I’ve always thought that wine and people have more in common than we realise - both are rooted in story and diversity. Wine speaks to the climate, the history of the vineyard, and the language of where the grapes are grown. It reflects the passion and legacy of the winemaker, shaped by soil, weather, tradition, and choices made along the way. Grapes carry certain characteristics at their core. People are the same. We all have traits that we’re born with, but we are shaped by our environments, our experiences and our relationships. Our identities are built from the places we come from, the cultures we inherit and the communities we belong to.
And yet, the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is so often met with hesitation, and even discomfort. The fear of saying the wrong thing, unintentionally offending, or revealing what we don’t know. These three words can be easily misunderstood. They are often grouped together because they are interconnected, but each has a distinct purpose. And only when they work together can they create true, lasting change.
Let’s take a moment to define them. Diversity is about who is represented - the range of visible and invisible characteristics that make each of us who we are. Our identities, our backgrounds, our lived experiences. Inclusion is about creating spaces where those differences are not only welcomed, but actively valued; where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered to fully participate. Equity takes this a step further. It recognises that we don’t all start from the same place in life. We each have different needs and face different challenges. Equity is about fairness - ensuring that people get the support they need to access the same opportunities and outcomes, despite the obstacles they may face along the way.
Achieving true DEI isn’t just about representation, it’s about breaking down barriers, amplifying voices that have often been left out, and creating a culture where everyone has a seat at the table. Spoiler alert: we all have biases, both conscious and unconscious. But we need to disrupt those biases, have uncomfortable conversations to push beyond the discomfort, and take action to create real, lasting impact.
Now more than ever, DEI cannot be a stand-alone initiative - it needs to be an extension of our culture, and this holds true for the wine industry. DEI isn’t just something that is the sole responsibility of a department or a small group of individuals; it’s something we all share responsibility for. Every part of our industry, from the vineyards to the tasting rooms and distribution channels, has a role to play in making our sector more inclusive. Are we ensuring the workers in the vineyards have fair pay? Are we promoting minority-owned wineries, brands, and distributors? How can we ensure that learning opportunities are accessible? And when we hear harmful banter or microaggressions on the floor, how can we stand up and challenge them? It needs to be intrinsically woven into the DNA of every touch point of the wine journey.
We’ve already seen incredible progress thanks to initiatives such as Curious Vines (a community for women and non-binary people in wine), Be Inclusive Hospitality (accelerating race equity in hospitality, food and drinks) and Drinks United (whose aim is to create a more safe, inclusive and supportive drinks industry), to name a few. These initiatives are moving the dial on inclusivity, creating space for opportunities, celebrating diverse voices and raising awareness.
But to move this journey along, accountability and allyship are key and they’re something that we all need to embrace. As part of the wine industry, we’re all in this together. We all have a role to play to make sure inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, but a genuine part of our industry. Whether that’s speaking up when we see inequality, offering mentorship programmes, or simply being there to lend an ear - all actions count. Because when we step forward, we make our industry more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Each act, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect that can lead to significant, lasting change.
On Tuesday 20th May, along with Kiara Scott, Mags Janjo, Emma Hodges, Jeffrey Koren & Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, we’ll be discussing lived experiences, accountability and allyship, focusing on going beyond awareness to taking intentional action. Expect a candid conversation and thought-provoking discussion on how we can all shift the dial across the wine lifecycle, and practical take-aways to help you along your accountability and allyship journey.
As with wine, it’s all about recognising and appreciating the nuances, but it doesn’t stop there. Just as we take action to enhance the unique qualities of each bottle, we must also take intentional steps to actively support, amplify and create opportunities for the people who make this industry what it is.
We have three sessions at London Wine Fair focusing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Tuesday 20th May, Centre Stage, 12:45pm - DE&I - from awareness to action!
Tuesday 20th May, Centre Stage, 5:15pm - The Conversations Leaders Should Be Having – But Aren’t
Wednesday 21st May, Centre Stage, 3:30pm - Neurodiversity: The Competitive Edge in Wine, Spirits & Hospitality
