Women in Wine
Join us for
Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Continuing our support for Women’s History Month, we are excited to announce the return of a cherished tradition — honoring the exceptional women who lead and inspire the industry. This year’s event shines a spotlight on six distinguished women in wine country during an engaging roundtable discussion led by our Co-founder and General Manager, Prema Kerollis.
Our discussion will explore the diverse paths, trials, and remarkable contributions that each panelist has brought to the food and wine industry. Following the roundtable, guests are invited to join us for a celebratory reception featuring our newly released spring wines and bites by James Beard Nominated Chef, and Panelist, Melissa Perello.
Prema Kerollis
Known for her joyful personality and generous laugh—her name translates to “giver of love” in Sanskrit—Prema was immediately drawn to the wine business by her natural affinity for hospitality. Prema has worked with Bill Price III since 2000, initially a part of his team at Texas Pacific Group, and became an essential part of his winery operations team, growing into Co-founder and General Manager of Three Sticks Wines. She played a pivotal role in expanding the winery's reach to discerning pinot noir and chardonnay consumers beyond friends and family. With a genuine passion for hospitality and a background in the restaurant industry, it was a natural fit.
Armed with an MBA in Wine Business, she excelled in managing the winery and even contributed to the creation of the independent wine brand, Head High Wines. Prema's commitment to excellence and teamwork has been instrumental in Three Sticks' success. She also oversaw the preservation and design of the Vallejo Casteñada Adobe, now the Three Sticks tasting home in Sonoma. Her belief in balance and inspiring others to do their best drive her pursuit of success in the industry.
Anne Moller-Racke
Winegrower & Proprietor | Blue Farm Wines
A native of Oberwesel, Germany, Anne Moller-Racke came to California in 1981 and became vineyard manager for Buena Vista Carneros Winery in 1983. By 1997, she was promoted to Vice President of Vineyard Operations. She helped establish what is now the Carneros Wine Alliance and brought recognition to Carneros as an American Viticultural Area (AVA).
In 1999, Anne purchased a Farmhouse property in southwest Sonoma that included a historical Victorian house, now her home, and a 10-acre parcel that she planted to vine the following year. During that same time Anne founded the Donum Estate and built the reputation of being one of California’s leading Pinot Noir producers. Today, Anne is focused on solely Blue Farm, which she expanded from the Estate Anne Katherina Vineyard, to some of the most respected vineyards in Sonoma County.
Jacy Topps
Editor & Journalist
An award-nominated journalist and editor. Jacy has over a decade of experience in journalism. She was a print editor and podcast host at Wine Enthusiast for over two years. Currently, Jacy is working with numerous publications covering everything from wine and food to race and mental health. You can find her byline in SevenFifty Daily, Plate Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Oprah Magazine, Slate, Business Insider, Better Homes & Gardens, and Wine Enthusiast.
Alongside reporting on the intersection of culture, news, and wine, Jacy is an experienced ghostwriter. Her clients range from nonprofits to celebrities. She has moderated and appeared on writing panels and spearheaded writing workshops. As a member of the New York chapter of Les Dame d'Escoffier, she champions mentorship and promotes inclusivity.
Katie Ballou Calhoun
President, Calhoun & Company Communications, LLC
Katie has devoted her entire career to the wine and spirits industry, and today brings over 30 years of public relations expertise to Calhoun & Company Communications. Through her work with a wide variety of wine and spirits companies, Katie has developed a broad perspective on the industry and built strong relationships in the press.
Katie’s palate and tasting skills have earned her a place among top wine and spirits professionals as a national competition judge. She has judged at the Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition, San Francisco International Wine Competition, Monterey County Wine Competition, and San Francisco World Spirits Competition; she also served as a regular taster at Wine & Spirits Magazine for over a decade.
Melissa Perello
Executive Chef/Owner | Octavia and Frances, San Francisco
Chef Melissa Perello, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, moved to San Francisco following her passion for food. Upon arrival, she worked under the tutelage of Michael Mina at Aqua in the early 90’s. After working with Mina, whom she cites as a major influence, Perello transferred to Aqua’s sister restaurant, Charles Nob Hill, where she worked alongside mentor Chef Ron Siegel. She quickly rose to executive chef and earned accolades for her California-inspired French cuisine. While at Charles Nob Hill, Perello was awarded the San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chef honor in 2002, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2004, and James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef nominations in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Perello then took the helm at Fifth Floor and led the restaurant to a Michelin star in 2006.
Chef Perello’s second San Francisco restaurant, Octavia, opened in 2015 with critical acclaim, including a James Beard Nomination for Perello as Best Chef West, a three-star review from the San Francisco Chronicle, and a Michelin star. Both Frances and Octavia continue to garner media attention in the decade beyond their openings. She has also recently formed a partnership with Modern Adventure, magic makers of extraordinary travel experiences. Explore her fascinating journey in intertwining food and culture here.
Melissa Smith
Founder | Enotrias Elite Sommelier Services and Sky Somm
A wine appraiser, educator, writer, expert witness, and the creator of the Wine Collecting Master Class, Certified Sommelier Melissa L. Smith built her profile as "The Sommelier to the Silicon Valley Stars” and has since grown Enotrias into the country's premier provider of private cellar management. While maintaining a full-time position as the Head Sommelier for K&L Wine Merchants, the largest online wine and spirits retailer in the country, she developed the first iPhone App for wine pronunciation, the Enotria Guide, and simultaneously created Enotrias, providing cellar organization and wine appraisal services to top collectors in the Bay Area.
In 2022, she created the world's first online Wine Collecting Master Class, based on the one-hour seminar on wine collecting that has been attended by wine enthusiasts and attorneys around the US. Melissa is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, The Culinary Institute of America, The California State Bar Association, The Sake Education Counsel, and the Appraisers Association for USPAP. Melissa's work has been published in print and online, and she is often used as a trusted source for industry news.
