FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tara Meineke, Co-Owner and Operator of M Cellars Winery Receives Legacy Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Wine Industry
Geneva, Ohio – May 12, 2023 – Tara Meineke, the visionary, co-owner, and operator of M Cellars Winery, has been honored with a prestigious Legacy Award for her exceptional work in the wine and hospitality industry. The Legacy Awards, supported by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, was established in 2009 by Les Dames d’Escoffier International with the goal of providing targeted mentorship opportunities for professional women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.
Tara and her husband Matt were inspired to start their own vineyard and winery after visiting numerous wine regions in Ohio, New York, California, and Ontario Canada. With the support of people and institutions that believed in them, their dream became a reality, and Meineke Vineyards and M Cellars Winery were born. Meineke has spent the last 16 years building a legacy that she hopes to pass on to future generations. A plan that includes setting a new standard of wine growing and production in the Grand River Valley Region of Ohio, paired with an exceptional customer service experience when visiting.
At M Cellars, Meineke’s mission is to celebrate the potential of winemaking in their region by handcrafting authentic wines that create meaningful connections between land, vines, and people. Her passion for wine and dedication to excellence have earned her numerous accolades and awards, most recently the Legacy Award in Wine and Hospitality.
Upon receiving the award, Meineke expressed her gratitude to The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, and Les Dames d’Escoffier International for their support of professional women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. “I am honored to receive this award, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication, all made possible with the support of my amazing team”, said Meineke. “We are committed to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of our region, aligned with an extraordinary experience that is like no other.”
As part of the award, Meineke has earned an exclusive experience hosted by Grande Dame Carolyn Wente, Chairwoman of the Board and Owner of Wente Family Estates. Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the longest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the United States.
Meineke will experience a three-day immersion in learning about Wente’s viticulture, winemaking, and hospitality philosophies. Members of the Wente team will give Meineke a front-row seat to their business operations including sustainable grape growing and vineyard practices, winemaking and quality control, marketing, tasting room experience, and wine country hospitality. “I will leave with a wealth of knowledge, and inspiration from this incomparable hands-on experience”, said Meineke. “I plan to put all this invaluable knowledge to direct use and continue building and growing Meineke Vineyards and M Cellars Winery by bringing back Wente Vineyards’ renowned practices and techniques to our little corner of the wine world.” She’s hoping her family, like Wente’s, will enjoy multiple generations of success in this incredible wine industry.
The Legacy Awards program has helped many women achieve their goals and significantly contribute to their fields. The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts generously supports this program to help ensure that the next generation of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries have access to the mentorship and support they need to succeed.
For more information about Tara Meineke and M Cellars Winery, visit their website at https://www.mcellars.com.
Contact:
Tara Meineke
M Cellars Winery
info@mcellars.com | 440-361-4104
To learn more about the Legacy Awards and Les Dames d’Escoffier International visit their website here.