Climate change has been a constant battle throughout the last several decades, especially as it relates to policy and effective change. While it can feel overwhelming wondering when we will see that change, it's important to also think about how we can personally invest in combating climate change, specifically how to mitigate our water footprint. After all, California is an agricultural mecca with an ability of producing a wide variety of crops. Unfortunately, California also has a very largescale water scarcity issue. In fact, 2.7 billion people experience water scarcity at least one month out of the year, globally. As soon as 2025, two thirds of the world's population could experience water shortage due to various exploitations. So how can we conserve more water, beyond taking shorter showers, limiting how often we water our grass, or running water while doing the dishes? The answer: one snack at a time. From the age of 5, Guilherme Maia Silva would venture with his dad out in the fields of Brazil to learn about pests and crop diseases, far before he would understand the importance those moments would have on the trajectory of his education and pursuit towards building a company that tackles sustainability, social issues centered around agriculture, global agriculture practices and water conservation. While studying Plant Sciences at UC Davis, Guilherme proposed the question: why do we use such water intensive crops and ingredients, such as almonds, walnuts, and dairy in our snack? Through his research, Silva came across an alternative seed that was better for our earth and assisted in conserving more water: watermelon seeds. In fact, watermelon seeds have a water footprint 94 times lower than pistachios, 78 times lower than almonds, and 11 times lower than dairy! It was here that he decided to save the planet one snack at a time. Thus Forca Foods was born! Forca foods provides an alternative to snacking to help offset some of that water footprint from our daily lifestyle. The healthy, vegan, gluten free and delicious energy bites only use 4 natural and organic ingredients! So while there's lots of ways you save water, snacking is the latest discovery for those interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle. At the end of the day, what you eat really matters and can make a difference! Interested in supporting the Forca Foods movement to lower our water footprint? Visit their webpage: forcafoods.com and follow along on instagram @forcafoods #happysnacking #happysipping

It's amazing what we can accomplish when we get out of our own way. When we dream and decide to put action into going after those dreams. For Jamele, many of those dreams have been possible to realize because of the community of people who surround him. Early on in his childhood, it was his community that instilled a belief that he would be magnanimous and accomplish anything he wanted to. In his young adulthood, that was reflected by becoming the first person in his family to go to college. As years went on, his world expanded and reflected a growing ecosystem of Black excellence that further inspired his pursuit to become whatever he set his mind to. In 2020 when the world shut down, Jamele and his friend co-created a podcast called "Music in the Bottle" where the two would break down life impacting events, personally and nationally, while enjoying wine and discussing the latest trends in music. Their goal was to make wine more accessible to their friends and show that wine was a beverage for everyone to enjoy. It's here that he met the first Black Sommelier in his life, George Walker III, who was featured on the podcast. Jamele, who at the time was working at the Modales Wines tasting room, was inspired to expand his knowledge in wine by taking his first WSET course after receiving a scholarship from Wine Unify, a non-profit that welcomes, elevates, and amplifies the voices of non-white, underrepresented minorities in the wine industry. Witnessing Black people thriving in wine--George Walker, his favorite basketball players and their wine labels, and movies like "Uncorked" on Netflix--was a game changer for Jamele, especially because he felt the direct support from organizations that aimed to diversify wine. In addition to becoming a Wine Unify scholar, Jamele learned about scholarship opportunities offered through The Roots Fund that would allow him to travel out West, into the heart of Napa Valley. Though he'll admit he was nervous to uproot his life for several months and head to California, he focused his energy on thinking of those who had believed in what he could become and all he could achieve. He figured, "let's just throw this [idea] on the dart board, and if it sticks, it sticks." After being accepted as a Roots Fund scholar, Jamele became an intern for Heitz Cellars, which furthered his growth and knowledge in an industry he became deeply passionate about. His excitement for the knowledge, connections, and community he'd gained for a lifetime further inspired him to get back to Michigan and continue expanding the wine scene in his own community. Currently, Jamele is back in Grand Rapids, Michigan and continues to produce, create, and host "Music in the Bottle" podcast with his friends while balancing a career as the Marketing Manager for Modales Wines, a winery located in the heart of the Fennville AVA. Continuously taking that leap of faith brings him great joy knowing he's inspiring his family, nieces and nephews, to forge their own path, follow their dreams, and experience the treasures life has to offer when you choose to break out of your bubble and become what you desire. Feel the joy as we sip from Jamele's cup, and don't forget to stay connected! Tune in to Music In the Bottle podcast by following along on IG: @musicinthebottlepodcast and his personal IG: @j_fav and don't forget to support incredible organizations like Wine Unify (@wineunify) and The Roots Fund Inc (@rootsfund) #happysipping

