Lettuce Women in Wine are Crushing It

Raise a glass to these spectacular somms

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s have a toast to the Lettuce women in wine! These leading ladies are breaking barriers and paving the way for the next generation. From sommeliers to wine directors, get to know some of these incredible women, their favorite wines, and their advice for aspiring wine professionals. 

Meet Kathleen Hawkins, Wine Director at the St. Regis Chicago for Miru and Tre Dita, who has been a sommelier for 12 years. For Kat, the world of wine offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. Her favorite wine? The R.H. Coutier “Tradition” Brut, NV, which pairs perfectly with Miru’s Kampachi raw dish. Kat’s advice? Focus on building strong relationships and uplifting one another. 

Next up is Katie Wilkinson, a sommelier at RPM Seafood. For Katie, the intellectual challenge and growth opportunities in a restaurant setting drew her to become a sommelier. Her go-to wine? Any Agrapart et Fils Champagne. Katie’s advice is to surround yourself with inspiring women in professional wine roles. She says when she began her career at Lettuce, joining the strong female team at RPM Restaurants was a “see it to be it” moment that allowed her to visualize what was possible and how to achieve it.

Last but certainly not least, we have Isabella Tenorio, a sommelier at RPM Seafood with three years of experience. She says there are countless aspects of her job as a sommelier that she loves, from the diverse array of wines she serves, to the engaging conversations she has with guests. “I enjoy the constant novelty,” she shares. “My role continuously challenges me and inspires me to expand my knowledge every day.” Tenorio has two favorite wines, which hail from Vachau, Austria: Grüner Veltliner and Dry Riesling, both known for their high acidity, food-friendly nature, and exceptional quality. Her pro tip: Seek out a mentor! “Women in the wine industry are eager to mentor young talent. In this industry, it’s all about paying it forward.” 

Let’s raise a glass and cheers to these super somms! Remember, there’s plenty of room at the table for all to succeed.