The Grande Dame Podcast

Marianne is the founder and president of the American Wine School. She began her journey as a chemistry teacher, then transitioned to a food and wine event producer, and then finally found herself back in education by creating the American Wine School. 

Casleah is the founder of By the Stem, which is a wine blog and Instagram account, where she shares her adventures in wine. She is a certified Sommelier, a wine educator, a wine influencer and is now a wine ambassador in Southern California. Her interest in wine has truly turned into a life passion and she approaches the wine world in a positive, fun and authentic way.

Regina is a serial entrepreneur that opened a wine shop called The House of Pure Vin in the heart of downtown Detroit. It is a signature retail destination and a consumer attraction for both wine lovers and wine connoisseurs. She is an advocate for entrepreneurs and the revitalization of Detroit. 

Mckenzie Gallagher is a entrepreneur, wife, mother of four and owner of Rove Estate, a winery located on leelanau peninsula in Michigan. Her husband is a 5th generation farmer who fell in love with farming grapes, and Mckenzie has big ideas and dreams that she turns into reality. Together they opened the winery 5 years ago and she talks about their struggles and triumphs, as well as finding a good work-life balance. 

Kristy is a wine and travel writer, with a background in marketing and communications. She has traveled the world with her family, exploring the culture, history and stories of wine. 

Fiona is the CEO and co-founder of Champagne Rendezvous. She has worked in the wine industry as a US brand ambassador for Chateau Guiraud (a 1st growth Bordeaux), a head sommelier at Michelin starred restaurants in France, and worked for top wineries in Chile to develop their brand strategy and marketing. She has followed her passion for the wine industry and telling the stories of wine, which has led her to start her own company FioVino Inc, and create Champagne Rendezvous. 

Cortney is the co-founder of Michigan by the Bottle tasting rooms in South East Michigan, as well as Blue Skies Brewery in Auburn Hills, Michigan. She followed her love and passion for her native state's wine and brought together and untapped community. 

My name is Heather Durham-Birley, also known as, the Happy Wine Lady. I will be hosting The Grande Dame Podcast and interviewing incredible women, who share their stories of life in the world of wine. This episode is just an introduction of myself and what The Grand Dame Podcast is all about.