By: Eliza Hess
International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8. It began more than a century ago as part of labor movements that recognized the work women were already doing and pushed for the opportunity to participate fully in professional and public life.
At its core, the idea was simple. Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute and be recognized for their work.
That idea still matters.
Here in Lodi, wine has always been shaped by people who care deeply about what they do. Farmers, cellar workers, hosts, mechanics, bookkeepers, and winemakers. People who learn by doing and who keep improving their craft over time.
The women who work here at The Lucas Winery are part of that tradition.
They bring knowledge, curiosity, and pride to their work. They contribute ideas that make this place better. They strengthen the winery through their commitment to the craft and their willingness to keep learning.
I have also had the privilege of watching that spirit through the partnership that is at the core of this winery.
David started this winery with a clear vision for what Lodi wine could be. One of the most important things he did was invite Heather to build it alongside him. What they created together has always been a partnership between David’s vision and Heather’s execution.
If you ask David about Heather, his eyes light up immediately. He is the first to tell you how incredible she is. He talks about her attention to detail, her deep understanding of wine, and her constant curiosity to keep learning more about wine and winemaking every year.
Heather’s influence reaches far beyond this winery. She has been a pillar in the Lodi wine community for decades. She has consulted with other wineries, mentored aspiring winemakers, and spoken about the wine industry and Lodi itself with intention and care. Many people working in wine here today have learned something from Heather along the way.
Conversations about women in wine sometimes focus on how unusual it is. But Heather’s influence, and the influence of many women in this industry, did not come from novelty. It came from expertise, dedication, and years of thoughtful work.
And that is the real story. The journey it took for women to have a seat at the table, and the work that continues to ensure more people have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge, ideas, and craft.
When more people are able to contribute, the work gets better. Communities grow stronger. Wine certainly does.
As a winemaker, what matters most to me is the craft. The willingness to learn, to question what you did last year, and to keep improving the work vintage after vintage.
I have been fortunate to learn from Heather and to see what dedication to the craft looks like over decades. Her example reminds me that this work is never finished. There is always more to learn and always another vintage ahead.
Today is a good day to recognize the women who are part of that work here at The Lucas Winery and throughout the Lodi wine community.
And it is also a reminder of something simple. When we open the table so more people can contribute their knowledge, curiosity, and craft, the work becomes stronger for everyone.
Together, we rise.
