When Napa Became Cult

This week brings us to the final installment. On our last afternoon filming Her Way, rather than focus on a single voice, we decided to widen the lens. So we gathered a group of women around a table at Cadet Wine Bar in downtown Napa.Cadet is owned by Taylor Domin and Aubrey Bailey, whose warm hospitality and thoughtful wine list have made the space something of a community hub for industry folks drifting in after long days in vineyards and cellars.Joining Taylor Domin at the table were winemaker Priyanka Dhar French of Ghost Block and Napa Wine Co., wine writer J’nai Gaither — the first Black editor in the history of Wine Enthusiast — and multi-faceted wine entrepreneur Stevie Stacionis. Taylor herself, of course, sits right at the intersection of the people who make wine and the people who drink it.

Cathy Corison was one of the first women to found and run her own winery in Napa Valley, building a legacy around wines defined by balance, longevity, and a deep connection to place. Today, she is passing those values to the next generation alongside her daughter Grace Corison.

Dalla Valle became one of Napa’s earliest “cult” wineries in the 1990s, known for producing powerful, collectible Cabernet Sauvignon from a steep hillside vineyard above Oakville. Today, Maya Dalla Valle is guiding the estate into its next chapter alongside her mother, Naoko.The conversation explores Napa’s evolution, the responsibility of carrying forward a family legacy, and how the next generation is shaping the future of the valley.

To celebrate Women’s Month, we are releasing some special conversations from the upcoming Napa Valley episode of Her Way.Host @kelseyglasser sat down with Carissa Mondavi of @continuumestate to talk about the valley’s journey and her family’s role in it… from the devastation of Prohibition to the moment her grandfather Robert Mondavi helped put Napa on the world stage to what she’s building now. The conversation circles legacy, reinvention, and what it means to care for a place that has shaped both your family and an entire region.Filmed overlooking Pritchard Hill at the stunning Continuum Estate, the episode explores Napa’s past, present, and future through the lens of one of the valley’s most influential families.

In this episode of Her Way, we sit down with Renee Saint-Amour, the co-owner and powerhouse behind 100 Suns Winery, one of Oregon’s most exciting rising wine labels. From her early career as a high school English teacher to becoming an integral part of the winemaking industry, Renee shares the unexpected twists that led her to co-found a winery with her husband, Grant Coulter.We explore the journey of building a wine brand from scratch, the challenges of balancing family, business, and identity, and the deep-rooted passion that fuels 100 Suns’ success. Renee gets candid about learning the craft on the go, making bold life choices, and what it takes to create wines that are both sophisticated and approachable.Whether you're a wine lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good story about following your passion, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration.Tune in for a conversation about risk, resilience, and really good wine!

In this weeks episode of Her Way, Kate Williams shares her entrepreneurial journey and passion for plant-based ice cream in this episode featuring an unconventional wine and ice cream pairing. Discover how Kate's innovative approach blends indulgence with creativity.

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Payne-Brown, a trailblazing winemaker with roots in science and a passion for sparkling wines. From her journey in winemaking at Archery Summit and Stoller to the creation of her project, ‘Call Me Dolores,’ Kate shares her incredible story of transitioning from science to wine, building community, and balancing motherhood with a thriving career. Tune in to hear about the beauty of living in the gray, the evolution of Oregon’s wine industry, and how Kate is advocating for women in winemaking.

Meet Nori de Vega, the force behind 'Nom Nom Nori,' a platform that started as a simple Instagram page and evolved into a beacon for Portland's food and wine lovers. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey of accidental influencer fame, her unwavering support for local businesses, and her love for storytelling that highlights women, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ community.Discover how Nori's passion for food and social justice intersected during the pandemic, turning her into one of Portland's most trusted voices. Stick around for inspiring stories, wine recommendations, and a peek into her Filipino heritage! Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring content!

In this episode, we sit down with Dana Frank, a sommelier, restaurateur, author, and founder of Hi-Five Imports, to explore the incredible twists and turns of her journey through the world of wine. From her early days as a Peace Corps volunteer in Romania to becoming a celebrated figure in Portland’s food and wine scene, Dana’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and reinvention. Dana shares how her love for cooking and seasonal ingredients led her to wine, sparking a career that has spanned nearly every corner of the industry—from working harvests to running iconic wine programs and opening Bar Norman, a beloved Portland wine bar. Along the way, she reflects on the challenges of balancing family, ambition, and a passion for natural wines, as well as the lessons learned from closing her bar during the pandemic. The conversation dives deep into Dana’s thoughts on the evolving wine world, the rise of natural wine, and her commitment to creating inclusive, approachable spaces for wine lovers of all levels. She also opens up about her newest venture, importing hidden gems from Austria, and the importance of honoring her family’s heritage in her work. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a lover of personal stories, or simply someone navigating career changes and self-discovery, Dana’s candid reflections and inspiring perspective offer something for everyone.

In this episode of Her Way the podcast explores how wine culture can often feel pretentious or exclusive, alienating everyday consumers. The guest, Samantha Cole-Johnson, a sommelier and wine writer, challenges the notion that wine appreciation must be tied to high costs or insider knowledge, advocating for a more approachable and relatable way of discussing wine. This includes integrating personal stories and humor to break down barriers.