Female Entrepreneur
Ivonne
Silicon Valley is not just a synonym for high-tech; in Napa Valley, only an hour's drive away, a different kind of cultural and artistic entrepreneurial spirit is quietly emerging. KTSF Go delves into the entrepreneurial stories of women in the Bay Area, showcasing Silicon Valley's diverse and rich side and sharing various entrepreneurial journeys with viewers through its lens.
Ivonne is one of the few Chinese female winemakers in Napa. The documentary captures her daily life with a detailed perspective, showing how a first-generation immigrant has carved out her own space in a wine industry dominated by white men, with resilience and expertise. She works not only for her personal growth but also makes bold innovations in the wine field, making her one of the outstanding female entrepreneurs in the Bay Area. This documentary presents her hard work day in and day out and the true story of how she finds balance between career and life.
Ivonne
Mornings in Napa carry a hint of coolness. The land, draped in a light mist at dawn, reveals the grapes’ plump sheen as the sun rises. Rows of vibrant green vines cascade down the slopes, creating a landscape that has become the foundation for Ivonne’s dreams.
Ivonne, owner and winemaker of Appellations Cellar, began a journey on this vineyard by chance, leaving behind her former studies in law in China. Shifting from the world of texts and statutes to the real soil and vines, she transitioned from the rigor of law to the freedom of nature, starting a new chapter of her life in Napa.
As an immigrant Chinese woman, Ivonne encountered numerous challenges in a wine industry dominated by Caucasians men. With enthusiasm, she stepped into Napa’s vineyards and connected with local farmers, always asking questions with humility, such as, “What farming methods do you use? What grape varieties and rootstocks are planted?” These questions often surprised the farmers, who would then ask, “Are you a winemaker?” To which Ivonne humorously replied, “Do I not look like one?” Through these interactions, she gradually earned respect for her expertise and built genuine relationships with them.
Before creating her own brand, Ivonne started by selecting wines. After a few years of market feedback, she realized she couldn’t be content with merely choosing finished wines. She dived deeper into winemaking, participating hands-on in every stage of the process, from early fermentation to bottling. The hard work behind winemaking often goes unseen; while others may see her in elegant attire with a refined wine glass, behind the scenes are countless early mornings and late nights focused on the barrels. As a female entrepreneur and winemaker, Ivonne, like many women, faces the challenge of balancing her career with family. Valuing her daughter’s education, she, like many Chinese families, dedicates herself to nurturing her daughter with great care. Just as she pours her passion into winemaking, she tirelessly drives two hours daily to and from her daughter’s school without complaint. For Ivonne, both her daughter and her wines are cherished achievements, and her daughter, Edelweiss, who grew up among the vineyards, is proud of her mother’s hard work. Edelweiss aspires to follow in her footsteps, inspiring Ivonne to name a premium wine after her – Edelweiss – symbolizing purity and resilience, much like a small flower that blooms despite harsh conditions.
For women aspiring to enter the wine industry, Ivonne advises staying true to one’s goals and focusing on personal growth and breakthroughs. Her story not only highlights her sensitivity and professionalism as a winemaker but also showcases her patient and determined path to carving out her unique place in a male-dominated field.
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