/
Key Takeaways:
The unique qualities of Left and Right Bank Bordeaux wines.
How terroir influences the taste and character of wine.
The importance of women in the wine industry and how Marilee is working to increase their representation.
The beauty of Italian white wines and why they’re worth exploring.
How to savor and appreciate wine as more than just a drink—it’s a connection to the people and places that produce it.
00:32 Meet Marilee Bramhall: Wine Industry Pioneer
02:03 Marilee’s Journey and Inspirations
06:08 The Wine Industry: Challenges and Triumphs
12:10 Exploring Bordeaux: Left Bank vs. Right Bank
18:56 Italian Wines: A Deep Dive
29:56 Facing Unjust Criticism
30:51 Reflecting on Gender Inequality
31:48 Empowering Women in the Wine Industry
36:05 The Importance of Quality Wine
38:05 Introducing Iola Wines
Who is Marilee Bramhall?
Marilee vividly remembers her first sip of wine; a left bank Bordeaux paired with a wonderful dinner prepared by her Dad. That single sip has led to a lifetime of curiosity and wonder. After nearly a decade in the Washington and California wine industry, Marilee began her study of old-world wines.
She completed certifications for the French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar with Highest Honors. She has completed the examination for WSET L2 with Distinction and is an Approved Instructor for the Wine Scholar Guild’s French Wine Scholar Program at Cellar Muse Wine School. In addition, Marilee completed programs with the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins De Bourgogne in Beaune, France: A Masterclass for Wine Educators and a Five-Day Bourgogne Wines Intensive Masterclass in Bourgogne, France. Marilee lives in Seattle with her husband Christopher and their yellow Labrador Aspen.
A perpetual student and passionate traveler, Marilee imports organic and sustainably-produced wines from France & Italy made by women. Her wines are available for purchase at iolawines.com. e.
Mic Drop Moments:
“Bold women make the best wine, naturally.” – Marilee Bramall
“Wine is more than just a drink; it’s about connection, bringing people together, and creating lasting memories.” – April Roberts
“I wanted to explore the origins of the grape, to taste it in its native place, and understand how the environment shapes the wine.” – Marilee Bramall
“Women make up the majority of wine buyers, yet so few are involved in winemaking. It’s time to change that.” – Marilee Bramall
“In wine, it’s not just about the flavor; it’s about the story, the history, and the people behind each bottle.” – Marilee Bramall
Resources:
Iola Wines Website: https://www.iolawines.com/
Iola Wine Society: https://www.iolawines.com/wine-club/
Iola Wines’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iola.wines/
Iola Wines’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC22Md_BynEN-Wo3YHB6TSBA
Madame de Clicquot (Veuve Clicquot): https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-us/madameclicquot.html
Charlotte Le Gallet: https://www.france.fr/en/article/follow-this-experte-charlotte-le-gallais-winemaker-in-champagne/
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