For more than a decade, Aminah "Chef Mimi" Robinson-Briscoe has focused on the often-overlooked intersection of food, social justice, and entertainment. In her article, "Black Girls Don’t Eat Avocados: A Holistic View of Food Disparities in the Black Community,” Chef Mimi shares her own personal food journey and the philosophy that informs her work. A proud Oakland native, Chef Mimi is the founder of the Black Food & Wine Experience, a mission-driven event that bridges Black culture, food, beverage, education and health together for the most amazing culinary experiences. At the heart of the Black Food & Wine Experience, which will be held in Oakland, CA June 11th - 18th 2022, is a space where Black excellence is cultivated, celebrated, and explored by all. Throughout this week-long event leading up to Juneteenth, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a range of food and beverages that span the African diaspora, meet industry veterans as well as up-and-coming Black chefs, winemakers, and spirit makers, learn about the latest trends, and network. Not only did Chef Mimi create The Black Food & Wine Experience, but through Chef Mimi LLC, she has brought to life two other distinct brands: "Bringing It to The Table," the first culinary competition show highlighting the talent and passion of Black chefs, and Chef Mimi Catering, a boutique catering company that services Bay Area tech companies such as Facebook, Slack, Twilio and Lyft as well as non-profits and cultural events like the Coalition of Black Excellence and ESSENCE Festival. Most recently, she was recognized on the list of 2021 Forbes Next 1000 (placed within the first 250!), which highlights entrepreneurial heroes who are redefining what it means to build and run a business today. Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and get ready to sip from Chef Mimi's cup as she dives into where we need to be going as a community, and highlights what resources and tools are needed for continued growth and success as we navigate coming out of a pandemic. To join and buy tickets for the week-long events held during The Black Food and Wine Experience, visit: https://www.thechefmimi.com/bfwe Thank you to Chef Mimi for extending a $25 DISCOUNT for the Grand Tasting experience on June 18th. To retrieve the $25 discount, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/314215616367/?discount=bigsip Stay connected on IG: @iamchefmimi

Terroir is the idea that wines made in different places will taste like that place, taking on the characteristics of the geography and culture in which they were produced. The same could be said about music --it takes on the character of the place and time in which it was written. So can digital terroir exist? I like to think so, and there's one powerhouse Latina who's leading the trail as a digital content creator through her Shitty Wine Memes empire. Amanda, the beauty and brains behind social media and the wine world's favorite Instagram page, Shitty Wine Memes, truly brightens the day of an audience connected to wine through her witty, daily comedic content as well as her online shop! Inspired by the comedic artwork of a fresh banana affixed to a wall with duct tape, Amanda drew on the parallels between art and wine. Similar to how Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan poked fun at the art world, Shitty Wine Memes became a brand that took the "seriousness" out of wine and instead drew on the playful aspects of wine concepts with satirical life scenarios that were both hilarious and relatable. That's what makes Shitty Wine Memes so great--people see themselves and the comedy adds levity to wine! Whether you're a Botrytis-loving individual or someone who relishes in flaunting the best pins, Shitty Wine Memes is simultaneously bringing terroir to the internet and breaking away from the intimidation that is often associated with wine. In episode 28, I had the chance to dive deeper into Amanda's story and learn about this Latina CEO and the growth of her Shitty Wine Meme empire, where she draws her inspiration, the ultimate way to have fun with wine (did you know she pairs wine with Pokémon cards?!), and several collaborations she's done with organizations who are building the type of world she wants to see in the future of wine. Pour yourself a big glass of wine and enjoy sipping from the Meme Queen's cup! Shitty Wine Memes merchandise is fashionable, fun and a great gift for that wine nerd in your life! To shop pins, magnets, and stickers, visit shittywinememes.com -- $1 per pin sold in donated to The Roots Fund. Check out daily wine humor content by following her on Instagram @shittywinememes. If you love the merch and are interested in carrying Shitty Wine Memes enamel pins and stickers at your location, send an email to [email protected]

