Our Hot Brands surprise us every year. Sometimes, finding the brands we’d like to feature is a challenge—having been in the wine industry so long it’s easy to become jaded, or feel like there aren’t anymore original stories. Family winery? Heard that one. Left the crazy tech world to return to their roots? That’s become pretty common in the North Coast. But then, there are times when coming up with the list is a cinch.

Every year, Wine Business Monthly sets out to honor those who shape the way the wine industry operates or how people drink wine. With this leaders list, we're showcasing men and women who are making a difference. It's full of movers and shakers, and there are more than a few who are dissatisfied with the status quo.

Some of the influential people on this list are known to virtually anyone who follows the wine industry, while others are influential yet fly "under the radar." All of them are leaders in the North American wine business.

Moderated by Wine Business Monthly’s managing editor Erin Kirschenmann, six of the world's leading independent winemakers discuss their biggest goals of the future and hopes for women entering the industry. Featuring: Alex Farber, Jacqueline Bahue, Jen Pfeiffer, Carmen Stevens, Camille Benitah and Ondine Chattan.

It would be easy to say that there has never been a year quite like 2020. It was a year that tried us, that pushed so many of us to the edge, that separated us from our friends and family. It disrupted businesses and sales and the status quo. Every day delivered a new challenge or a new heartache, and we could only lean on each other through our devices to make it through.

Amidst all this, people prevailed. Brands were started. Companies innovated.

Wine Business Monthly announced our list of annual brands that define the American wine industry and the trends that shaped the year!

The October issue is starting to hit mailboxes now and it’s a favorite. It’s been a true honor to celebrate those who are making moves to advance the wine industry—whether by better understanding winegrape genetics, broadening wine’s reach among consumers or making the trade more inclusive. Keep an eye out and follow them, because these are the change makers and leaders.

Mic’d up and ready to present in front of 100+ industry reps. Next month, I’m speaking on a panel about continuing education, and one of the most valuable classes/workshops I’ve ever taken was a public speaking course. I’m no longer afraid of sounding like an idiot—I’m still going to say stupid, incoherent things sometimes. Now, I just smile, and don’t let it get to me. 😂I’ll be talking about this, my WSET journey, business courses and more at a Wine Women event on March 10 in Napa. Come join me! I want to hear about the classes you’ve taken to build your skills!