The Wine Unify community grows every month as it looks to welcome., elevate, and amplify the voices of underrepresented minorities across the wine industry. You can find out more about its support, training and mentoring programmes here.
The three founding principles of Wine Unify are ones that anyone working in the drinks industry can get behind. It believes that through education and support it can help:
- Welcome those who have an interest in wine but do not currently work in the field.
- Elevate and support the careers of existing wine industry professionals of colour who seek further education.
- Amplify the diverse voices of professionals, who are they themselves underrepresented minorities, that currently exist within the wine industry.
They are also the principles that The Buyer is looking to support by taking to those very individuals that have become part of Wine Unify in the last year as they look to be find their way in the wine industry – like Natasha Lorick.
Natasha Lorick
Natasha Lorick says she is very grateful to the support and opportunity that Wine Unify has given her
Can you tell us about your background?
I have been working in the corporate world for over 20 years, but have been a wine enthusiast for many years. I am also a single mom, so after my daughters became old enough I was able to dedicate more time to exploring and developing my passions which includes pursuing a career in the wine industry.
I am brand new to the wine sector so I’m just getting an opportunity to get my feet wet. While most of my wine education has been self-taught so far, I just completed my WSET Level 1 course and I am pursuing Level 2.
One of the great things about Wine Unify is the way the community embraces those who are just beginning their wine journey and the encouragement the mentors provide. The support of Wine Unify has really helped me gain the confidence to pursue my passion.
What do you find so interesting about wine that you want to work in the industry?
I love this industry because everything goes better with a bottle of wine. A birthday party, special occasion, dinner with friends or just watching a movie at home. Some of my best memories involve a bottle of my favourite varietal. After introducing so many of my friends and family members to new wines over the years, it gives me great joy whenever they call me to tell me about a new wine they discovered and want to give me their recommendation.
What help has Wine Unify given you?
Since I am so new to the wine industry, being selected by Wine Unify to be a part of their first Welcome Award class and then becoming a Wine Unify Alumni Ambassador has really been an honour. I am so thankful that the Wine Unify board recognised the passion I have for all things wine and has given me the opportunity to provide the same support to others.
What are your thoughts on how diverse and inclusive the drinks industry is?
Natasha Lorick is currently taking her WSET exams and hopes to develop a career in wine
I think it’s no secret that for many years the wine industry as a whole has been a white, male dominated space. Because of that, the industry has had a reputation of exclusivity – but because of organisations like Wine Unify things are changing. Not only are more and more people exploring wines, we are also being educated on all of the different career paths there are in the industry. I have been really excited at how many black owned wine companies have surfaced in the past few years.
Do you think there are the right steps being taken compared to five or 10 years ago?
I believe there are companies and organisations that now realise there is a lack of representation and diversity in the wine industry and they are trying to implement changes – acknowledgement is always the first step.
What steps would you like to see companies and individuals take?
I would like to see companies make an effort to put more black women in leadership positions. I have met so many powerful black women with knowledge and experience about wine and the wine “business” who have been rock stars in their profession and now it’s time for their seat at the table.
You are one of the recipients of Wine Unify Welcome Awards – what is that about?
The Wine Unify Welcome Awards were created to promote diversity and inclusion in the wine industry. What is so amazing about the organisation is its commitment to encouraging those who are interested in transitioning into the wine industry, or who are already established, but need that added support from a community invested in their success.
Natasha Lorick hopes to express her passion for wine and black culture through her Instagram feed at @cultreandvine
The Welcome Awards provide education and mentorship, but also put a spotlight on the diverse talent already in the industry.
What do you hope Wine Unify can achieve?
I hope Wine Unify can continue to provide a platform where minorities in the industry can feel seen and have continued conversations about making positive changes in the industry.
Would you urge other people to sign up ?
I would absolutely urge others to sign up. It has been such a wonderful experience and as a Wine Unify Ambassador, I am excited about seeing our community continue to grow.
- You can follow Natasha Lorick on Instagram at @cultureandvine and email her at nlorick1@gmail.com.
- To find out more about Wine Unify and the work it does then go to its website here.