Born and raised in Modesto, CA with parents from Michoacan, Mexico, Chris grew up on American culture with love for his family's Mexican roots and customs. In Episode 27 we dive into what it means to stay true to your roots, crafting a brand and collection of wines that speak to Hispanic roots and Latin culture from a region that's rarely given the recognition it should (shoutout to Lodi!). Chris shares what it means to create sustainability for people of color in the wine industry, and ways of moving beyond the fear of having to assimilate to fit into a traditional mold in order to "make it." The world of wine has thrived on exclusivity and lack of cultural representation or inclusion of diverse narratives. As a winemaker in the industry, Chris was baffled by the treatment and silence he often received walking into a tasting room, and couldn't fathom what other Latin@s who weren't in the industry must've been experiencing. Fed up with the lack of inclusion and respect he decided to put in the WERK to create a welcoming space. Now, Chris is enamored by other BIPOC individuals who have reached out and shared their interest in unifying, building community in wine, and asking how they can support Seis Soles Wine Co. Though his family and close friends supported his venture in wine, they weren't shy from pointing out the obvious: Latin@s drink a lot of tequila and cerveza...wine however, isn't something that's typically found at the table or a party with la familia. Often due to cost, seeing that many Latin@s end to be a part of the working class in America, this often results in minimal exposure to wine or the ability to build up palatable experiences. Chris knew this is why he was starting Seis Soles--para la cultura. Seis Soles became a labor of love and ode for his gente, so they could see there are wines that can meet them where they're at--as beginners and new consumers building up a palate, while still crafting luscious perennial gems for the most experienced wine aficionado. Shoutout to Chris for treating me to a beautiful tasting while we were on the air. We enjoyed 5 of his beautiful wines and I highly recommend you not only follow Seis Soles wines (IG: @6solesvino), but support and snag these gems yourself via his website https://www.6soles.com/  White Blend - Albariño and Grenache Blanc Rosé - Grenache and Mourvèdre Red Blend - Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (silky smooth finish) Gran Reserva - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot (bold red blend with firm tannins) Sol Tierra - Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Petite Verdot and Merlot (structured, bold red wine yet balanced)

I can become lo que yo deseo. This is Armando Tam's mindset. On episode 26 of The Big Sip, Amando Tam and I joked how I didn't really know how to introduce him because he's involved in so many different industries - food, sports, business development, culture--but at the core is a human who simply wants to do and become anything he loves, while simultaneously ensuring there are opportunities and pipelines for the current and future success of Latinos and Latinas, all while breaking down barriers along the way. Born in Nicaragua and raised in the Bay Area, Armando has always strived to maintain a connection with his roots that's represented in all of his partnerships and ventures. 20 years ago when Armando had a cancer scare, he took that as a sign from God that he needed to take every opportunity that presented itself and do something big with it because it was a second chance of life. His mindset became centered on living purposefully and turning passion into profession--taking what you love and finding a way to make money. Whether it was taking salsa dancing classes that led to teaching private lessons and eventually performing and making a living off of it, or watching cooking videos on Food Network and choosing to open up multiple restaurants, Armando consistently needed to fuel his desire to rewrite his narrative and go after what he loves. An echoed sentiment found in LatinX families all over the world. As a child, Armando witnessed his mother have multiple streams of income trying to provide for their family, heavily influencing how he would lead his life. Knowing he couldn't dance forever, Armando got into real estate and rose to become an Executive for NAHREP, educating communities of color, hosting L'atitude conferences that empower and uplift Latin@'s in pursuit of establishing wealth and building community. Yearning for more, he used his resources and relationships with NBA athletes to tap into a sports management agency with Veritas Training Academy to assist youth coming from foreign Latin countries trying to further their education while simultaneously making it in the NBA. Several years ago he launched Tito's Mundo, his personal fashion brand that drove a positive message about Latin culture. We believe in achieving dopeness. We believe in buena vibra. We believe in being bendecidos. I can become lo que yo deseo. Today, you can catch him wholeheartedly invested in all of these different industries and partnerships, as well as fusing his love for food, culture and beverage through his culinary businesses. While many would assume he was inspired to become a chef because of his grandparents' Chinese-Nicaraguense Restaurante Chop Suey, his passion and love for food simply comes from recognizing that food acts as a bridge to connecting with cultures and people organically, further inspiring his creativity. Currently he's amplifying the beauty of cultural foods from the East Coast to the West Coast through Comidazo and Paladar, as well as his upcoming cook book It's A Vibe with renowned Sommelier Jaton Gunter. Follow and support his work: @titosmundo @comidazo @gopaladarcriollo @veritastrainingacademy https://titosmundo.net/

