We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kari Herron. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kari below.

Alright, Kari thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Nearly two years ago, I shared an idea with three friends about gathering once a month to drink and discuss different types of wine. We planned to bring one bottle each and learn about it together. Our idea sparked the interest of other close friends, and together we formed a group of eight women. To my surprise, we received dozens of inquiries from other women who wanted to join us. It was astonishing to find out that many like-minded women in Utah were interested in meeting up to drink wine. Unfortunately, this type of group is not common in Utah culture, and it can be challenging to find people with the same interests. However, with Salt Lake City growing and changing, more wine enthusiasts are moving here and looking for wine education, wine tastings, wine dinners, and friends who like to drink wine.

Kari , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I don’t have any formal training in wine education and started this group as a passion project. This group was created to educate and build a community of Utah women wine enthusiasts. Due to the overwhelming response, you have two ways to engage with our wine club:

* Attend public events in collaboration with local venues throughout SLC. Some events may require a fee, which varies depending on the venue. These gatherings are designed to provide a more sociable atmosphere, enabling a larger group of women to come together, fostering authentic social connections, and nurturing lasting friendships within our club.

* Attend private gatherings for up to 8 hosted at a member’s home or other venue of their choosing. To be considered for attendance at our private wine club gatherings, we have instituted a screening process to ensure a cohesive and safe community. A waiting list will be available for cancellations for those who have passed the screening process.

We envision more than a club – we are crafting an experience, a sisterhood of wine enthusiasts embracing the diversity and sophistication that wine brings. Together, we are on a journey of empowerment, where each sip becomes a celebration of our shared passion and individual uniqueness.

Utah Women and Wine is your ticket to a vibrant community, where meaningful friendships and wine exploration intertwine. Each month, our themed tastings dive into diverse wine-related topics. As we sip and savor, we also celebrate local flavors, partnering with Utah restaurants and showcasing women-owned businesses.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Navigating changes can be a dynamic aspect of our group. Life is unpredictable and we’ve had some members shift their interests, which is entirely natural. Monthly commitment is essential, and flexibility is key. We have embraced the ebb and flow of friends joining and departing; it’s all part of accommodating our group’s growth and diverse interests. Welcoming change can be such a rejuvenating experience for any group. It’s like a breath of fresh air that brings with it new possibilities and opportunities.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

To engage viewers, it is crucial to maintain consistency and incorporate visually appealing graphics into your posts. These elements are essential to grab the attention of your audience and keep them interested in your content. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly produce high-quality graphics and ensure that they are consistent in style and theme. By doing so, you can establish a strong brand identity and increase engagement with your audience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @utahwomenandwine
• Other: @a_wined_life (Kari Herron, Founder)