At Copper Peak Logistics, our strength comes not just from the work we do, but from the people who show up every day committed to excellence. This Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize four women whose leadership has helped shape Copper Peak into the company it is today: Stacey Heuer, Merilee Anderson, Katiria “Kay” Rodriguez, and Heidi Grooms. Together, these four leaders represent 64 years of dedication working for the Lane Family. Their collective experience, leadership styles, and commitment to meaningful relationships have been instrumental in building the culture, standards, and reputation that define Copper Peak. While each of them leads in different areas of the organization, they share a common belief: great logistics isn’t just about moving product. It’s about people, partnerships, and the responsibility of representing our winery partners with care and precision. Leadership Rooted in Experience and Passion Each of these women brings

We proudly announced the recipients of the inaugural WISE Rising Stars Scholarships during a live presentation at the DTC Wine Symposium last week, celebrating the next generation of DTC wine industry leaders in front of more than 500 winery professionals. As one of the event’s original sponsors, WISE continues to invest in the Symposium’s mission of education, collaboration, and forward‑thinking leadership. The Rising Stars Scholarships extend that commitment—supporting people, developing leadership, and strengthening the DTC community across the industry. The Rising Stars Scholarships received an overwhelming response from across the country. The strength of applications prompted Commerce7 to step in and match one of the scholarships, allowing WISE to expand the program and support additional recipients. Join us as we raise a glass towards this year's recipients! Kelsey Gomes is the DTC Marketing Manager at Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards. Upon re

A Story of Leadership, Innovation, Hard Work, and Inclusion In an industry dominated by large-scale manufacturers and long-established corporations, National Storage Tank (NST) stands out not only as a leader in engineered water storage systems but also as a certified woman-owned business driving change through innovation, diversity, and community impact. Led by CEO Nicole Oblad, NST has become a powerhouse in the design and delivery of bolted steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, and underground water storage tanks, serving industries ranging from hospitals and data centers to agriculture and manufacturing. Yet, what truly sets NST apart isn’t just the scale of its operations, but the values that fuel its success. Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry The water storage and construction industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but NST’s leadership has rewritten that narrative. Under Nicole Oblad’s guidance, NST has become one of

by Stacey HeuerAs we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a time to pause and reflect on the past year—the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve navigated, and the many things we have to be grateful for. For those of us in the wine industry, this reflection feels especially meaningful. The past year has asked us to adapt, to rethink long-standing traditions, and to find new ways to connect with customers and one another. We’ve witnessed shifting consumer preferences, evolving markets, and the uncertainty that naturally comes with change. Yet through it all, I’ve seen incredible determination, creativity, and collaboration across our community. These qualities remind me that, while the landscape may shift, what truly endures is our shared passion for the craft, our resilience in the face of challenge, and the strong sense of camaraderie that binds us together. In that spirit, I’d like to share what I’m especially thankful for within our wine

Meet Pedro Trigueros! Sunridge Nurseries' very first intern.  This year, Sunridge launched an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in a commercial nursery environment through our summer Horticulture Internship program. This initiative was designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of all stages of plant growth, emphasizing essential aspects such as nutrient management, lighting, and pest control, all vital for cultivating thriving plants. Under the expert mentorship of Horticulturist and Agronomist, Linsi Luckett, the program offered Pedro the chance to engage in a variety of responsibilities and enrich his learning experience by mastering irrigation techniques, assisting with plant applications, monitoring plant growth, and engaging in essential testing procedures, just to name a few. “Pedro has been an exceptional asset and is rapidly becoming an integral member of our Horticulture and Agronomy team,” stated Lins

In this WIN Insider Series episode, George Christie interviews Alexandra O’Gorman, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines. Alexandra shares her journey from Carmel, California, into the wine industry, working her way through sales, marketing, hospitality, and communications at prestigious wineries, including Flowers Vineyard and Korbel, while earning her MBA from Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute. Her career is defined by taking risks, embracing change, and continuous learning. Alexandra discusses her current role overseeing community relations at Foley Family Wines, blending social impact, sustainability, and strategic philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of industry inclusivity, mentorship, and authentic leadership while addressing current challenges like market perceptions, product focus, and member engagement within winery associations. Her insights on connection, community involvement, and focused portfolios provide valuable inspirat

In this WIN Insider episode, George Christie interviews Maggie Zeman, a seasoned PR and marketing professional who transitioned from Washington DC’s State Department to Silicon Valley tech, before founding The Barn Group in Northern California’s wine industry to then merge with a larger PR firm and expand her role nationally. Maggie shares insights on the wine sector’s current challenges, emphasizing that the industry faces a marketing problem, not a product problem, requiring targeted communication strategies to engage younger consumers and adapt to evolving behaviors. The conversation covers the dramatically changed media landscape—from traditional wine writers to freelance-driven ecosystems, influencers, and digital creators—plus how AI and new platforms are reshaping media relations. Maggie discusses the importance of mentorship, intergenerational learning, and the challenges remote work poses for career growth. Despite industry headwinds, she remain

We’re proud to share the third annual Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship Impact Report! Since 2015, your support has helped us invest over $436,000 in college scholarships for the children of California’s vineyard and winery workers. These students are breaking new ground—98% are the first in their families to attend college. The road isn’t easy. Three out of four first-generation college students don’t graduate. Many face challenges like limited guidance, financial pressure, and the emotional weight of leaving family behind. That’s why this scholarship does more than cover tuition—it also provides mentorship, helping students stay on track and build a future rooted in service and leadership. Take a look at what we accomplished together last year! ¡También disponible en español! Thank you for your continued support.

Knowledge Is Power.  Small business owners spend their days concentrating on their particular specialty, but there’s one thing they have in common: they all have to contend with a host of similar workforce issues. Below, we've provided the top three business resources you should use to tackle common challenges like business planning, securing funding, and navigating day-to-day operations with greater confidence and clarity. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, these tools can help you build a strong foundation and make informed decisions every step of the way. _________________________________________________________________ The Small Business Administration (SBA) The SBA offers a plethora of advice about planning, launching, managing, and growing a small business. They offer a useful guide to writing your business plan. The SBA’s Create Your Business Plan section of its website is an excellent place to s