have always been a lot of women in the industry at all levels , which has helped fuel this , whether distribution houses run and owned by women , distillers , brand owners , sales managers , and more .
I have been working with women since starting Koval at all levels of the industry , so even when things are difficult , I have never been alone . I have also known a lot of men who really have been helpful to women by giving them and their brand real attention .
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE ( WOMEN IN PARTICULAR ) LOOKING TO GET INTO THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY ?
Women have been a part of this industry since its inception – “ Maria the Jewess ” actually created the first still in ancient Egypt . This industry is there for you . Take it by the horns .
NATALIE TAPKEN
LEAD SOMMELIER AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR AT BLUEPOINT HOSPITALITY GROUP IN EASTON , MD
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL BUSINESS ?
My first restaurant job was in middle school working at my aunt ’ s pizza parlor . I then worked at a steakhouse in high school where I always loved winning the wine contest for highest weekend sales . The winning server received a free meal of their choosing , which was quite a treat for a high school student on a budget .
My next job was at Café Atlantico in Washington D . C ., where I fully immersed myself into the world of wines . The chef and philanthropist José Andres took me under his wing and shared amazing and unique knowledge of food , wine and hospitality . The wine classes and tastings at the restaurants were so eye-opening and I relished the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of wine and fine dining .
While attaining a graduate degree in philosophy , I was drawn into the New York culinary scene . Needing to earn extra money as all students do , I found myself working at top restaurants in the city , as well as Wine and Spirits magazine . In 2006 , I accepted the job as wine director for Lure Fishbar in SoHo and the rest is history .
DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR IN THE INDUSTRY ? HAVE YOU BEEN A MENTOR TO OTHERS ?
I have many mentors in the industry , but the one who stands out is [ wine expert / importer ] Becky Wasserman . Much has been written about Becky since her untimely passing in 2021 . Her accomplishments were many , and she touched countless people in our industry .
Becky was one of the first female importers to own her own company , but she didn ’ t stop there ; she hired predominantly female employees . Becky showed the industry that women could run and execute a business as well if not better than men . She always acted with integrity and tried to build young people up in the industry . She encouraged me to move into the world of import and distribution and I could not have my career today without her guidance .
I try to honor Becky ’ s legacy by being a mentor to other young women in the
Natalie Tapken wine industry . Becky also started her wine business as a mother of two young boys . She showed me that you can build a professional career while also raising a family . Now a mother of three myself , I mentor other young mothers in the industry on how to balance a home life without sacrificing one ’ s career .
HAVE YOU FACED CHALLENGES AS A WOMAN IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN WHAT ’ S STILL A MALE- DOMINATED INDUSTRY ?
I am very lucky to have always worked in companies that have encouraged women in leadership positions . I recognize that I am in a unique situation as many of my peers still describe antiquated male dominated work environments . In my current role with Bluepoint Hospitality , I am thoroughly supported as a woman and mother of three .
HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY BENEFITED FROM HAVING WOMEN AT THE TABLE MAKING DECISIONS ?
Bluepoint Hospitality has benefited greatly from having women at the table making decisions . Paul Prager , the founder of Bluepoint Hospitality , has hired many women to leadership positions and relies heavily on their counsel . This is one of the many reasons I love to call Bluepoint Hospitality home .
DO YOU THINK THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY HAS IMPROVED AS FAR AS WOMEN AND GENDER DEI IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS ?
The beverage and alcohol industry has made vast strides in the area of gender equality and inclusivity . I remember when I was pregnant with my first child 12 years ago . It was almost unheard of for a pregnant woman to work on the floor as a sommelier . I ignored the norm and worked the floor until within just a few days of my daughter ’ s birth .
I don ’ t think of myself as a groundbreaker but I do hope that my exam-
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