Desiree Harrison-Brown

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Desiree graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. After taking an introductory wine class, she completely fell in love with wine and changed her career trajectory. Desiree has experience as a distributor sales representative and is currently a Wine Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Winemakers. She founded the brand WINO NOIRE with the mission of making wine accessible to diverse groups. Her goal is to demystify the world of wines to encourage more diversity in the industry. Desiree holds a WSET Level Three Certification in Wines and Spirits. With this award, she plans to continue her journey with the WSET Diploma program.

“I am thrilled to have been awarded the Fuel Your Dream Scholarship from the Women of the Vine & Spirits and E. & J. Gallo Winery "Women Behind the Wine" Educational Fund. Winning this award reduces the financial burden of continuing to wine education and beginning the WSET Diploma program. I am grateful for these organizations' commitment to ensuring diversity and advancing women in the wine industry.”