The wine industry has a history of exclusivity. Traditionally, consumers are told whether they're tasting the "right" or "wrong" notes, wine labels are difficult to understand and information about wines and their producers is hard to come by. Upscale restaurants with extensive wine programs can often feel stuffy and uninviting and community events where folks outside of the industry are welcome are few and far between.
Beyond those barriers, a lack of diversity in the wine industry has been the elephant in the room for years, with an overwhelming lack of jobs available for those not "in the know." At wine events, being one of just a few (if any) women, queer folks or people of color is not an uncommon occurrence. Today, many people are working to change the industry for the better by focusing on inclusivity through community building events and education.
