Today we’d like to introduce you to The Girls & The Grape.
Hi The Girls &, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Cassandra and I first met at a wine tasting, shortly after I expressed interest in becoming an Ambassador for one of our former winery partners.
From the start, there was an easy connection between us, but it was during an event—when we had to pivot at the last minute—that we truly realized we “clicked.” Our work styles aligned seamlessly, and we quickly discovered a shared work ethic that set the foundation for the partnership we have today.
What began as a mentorship, with Cassandra guiding me, naturally evolved into a true partnership. Together, we co-founded *The Girls and the Grape*, a venture that has now been thriving for over five years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Entrepreneurship is rarely a smooth roadW, and our journey has been no exception.
While the challenges we’ve faced have not been insurmountable, they’ve often been shaped by operating within an industry that has long been dominated by a traditional, white, male-centered structure.
As a direct-to-consumer brand, we’ve also had to carve out space alongside the deeply entrenched three-tier distribution system—the “good old boys” network that can make competition feel like an uphill climb. Yet, we’ve embraced those moments as opportunities to adapt, grow, and stay true to our vision.
As we continue to thrive, we keep one of our favorite quotes at the forefront. ““Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” — Michelle Obama
By keeping our focus forward, we’ve continued to build something meaningful on our own terms.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Girls & The Grape?
The Girls & the Grape is a modern hospitality and lifestyle collective. We curate wine experiences, bespoke travel and intentional gatherings to bring people together in meaningful ways. Our goal is to make wine more approachable and inclusive where people feel a genuine connection to the wine, the region and each other.
We founded The Girls & The Grape based on our shared passion for great wine, learning about wine, bringing people together and storytelling. We curate elevated yet accessible tasting experiences where people gather intentionally – whether through curated events, private experiences, or thoughtfully selected travel. Rooted in authenticity and driven by purpose, we’re redefining what it means to enjoy and experience wine, one glass at a time.
What sets The Girls and the Grape apart is our commitment to making wine feel welcoming and accessible without sacrificing quality, expertise or making our experiences feel “transactional.”
We focus on creating personalized, elevated experiences that center connection, education, and storytelling, rather than simply “selling wine.” As a direct-to-consumer brand, we’re able to engage with our audience in a more authentic, hands-on way—building genuine relationships and tailoring each experience.
We’re rooted in inclusivity and driven by passion, while bringing a fresh perspective to an industry that often feels stuffy and driven by tradition. Everyone is invited to our table.
We are most proud of the fact that we’ve not only entered an industry where we’re not always welcomed—but have truly thrived within it. When we speak to that reality, we’re often referring to the challenges of operating as a direct-to-consumer brand in a space built around the traditional three-tier distribution system, where cutting out distributors can directly impact established bottom lines. Navigating those hurdles has required resilience, creativity, and an unwavering belief in our vision.
As two women of color, we’re equally proud of the relationships we’ve built and sustained—relationships made possible through the trust and support of our clients and community. We take pride in the depth of wine knowledge we’ve cultivated and our ability to share that knowledge in a way that feels engaging and accessible, while also supporting our corporate partners with thoughtful, elevated gifting for their teams.
We’re also very proud of our partnerships we’ve formed over the years with non-profit organizations, assisting them with raising funds for very worthy causes.
Most recently, we’ve expanded our impact even further with the launch of The Cassandra Collective – *Cellar and Compass*, the travel division of The Girls & the Grape—an exciting evolution that allows us to connect people to wine and culture, while traveling on a global scale.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor isn’t easy—especially when the people you admire most are already juggling full schedules and significant responsibilities. That reality can make the idea of mentorship feel out of reach, but meaningful connections are still possible with intention and respect for their time.
We approach potential mentors with a clear, focused request—whether it’s a brief coffee chat or specific advice on a defined topic—rather than a broad, open-ended ask. We also try to build relationships organically by engaging with their work, showing genuine interest, and demonstrating how we’re applying their insights. We’ve realized that thoughtful, consistent connection often opens doors that a single ask cannot.
What has worked best for us is intentional networking paired with targeted and timely follow-up. There are countless opportunities to connect, but success comes from being strategic—ensuring the rooms you’re in align with the audience you want to serve and staying thoughtful about how you nurture those connections afterward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsandthegrape.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlsandthegrape
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-girls-the-grape/?viewAsMember=true
