Welcome to My Winelife, your go-to destination for everything wine-related! If you're passionate about wine and want to learn more about the people behind your favorite bottles, then you're in the right place. We're excited to bring you a new weekly interview series featuring sommeliers from around the world. This week, we're thrilled to sit down with Jennifer Huether MS, a sommelier who is not only dedicated to educating and mentoring fellow wine professionals but is also committed to supporting women in the industry. Jennifer has a special talent for sharing her knowledge and insights with those who simply love to learn more about what they're sipping.
Jennifer Huether : ‘’One of my greatest joys has been utilising my wins and opportunities to give back, motivate, hire and empower other women in my field. ”
Why is it so important to help other women in the field? Do you think there are still some limitations for women in wine?
Wine has been an industry that has been particularly male-dominated. When I started my studies and career in wine In Toronto I could only name one other woman I knew working as a sommelier (in a metropolitan city of millions of people). While I was supported by my boss, teachers, and family at the time I felt isolated. For years I only had men to study with until I happened to run into two other women at a Master Sommelier exam in the US who were from Canada also (but In Montreal). We started to study together, and I finally felt like I could relate as one of my study companions (the incredibly talented Veronique Rivest) was also a mom. When I had the opportunity to hire sommeliers in my role at MLSE I hired two women, they are still in the wine business today and thriving. I realized that not only were there no role models at that time for women but there was little access to mentorship and jobs and this clearly needed/still needs to change. We need to lift each other up and support each other Instead of seeing each other as a threat or competition even if our foothold is weak. The world needs more women to create positive change in general!
And yes, women still do have many limitations. It's one thing to make It to the table, but another to be welcomed and seen as an equal. We have also had a major setback with Covid-19 as this has not only impacted our industry especially but the women behind it. As they say 'she-session' and It's real. I also see women not receiving the same mentorship and job opportunities. Having children in our industry can be seen as problematic. Trying to juggle it all still falls more heavily on the side of women. We also know that our BIPOC community in general and the women in this demographic are particularly struggling. I am actively doing my part by volunteering with non-profit organizations such as Femmes du Vin and Vinequity to help raise scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities. It is so important to take action In any way you can.
You were Canada's first female Master Sommelier. Has this influenced the path of other passionate women who struggle to get a seat at the table?
I hope so. I have been told by several Canadian women over the years that this has been the case. I never have seen myself as a trailblazer but more as a support for women wanting to get into wine. They ultimately know that women will understand their struggles and can often relate to me as a working mom and sometimes just feel more comfortable reaching out to a woman. It has given me such joy to be even a nugget of encouragement or support through their own journeys and it's amazing to look around and see so many more women in our industry now. While we are still a minority in the world of wine, particularly in the top jobs, there is more work to do.
What was your greatest lesson during your MS study?
The biggest lesson, in the end, was that it was not about getting the pin, but that it was about the growth in the journey. Over the six years, I spent attempting my MS learning, receiving mentorship, and studying with an incredible talent I grew so much as a human. I was in the moment of course so focused on working hard enough to pass. In retrospect, that effort and putting myself up to the task of being evaluated over and over again made me better. It made me more compassionate as well and most importantly more humble. The journey is better than the destination in some ways. It also proved to me who you are and how you act at any stage of your life and it's more important than any title.
With an eye on all things sustainable, you are in talks to publish the world’s first book dedicated to plant-based food and wine pairing. Can you explain to us why these two subjects are dear to you?
We look around our planet Earth and see the change in the environment. I have young kids, and I think about what they are inheriting. I also think about what it is I can do in a small way to be a part of positive change. By eating plant-based me and by supporting the wine-growing regions of the world that becoming more aware and more sustainable I see this as very relevant on so many levels. My goal is to make eating plant-based just as fun and delicious so that we don't have FOMO about not eating meat. I also make no judgments on people's individual choices. I see my goal as displaying that you can focus on being greener and still have an amazing meal and bottle of wine.
Can you tell us more about your project ‘’The Social Herbivore?’’
The Social Herbivore is all about showcasing that regardless of whether you are Vegan, moving towards plant-based, or having a guest over who is-we have got you. It's about elevating the experience of food and wine and culture In what has been seen historically as either radical or boring or granola. It doesn't have to be that way and we are here to shine a light on making it all fun, delicious, and accessible. We are currently working on a Vegan Food and wine matching book and it's been a riot, can't wait to share!
Are you a big fan of Vegan wine, and why?
I am! First off, most Vegan wines have been created by a 'less Is more' approach to winemaking thus not over-filtering/fining the wines. Many top wines would naturally fall under this category. I love also how wineries are recognizing this growing demographic of the population and making it easier to identify wine that would qualify as Vegan. Knowledge is power and just like someone who had an allergy or aversion to an ingredient for example would want to know what the ingredients are in the food they are purchasing, the same rings true here. Lastly to ignore this large and growing demographic would be silly from a sales/marketing perspective.
What’s your guilty pleasure wine?
Ahhh! Love this question. Rich, creamy Chardonnay, please! Of course, I love Chablis but I also love my richer styles from California and Australia. My go-to at home is also value-driven reds from Italy, how can you go wrong?
Which wine house deserves more credit?
Well, so many but I must go Canadian here of course! I hope all of you reading this get to taste some of the great wines being made in Canada, and if you do please look out for Leaning Post wines. The cutest couple in winemaking here making some of the most remarkable wines (oh and they are also Vegan friendly). This is a family who works so hard and it's conveyed in every bottle they make.
Who is your biggest wine inspiration?
Madeline Triffon MS. Talk about a woman who did trailblaze all women studying with the Court of Masters after her. She has dedicated so much of her time to supporting and mentoring women and does so quietly. She Is a true hero in our industry and her professionalism and accessibility inspired me tremendously.
Which MS should I interview next?
Melissa Monosoff MS. She is one of the brain trusts behind the Court and I would love to hear more from her personally!
Follow Jennifer Huether on:
website: here
Instagram: here
Don't want to miss the next article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter or join our Instagram , and we will keep you updated :)
Comments