Were it possible to gather strong female figures like Amelia Earhart, Susan B. Anthony or Annie Oakley in one place at one time—there is a wine bar dedicated to strong women determined to “change the world and have a hell of a good time.”

WineGirl Wines, with two locations in Washington —Lake Chelan and Leavenworth— is a winery and wine club founded by Angela Jacobs, a woman on a mission to honor strong women; all women. But of course, guys are welcome too.

Jacobs’ winemaking dreams began at an early age but only blossomed after earning degrees in bio-chemistry and cell and molecular biology and then taking off on a “world tour” to study grape harvests and learn the art of winemaking.

“My wines are a direct reflection of my decisions, my beliefs, and my life,” says Jacobs in her bio on WineGirl Wines’ website. “If I am going through a big change, my wine reflects my struggle as it reflects my successes. Each wine is a story of my life.” 

In this week’s Q&A interview with Recipe for Success, Angela Jacobs discusses her concept, niche, and her odyssey to create a wine experience, including an upsell product line featuring WineGirl Wine tee shirts, mugs, and memorabilia.

BB: What niche does WineGirl Wines fulfill?

WGW: WineGirl Wines occupies a special place in the hearts of tourists to central WA and those who appreciate a strong female character. We’ve tried to create a lifelong impression for people and feel we’ve become more like family.

BB: How did you get started?

WGW: I was driven from the age of 19 to be a winemaker. I had a poor experience in the workplace with a former boss in 2005 and shortly thereafter in 2006 started WineGirl Wines, so I could work for myself. From there it was a constant development of my vision for the brand and what the consumer needed.

BB: What is your target consumer? And how have you reached them?

WGW: Primarily, we reach our customers through our two tasting room locations, the events we host in Lake Chelan and our quarterly subscription wine club membership.

BB: I simply love the images of women on your website. Please tell me about these fabulous winegirls.

WGW: The PinUp series was inspired by a 1946 Varga calender I acquired over 20 years ago, combined with my desire to portray women in less traditional roles or experiences unique to Lake Chelan and Leavenworth. I wanted to create a souvenir driven and collectible series of labels. We’re hoping to add two more to complete the set: one for a breast cancer warrior and possibly a Latin cowgirl.

BB: What is your background in wine/hospitality?

WGW: I have been in the restaurant service industry since I was 16. I have been officially in the wine industry since my first harvest in 2003 at St Francis Winery. Other than Washington, I have worked in wineries and vineyards in New Zealand, California and the Willamette Valley.

BB: What is unique about your wines?

WGW: We have a unique variety of wines with nearly 20 different types including three different Port-style wines and another Sparkling soon to be released. There is something for everyone.

BB: What makes you optimistic about the future?

WGW: We are optimistic about the dedication of our customers and hope to continue to deliver wines, labels, and events they love. —Wine Girl Wines uses Boxerbrand menu covers in its table presenation. Thank you!