Michelle Beathard

Michelle Beathard’s career in the wine business began over a decade ago in the tasting room of a small enoteca in Marsala, Italy. There she conducted tastings in both English and Italian, and provided wine education about the local Sicilian wines and regional food pairings. Upon returning to the United States, Michelle became an Independent Wine Guide with Traveling Vineyard, for whom she conducted in-home wine tasting events, marketed the company’s products, and built a team. Michelle’s hard work allowed her to be promoted eight times to earn the title of Ruby Director. In addition, Michelle earned several accolades as a Wine Guide, including achieving the title of Third Runner Up for Top Rookie Sales Volume in 2014, being named “Spirit of the Vineyard” in December 2014, earning three consecutive incentive trips, and having the honor of being a featured presenter at local and regional trainings, as well as at Traveling Vineyard’s Annual National Conference in 2016. Michelle is currently the Southeast Team Leader for Flow Wine Group, a full-service wine marketing company that specializes in educational tasting events at the point of sale. Her goal is to pursue a career in wine education.

“I am honored and humbled to be awarded the Fuel Your Dreams Scholarship by Women of the Vine & Spirits, and E. & J. Gallo Winery “Women Behind the Wine” Educational Fund. In the years since beginning my wine journey, I have put off pursuing a formal wine education because I always felt guilty about reducing the amount of time and resources that I provide for my children. This scholarship will allow me to pour myself into earning the certifications, without worrying as much about the financial investment. I look forward to my children watching me study and work hard to achieve a dream that I’m so passionate about.“