Studies have shown a
mother’s impulse to love and protect her child appears to be hard-wired. This
impulse is often referred to as “maternal instinct.” Is there a mother’s impulse
to love and protect the wines and vines, as well? In the Walla Walla Valley, it is certainly
true.
There are at least 1,200 people employed in the Walla
Walla Valley wine industry. This number includes winemakers, production, hospitality,
retail, and administration. Women
are still under-represented in this industry, but they are certainly not
excluded.
In the U.S. there are roughly 10 percent of wineries that have female
winemakers, yet the number is growing. In the Walla Walla Valley there are over
a dozen women winemakers that are also mothers who wear that “purple badge” of
honor on their hands – it’s the lingering stain of the grape that tends to make
a mess of a new manicure or a favorite article of clothing.
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