2024 Program Dates

Mentors:
- Application period: CLOSED

Please reach out to us at info@batonnageforum.com
if you were unable to submit an application, but are
still interested in participating in our Program.

Level 1 Mentees (for all IAFs), and Level 2 (Viticulture):
- Application period: Closed
- Level 1 Program Launch: January 24th, 2024

Level 1 Program - Key Dates:
- Welcome Communication to Level 1 Mentees: January 24th, 2024
- Welcome Call to Level 1 Mentors: January 26th, 2024
- Welcome Call to Level 1 Mentees: February 2nd, 2024
- Level 1 Program Close: April 5th, 2024

For Viticulture only: Level 1 and Level 2 to run parallel with Level 2 program to
be closed on May 3rd, 2024.

Level 2 Program - Key Dates:
- Announcement of Level 2 Mentors: week of March 29th, 2024
- Level 2 Mentee Application Period: April, 2024 (specific date tbd)
- Level 2 Program Open: Week of May 27th, 2024
- Welcome Call (Mentors and Mentees): June 7th, 2024
- DEI Trainings: Dates TBD
- Level 2 Program closes: August 30th, 2024

What Is It?

The Bâtonnage Mentorship Program was designed to stir our conversations about equality into actions that create equity. This program serves to create a pragmatic, positive, inclusive course forward wherein individuals who have traditionally been overlooked or spoken over achieve equal opportunities, equal representation and especially equal leadership positions within all sectors and tiers of our industry.

Our goal is to create an inclusive space for constructive conversation (and action) surrounding all different facets of the wine industry; it has never been about making a profit. Now, we are making it official and applying for status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We offer three progressing levels of mentorship in seven (7) Industry Areas of Focus (IAF) across three different levels, detailed below.

Industry Areas of Focus

Featured

Viticulture

Vineyard, field work, vineyard development, vineyard scouting, pest identification, grower relationships, and more.

Program lead: Mary Maher

Cellar/Production

Concerns all aspects of winemaking including harvest internships and extended internships, as well as specific winemaking related activities including laboratory analysis, cellar operations, ageing, bottling, and more.

Program lead: Jessica Koga

Marketing & Communications

Media and trade relations, marketing and branding, strategic planning, event production, content creation, and copywriting.

Program lead: Katie Canfield

Sales & Distribution

Importing and distribution, budget planning, establishing KPIs, account relationships, brand ambassadors, and more.

Program lead: Anitha Gandhi

Retail

Involves retail and winery direct-to-consumer sales and operations, wine club management, wine program curation/maintenance and buying, as well as marketing and media relations.

Program lead: Annette Alvarez-Peters

Hospitality

Restaurant and tasting room sales and operations, wine service and techniques, guest relations, wine list curation/maintenance and buying roles, and hospitality experiences.

Program lead: Liz Martinez

Wine Business

Covers various aspects of the wine business, including operations and logistics, strategic planning, general management, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Program lead: Priyanka French

Mentorship Program Levels

Featured

Level One – Communication & Networking

Level One focuses on networking, communication, and welcoming candidates interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry.

Learn more and apply here.

Level Two – Guidance & Education

Level Two is geared towards candidates with a demonstrated interest in a particular IAF in the wine industry.

Learn more and apply here.

Level Three – Work Placements & Training Programs

Level Three equips candidates to enter, gain experience, and grow in the wine industry by creating hands-on work opportunities and experiences for candidates that will further their career progress in the wine industry and their IAF.

Learn more and apply here.

Post-Mentorship Feedback Process

All program levels provide confidential feedback programs to allow candidates and mentors to comment on their experiences. Bâtonnage uses this feedback to evolve and improve the program and compile a more comprehensive list of resources that benefit all participants.

Resources & Contact

Bâtonnage encourages candidates interested in or actively pursuing a career in wine to utilize the resource compendium for continued professional development. Inclusion of a resource in this list does not mean that Bâtonnage endorses its authors or beliefs/values, nor do we have any affiliation with them—only that the education one may glean from the included source has proven valuable to many of your peers in the industry.

For any inquiries or comments relating to the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program, please contact our Core Committee at mentorship@batonnageforum.com.

This process takes time and money, so we need your help. You can show your support for this program by making a pledge.

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