MODESTO, Calif. — E.&J. Gallo Winery has launched the Women Behind the Wine initiative to support professional development of women in the food and beverage business. This multi-faceted campaign focuses on the advancement and achievements of women in the industry.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to support women wanting to enter the industry or advance their careers in wine and spirits,” stated Joe Gallo, vice president of LUX wines and channel marketing. “Our field is complex, challenging, and most importantly, growing. Women Behind the Wine empowers women with meaningful educational experiences and champions a more innovative and inclusive category.”

The company said Women Behind the Wine (#womenbehindthewine) will:

• Advance education through $100,000 in scholarships: From candidates aspiring to be a master sommelier to college students studying enology, a $100,000 grant to Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation (www.womenofthevine.com) will provide women in the food, wine, spirits, viticulture and hospitality industry the ability to pursue their education ambitions.
• Celebrate female leadership: In an ongoing campaign, Women Behind the Wine will highlight some of today’s most inspiring female leaders in the industry. In-store displays, trade events and print and social media will amplify the diverse stories meant to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.
• Generate community involvement through “buy wine, fuel dreams” opportunity: Together with E.&J. Gallo Winery’s retail and on-premise partners, consumers will be able to support women in the wine industry. The campaign aims to encourage conversation and networking among women and their allies.