Season VI: Simonne Mitchelson, winemaker and activist, Los Olivos, California

South Africa native Simonne Mitchelson has lived all over the globe, and got her start in wine when she worked harvest on Waiheke Island in New Zealand for Stonyridge Vineyard. Since then, she’s had her hand in several vintages all over the world, most recently in Lompoc. At the time of this interview, she had just taken a job with Tin City Cider, opening their new tasting room in Los Olivos, California. Simonne is passionate about bringing other Black and Indigenous people of color along in the wine industry; she and guest host Justin Trabue recently wrote a letter asking the wine industry for support of Black lives. Listen to them discuss Simonne’s big family, her experiences as a Black woman in the wine industry, and what she wants to see next for this place she calls home. Also: see below for resources mentioned by Simonne in the episode.

Instagram: @simonneandsoforth

Photo credit: Heather Daenitz, craftandcluster.com

Radical XChange (consultancy serving hospitality & social justice based cultural events & resources).: @radicalxchange

The Collectress (Ashtin Berry, Sommelier, bartender and hospitality activist ): @thecollectress

Soon Hee Lee (Kendra, advocate for food justice and health equity): @soon.hee.lee