Fall 2007 Event at Harlem Vintage
GCW Hosts Second Annual “Wines by Women” Event
On October 3, 2007, Girls Career Workshop held our second annual “Wines by Women” cocktail reception and fundraiser. The event was generously hosted by Harlem Vintage, a wine shop owned by Jai Jai Greenfield, a long-time GCW supporter and volunteer on our small business panel. The event featured wines from six wineries that are either women-owned, women-run, and/or employ women as the chief wine-makers: Gosset Champagnes, St. Supery Vinyards, Selene Wines, Comtesse Thérèse Winery, Allegrini, and Montirius.
As about 65 guests entered the chic yet welcoming atmosphere of Harlem Vintage, they were greeted with a glass of crisp, flavorful champagne. Guests mingled for most of the evening, enjoying the wines, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres.
There was an informal yet fascinating discussion of what it’s like to be a woman in the traditionally male-dominated world of wine. Oumy Diaw, a Product Manager for Palm Bay Imports, which donated the delicious Gosset champagne, mentioned that she felt welcomed by the men around her. Oumy theorized that perhaps most men would rather listen to a woman talk about the sensual experience of wine! Margo Kurtz, a Sales Representative for Winebow, which donated the St. Supery, the Allegrini, and the Montirius, told of her early dues-paying days, proving her worth by hauling crates of wine alongside men twice her size. Theresa Dilworth, owner and chief winemaker for Comtesse Thérèse, described “starting small” by planting just two acres, and working up from there. The remarks mirrored the insightful discussions we hear during our workshop panels for our high school students, except the topic and the setting were most definitely for those over 21 years of age!
The evening was rounded out by a sumptuous table of cheese pairings donated by Stinky Cheese shop of Brooklyn. Cheesemonger Danielle Jakubowski was on-site to serve and discuss the cheeses. In addition, hors d’oeuvres were donated by Dufour Pastry Kitchens and Sauces ‘n Love, Inc. EILEEN FISHER clothing company provided a sponsorship grant for the event.
Nearly $5,000 was raised, making a significant impact in our ability to serve our girls this year. Thanks to all our guests, donors, and sponsors for a deliciously successful evening.
