LODI: GERARDO ESPINOSA
Gerardo was always drawn to his heritage—the grandson of Mexican immigrants who came to California in the 1940s, worked the fields, saved their money, and purchased property and planted grapevines. Inspired by his family's legacy, Gerardo began making wine from their vineyards, launching his own label, Anaya Vineyards. In 2015, he co-founded Lodi Crush, a custom winemaking facility that has since become a cornerstone of local business. As Community Partner for Field Blends: Lodi, Gerardo’s collaborative approach and commitment to fostering connection will spotlight that Lodi isn’t just a place where grapes are grown and wine is made; it’s a community where history, creativity, and heritage come together in every glass..
Co-founder and Winemaker, Lodi Crush; Winemaker, Anaya Vineyards, Lodi, CA
Michigan: Simonne Mitchelson
Stepping into the role of Community Partner for Field Blends: Michigan is a homecoming for Simonne. After gaining over a decade of experience in wine regions around the world, Simonne is excited to bring greater visibility to her home state's best-kept appellations. She believes Michigan wine’s approachability will entice the next generation of wine drinkers while championing diversity beyond vinifera. Simonne’s work centers the experience of fellow 1st generation kids, ensuring that barriers do not mar entry into the wine biz for future generations.
Winemaker, Co-Founder of Natural Action, Founder of Cal Poly BIPOC Scholarship Program, Michigan
Finger Lakes: Maiah Johnson Dunn
With the goal of making wine accessible to everyone, Maiah’s work focuses on broadening the narrative of wine by looking at how history has shaped where we are today. As the Community Partner for Field Blends: Finger Lakes (where her wine journey began). Maiah feels lucky to share the beauty of this region, but is eager to go beyond the romanticism of wine – something she believes is part of her duty as a journalist. Field Blends will push the dialogue and close the knowledge gap between consumer and maker – an important next step in the region’s evolution.
Writer, Speaker, Activist, and Beverage Education Manager at New York Kitchen, Finger Lakes
Walla Walla: Fiona Mak
Fiona’s commitment to innovation, community, and authenticity colors everything she does. As Field Blends: Walla Walla’s Community Partner, Fiona’s mission is to shine a light on the young Walla Walla wine community and showcase the work they’re doing to make the world of wine more accessible, equitable, and enjoyable for all.
Owner & Winemaker of SMAK Wines, Walla Walla
Field Notes
Coming into Field Blends I had an idea of what to expect, but once I emerged in the experience I was amazed to hear about the care, culture and compassion that winemakers share with one another. From getting to know new people from all over the country, to going to exclusive tastings and experiences put together by Maryam, Field Blends opened my mind into the wine world. Our group quickly became a community, and that's hard to accomplish in a relatively short time.
-Miguel Cortina, Mexico Editor, MotorTrend
Field Blends was my first time visiting Walla Walla, and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to experience this wine region in this way! From the evening dinners and networking to the winery and vineyard visits, Field Blends was such a well-rounded and thoughtfully curated experience that gave insight to how community is really the core of everything that takes place in Walla Walla. Maryam and her team did an incredible job, and I can't wait to see what they do next!
-Chasity Cooper, Author, Wine Culture Expert, and Entrepreneur
Field Blends allowed the Telesomm team to make meaningful connections with like-minded folks creating the next era of wine in Walla Walla. My mind, values, and all my senses were engaged on Maryam + Company's Field Blends experience--from tasting Loess soil to hearing women winemakers share their challenges and triumphs to smelling charred oak barrels. I applaud the Field Blends team for a seamless and thoughtfully curated experience. See you at Field Blends: Finger Lakes!
-Vanessa Raymond, Founder, Telesomm App
The Field Blends: Walla Walla trip was beyond what I had imagined a food and wine trip could encompass. From the intimate group size to the local, curated meals to the sense of community displayed by all the wine industry professionals we met each step of the way was beyond amazing! Being able to meet other scholarship recipients from all over the country, who are all on different wine journeys, allowed us to connect on a deeper level that we didn't know we needed. Hence why this experience was like no other, and we all noticed the amount of care and intention that the Field Blends team took the time to create meaningful experiences which resulted in everlasting memories!
-Tahlia Suggs, Founder, Sisterhood of Winos
“Field Blends was an adventure. There are amazing things that happened here, and I met some amazing people. Core memories were made here, and I am happy to be a part of it.”
- Antoniues Gregory, Field Blends: Michigan Trip Award Recipient
“The level of access that you get with Field Blends is really something that is going to revolutionize how people approach touring wine regions.”
-Davon Hatchett, Field Blends: Michigan Media Trip Award Recipient
Maryam Ahmed is a food and wine entrepreneur based in Napa, CA. She specializes in community activation, strategic programs, and project management for food and wine brands with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and sustainability.
Prior to launching Maryam + Company, she was the director of public programs for the Culinary Institute of America in California for nearly five years. Most often, her work takes place at the intersection of chefs, sommeliers, activists, sustainability experts, creatives, and organizations focused on diversity and equitable access within their communities. In addition to her consulting firm, she is the creator of the biannual Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum, a cast member on James Beard Award Nominated SOMM TV, and a partner in PLAYTE Kitchen. In 2021, Maryam received the distinguished Wine Industry Leader Award from Wine Business Monthly.
Field Blends combines Maryam’s programming talent with her passion for connecting socially conscious consumers to industry pioneers.