Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/230154
fast, and once we got ourselves organized, we started sharing what we learned. The idea wasn't to be experts, it was to say, "Look, there's another position between the radicals on this side of the argument and the radicals on the other side of the argument. We're the ones in the middle, and we're trying to be reasonable and make decisions based on facts. We want to do the right thing." So we shared that information. We sent it off to policymakers in Washington and Sacramento and went to call on them, and we sent it to the press and got a terrific reception. [ V&WM ] What progress do you feel has been made against the anti-alcohol extremists since Women for Wine Sense (WWS) was founded? Is there still a need for the organization? [ MR ] The "neo-prohibitionists" moved on to easier public health targets – Girl Scout cookies, fettu- 140 V I N EYA R D & WINE RY M ANAGEM ENT | cine Alfredo – after Morley Safer's 1991 "60 Minutes" presentation on the French Paradox. Cautious about their resurgence, WWS remained in operation. In 1994, we had a strategic planning session to discuss the future of WWS. The original mission accomplished, we decided to continue with a modified mission – networking, education, mutual support. Given the success of the NapaSonoma chapter, I would say there is indeed a place for WWS today. [ V&WM ] Any thoughts on the future of women in wine? [ MR] I thought we'd see more women rising to the top because there are some terrific women in this business. I've always felt that the wine industry in California was new enough that it didn't have time to raise barriers against women (and minorities) like old-time manufacturing sorts of industries, or banking. But it seems to have fallen into this pattern. Jan - Feb 2014 [ V&WM ] What makes a successful CEO? [ MR ] I think you need to have self-confidence. You need to enjoy leading, and doing things well. I will say that, having been a CEO for 21 years, it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's not as much fun as marketing, for example. It's a big responsibility, and people depend on you. But the best thing in the world is when you learn how to say what you want say clearly enough so that people understand. It's a real breakthrough. Michelle Locke , a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay area, has covered the wine industry for more than a decade. She is a freelance contributor to the Associated Press. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. w w w. v wm m e d i a . c o m