Wine Unify is a non-profit organization established to address the historical lack of diversity and inclusion within the global wine industry. Founded on the belief that education is fundamental to progress, Wine Unify focuses on creating opportunities and providing support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in all aspects of the wine world. The organization operates through a three-pronged approach: to welcome, elevate, and amplify underrepresented voices, aiming to build a more equitable and inclusive future for the industry.
Origins and Vision
Wine Unify officially launched on June 30, 2020, co-founded by notable wine industry figures DLynn Proctor, Martin R. Reyes MW (Master of Wine), and Mary Margaret McCamic MW. While the groundwork for Wine Unify was already underway, the societal introspection spurred by events such as the death of George Floyd served as a catalyst for the organization's public launch. The founders recognized the wine industry’s reputation for being predominantly white, male, and often elitist, which created significant barriers to entry and advancement for diverse groups. Wine Unify was conceived to dismantle these systemic obstacles, offering concrete pathways for individuals from historically excluded backgrounds to engage with and thrive in the wine industry.
The organization’s mission is centered on fostering wine education programs that are inclusive and amplifying the successes of people of color already making significant contributions to the industry. By focusing on outreach, educational awards, and comprehensive support, Wine Unify strives to transform the wine landscape.
The 'Welcome' Initiative
The ‘Welcome’ initiative is designed to embrace new and aspiring professionals, providing them with the foundational knowledge and community support necessary to enter the wine industry. This program targets individuals who have an interest in wine but may not currently work in the field or have experienced barriers to entry.
Key components of the ‘Welcome’ initiative include:
- Educational Awards: Recipients are granted access to foundational wine education, often through sponsored tuition for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wine. Wine Unify specifically chose WSET for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in wine education.
- Mentorship: New participants are connected with experienced professionals within the Wine Unify network, offering guidance and insight into the industry.
- Community Building: The initiative fosters a sense of belonging through virtual group meetings, happy hours, and future in-person events, creating a supportive network for newcomers.
The 'Elevate' Initiative
Building on the foundational support of the ‘Welcome’ program, the ‘Elevate’ initiative is tailored to support existing underrepresented minority professionals who are already working in the wine industry and seeking to advance their careers. This program provides resources for continued professional development and aims to alleviate financial and accessibility hurdles that often hinder upward mobility.
The ‘Elevate’ initiative offers:
- Advanced Education Funding: Professionals can receive fully paid tuition or financial assistance for higher-level WSET certifications, including Level 2, Level 3, and the prestigious Level 4 Diploma in Wine, enabling them to pursue advanced credentials.
- Access to Wines for Study: To support their education, recipients receive gift certificates for wines crucial for their WSET studies and personal enjoyment. Major retailers like Total Wine & More have partnered with Wine Unify to provide this access.
- Industry Tools and Resources: Participants are equipped with essential tools for their professional journey, such as Coravin systems for wine preservation, subscriptions to leading wine knowledge platforms like JancisRobinson.com, and high-quality glassware like Stölzle Revolution, enhancing their learning and tasting experiences.
- Individualized Mentorship: The program connects professionals with top voices and leaders in the industry for personalized guidance and career development.
The 'Amplify' Initiative
The ‘Amplify’ initiative is dedicated to celebrating and giving a platform to the diverse range of successful minority voices already thriving within the wine industry. This program focuses on increasing visibility for BIPOC leaders, business owners, winemakers, sommeliers, educators, and writers, ensuring their achievements are recognized and their stories are told.
Through ‘Amplify,’ Wine Unify highlights industry successes through various channels, including its community sections, news features, and events. By showcasing role models and promoting networking opportunities, the initiative inspires aspiring professionals and reinforces the growing presence of underrepresented communities in wine. Executive Director Alicia Towns Franken emphasizes that these initiatives create a “win-win for recipients and the industry” by fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
Leadership and Partnerships
Wine Unify boasts a leadership team composed of accomplished wine professionals. In November 2022, Alicia Towns Franken, a sommelier and advocate for diversity, assumed the role of Executive Director, leading the organization's strategic efforts. The organization’s robust network of mentors, ambassadors, and advisory board members includes influential figures such as Tonya Pitts, Andre Mack (André Hueston Mack), Julia Coney (who is also associated with Black Wine Professionals), Annette Alvarez-Peters, Gary Obligacion, and Priyanka French. These leaders volunteer their time to guide the next generation of diverse talent in the wine community.
Wine Unify has garnered substantial support from various industry partners and sponsors who share its commitment to diversity. Notable supporters include Napa Valley Wine Academy, Wine.com, Coravin, JancisRobinson.com, Jackson Family Wines, Napa Valley Vintners, JCB Collection, Gabriel-Glas, and Total Wine & More, which became an official retailer and sponsor in June 2024, committing to sponsor all levels of the Welcome and Elevate Awards for three years.
Impact and Future Outlook
Since its inception, Wine Unify has made tangible progress in diversifying the wine industry. As of June 2024, the organization has awarded over 180 scholarships and grants to BIPOC individuals, providing them with essential education and resources. By June 2025, these awards totaled over $350,000 distributed to 165 recipients across 37 states. Alumni of Wine Unify’s programs are now active across various sectors of the wine industry, serving as sommeliers, wine directors, retailers, winemakers, writers, and educators, demonstrating the organization’s far-reaching impact.
Wine Unify operates as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, relying on donations and sponsorships to fund its initiatives. The organization remains steadfast in its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, even amidst broader challenges to DEI initiatives. Alicia Towns Franken states that Wine Unify is committed to its mission of elevating professionals of color, viewing diversity as the future of the wine industry. Through its continued efforts to welcome, elevate, and amplify, Wine Unify is actively reshaping the wine industry into a more accessible, equitable, and representative global community.