Fundraiser for WEDC with Acclaimed Author and Founder Of Women Of The Vine® A Big Success

Story and photos by Risa B. Hoag

In honor of Women’s History Month, Morton's The Steakhouse in White Plains was the site of a fundraiser for the Women Enterprise Development Center (WEDC), a not-for-profit microenterprise development program formed to help women achieve economic self-sufficiency through small business development. Deborah Brenner, author of Women of the Vine®: Inside the World of Women who Make, Taste, and Enjoy Wine, was the featured speaker this past Wednesday.

Brenner is the founder of Women of the Vine, LLC.  based in Piermont. She formed this trailblazing new wine company while writing Women of the Vine® as a celebration of wine and women. The company is proud to partner with Farm Aid and support keeping America’s family farmers on the land.

Deborah spoke to the more than 50 men and women in attendance about the women who’ve made an impact in the U.S. wine industry, including winemakers, entrepreneurs, and educators, touching upon the challenges and stereotypes they’ve encountered along the way as women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

“Morton’s was very proud to welcome Deborah to White Plains for this unique event,” says Kim O’Donnell, Sales and Marketing Manager, Morton’s Steakhouse. “The partnership between our legendary steakhouse and the American wine industry is long-standing and Women of the Vine is a testament to the most influential women who have helped make wine culture what it is today.  We are extremely happy to be able to support WEDC locally in their mission to build a community of women entrepreneurs.”

Those in attendance were led through a tasting pairing Women of the Vine Signature Series--Napa Rojo, Napa, CA, Tempranillo, Paso Robles, CA,  Sauvingon Blanc, Central Coast, CA, and Zinfandel, Mendocino County--with Morton's Steakhouse’s signature hors d'oeuvres. Each guest received a complimentary copy of the book Women of the Vine, called one of the “best new books for any wine lover’s library” by Wine Spectator Magazine, and “a terrific book about some very accomplished women; it’s entertaining, educational and a great read for everyone in the wine community” by Margrit Biever Mondavi.

About Women of the Vine:

Founded by acclaimed author, Deborah Brenner, Women of the Vine is an assembler of sustainable grape growers and winemakers to bring their products to market under one brand. Women of the Vine is proud to donate to Farm Aid and support keeping America’s family farmers on the land. For more information, please visit www.womenofthevine.com Women of the Vine Wines are available at Aries Wine & Spirits located at 128 W. Post Road in White Plains, telephone (914) 946-3382. Photos and a copy of Women of the Vine are available upon request.

About Women’s Enterprise Development Center:

WEDC’s mission is to build a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs by providing high-quality training programs and support services to both start-up and established women business owners in Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley, including training and access to microenterprise funding for minority and economically disadvantaged women.  It is a not-for-profit microenterprise development program, was formed in 1997 to help women achieve economic self-sufficiency through small business development. It was launched as a collaborative effort of The Westchester County Association, Westchester Community College, New York State Division for Women, and the Alliance of Hudson Valley Women in Business Owners. For more information visit www.wedc-westchester.org.

About Morton’s:

Morton's The Steakhouse in White Plains is celebrating its sixth anniversary this summer. Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest operator of company owned upscale steakhouses. Morton's steakhouses have remained true to its founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment. The Company owns and operates 77 Morton's steakhouses located in 64 cities in 26 states, and in Puerto Rico and six international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai and Mexico City), as well as Trevi, a Las Vegas Italian restaurant. For more information visit www.mortons.com/whiteplains or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mortonswp.