Pursuing Her Dream Job

Anne Keller, Midwest Sales Manager for Vineyard Brands, Inc. 

In a field predominately dominated by men, Anne Keller is determined not to let gender distinction stand in her way. Through hard work and determination she has made a name for herself in the wine import business. It has been a long and unique trip from the campus of the University of Michigan in pursuit of her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and French to the fast-paced business of importing wine from all over the world. WWOL recently had the opportunity to sit down with Anne Keller to discuss the wine importer business and career opportunities available for women in the ever changing and frenetic wine and spirits industry.   

Originally Anne set out to be a foreign language teacher and like many college students, Anne worked evenings and weekends while attending classes during the day. She worked the restaurant circuit for a period of time and finally landed at a place she could call home, The Common Grill restaurant in Chelsea, Michigan.  It was during this job that her appreciation of wine and food grew. 

As graduation day grew closer Anne was at a cross-road, what did she want to do with her degree? There were several factors that led to her career choice but the impetus that propelled her was a college friend’s Dad who was a big wine aficionado.  While discussing her dilemma and potential career path into the wine world his response was, ‘now that is an interesting field for a woman’. It was this candor and her natural ability to succeed and overcome this deference that provided the stimulus to succeed in a male-driven world, and succeed she has, but it has taken a lot of hard work and long hours.   As Anne stated, ‘I don’t look at this as a job but a life-style. You need to place limits and find balance otherwise the job will take over your life and you will not have time to yourself.’

Anne’s current position is representing Vineyard Brands, Inc. as Midwest Sales Manager.  Vineyard Brands represents over 60 growers of estate-bottled wines from all over the world.  There are still the long hours, the tastings, the endless amount of conferencing but the difference is that it is on her terms which is its own pleasure for sure.

In her more than 13 years in the industry, Anne has noticed an ever expanding wine market and notes more women wine consumers. In the job market, there are more On-Premise[1] wine opportunities for women as opposed to Off-Premise jobs. Anne attributes this to the fact that women are more organized in general, have a wee bit more patience and can multi-task. With wine industry salary continuing to outpace the national average, a career path in the wine industry should not be overlooked. It can be a job for women in any stage of life.

Created: 11/1/2007 Edited: 11/24/2007

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