From the beginning Jaton Gunter has always been a writer. As a young child, Jaton gravitated towards writing poetry, eventually channeling a little bit of Darius from Love Jones as he grew older. Not only was he great at writing poetry, he knew his talent could help pave a way to connect deeper with women and understand the world that surrounded him. With time, this talented, young black man soon began to find other means to connect with women, leading him to discover the world of wine. Because of his affinity for writing, it was no surprise that he soon merged both of these worlds and started blogging about wine. Through his ongoing wine journey, Jaton discovered that his love for education and history could result in a career in wine--and he was hooked. Jaton soon developed a side hustle as a private buyer, originally just for his friends via a monthly wine club he created, eventually paving the way towards sourcing wines for high end clients who needed guidance on understanding their personal palate preferences. Through his personal drive in wine education he obtained his official Sommelier certification to continue assisting people in their personal wine journeys. After all, wine is meant to be explored and enjoyed. What Jaton discovered during his initial entry into the industry however showcased a world that often came with judgment and condescending, snooty responses when questions were asked. It was then that Jaton knew he had to make the barrier to entry in this industry easier and more digestible. Thus, the birth of "Fruit in Glass"--a book he wrote assisting curious wine lovers by breaking down myths, understanding facts and opinions, and providing a comfortable space where the novice or anyone with an itch to know more could ask questions. As a way to relate with people, "Fruit in Glass" draws on the parallels of relationships--something many have experienced and can comprehend. Refusing to wait for a literary agent to convince someone his book was worthy, Jaton took his future into his own hands and started his own publishing company: Grapes and Sand Publishing.  Through his work as an author and publisher, Jaton knows this is just the beginning as he continues building his legacy. Currently he is focusing on publishing a cookbook showing love to BIPOC individuals across the Bay Area, by showcasing cultural foods and their pairability with wine. This exciting collaboration is done in partnership with another Bay Area legend, Armando Tam, and will help break down the stigmas that are often associated with cultural foods and wine.  Jaton is truly a special human being who's the literal definition of a trailblazer owning his own future. Episode 25 is full of nothing but laughter and lessons, and a reminder to wholeheartedly pursue whatever sets your soul on fire. You can catch his weekly IG Live TV Series every #winewednesday as well as his personal Friday favorite, Wine Steal of the Week, where he finds you the best wines under $20 that are punching above their weight class! Here's to continuously getting excited about the community that's being built by and for people of color! Enjoy the latest sip and the juice, and be sure to support! IG: @jatongunter | @grapesandsandpub  Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/fruitinglassgear/

Mailynh Phan is the definition of industry trailblazer full of pure joy and light! It's been more than a decade since she began managing operations as the CEO for the Vietnamese-owned, women-run winery that's geographically on the outskirts of Napa Valley. Not only is she leading a winery that pays homage to her heritage, she's also ensuring anyone who interacts with RD Winery truly feels community in wine--free of judgment with accessibility to affordable, exceptional wines. Growing up with a white mother and Vietnamese father, Mailynh wrestled with how she fit in. In an industry and region that's historically iterated the same business model for decades, Mailynh saw an opportunity to capitalize on her outlier status and rewrite the rules to create a welcoming and inclusive community that values acceptance, belonging, and diversity. This is evident from every facet of her business--from the people she hires, to the landscape of the tasting room, and the wines they make. Recently, RD Winery launched a new food program and the first all-Asian-cuisine pairing menu. The food and wine experience features exciting twists like Gruner Vetliner with green curry dusted popcorn and Chenin Blanc with a veggie spring roll and tamarind sweet chili sauce. In true RD style, guests are encouraged to find their own favorite combinations as there are suggested pairings but no hard and fast rules. #SipWithUs as we dive into a wineful and mindful conversation centered around how this badass powerhouse femme is getting people to open up their minds and diversifying the wine experience, the challenges she's faced as a woman of color CEO, navigating the pandemic, and the importance of highlighting Vietnamese culture through the wines RD Winery produces. Follow their journey by tapping into their IG @rdwinery and visit them for a tasting: 3 Executive Way, Napa, CA!

In episode 22 of The Big Sip, I had the honor of sitting down with Jose Becerra, a skilled self-taught Latino photographer living in the East Bay Area. Looking back, he notices how everything began aligning from the moment he was a child. Both his father and uncle were artists, and while he never thought much about art as a child he always had an itch for creativity.  Though his family would consistently tell him he "had the eye" and should hone in on this craft, Jose struggled with exploring this curious passion of his. Raised in a Latino household, Jose's culture had an unspoken rule about needing to justify the "why's" whenever it came to doing anything. As he spilled it: "Before grabbing the camera, how do you validate buying the camera and the equipment?" After all, it's expensive! Nonetheless, you don't need fancy equipment to get the job done--grab what you can, do your research, and dive in. "Having a $5,000 camera but not having the eye...it's just a paper holder on the table." With a planted seed in his mind to shake the guilt and simply focus in on this passion, Jose was gifted his first camera on Father's Day by his lovely wife. Choosing to frame his life, Jose dove in and began exploring the world of photography. Not only has his skillful craft and eye led to him being a 14x published photographer, he's also had the chance to collaborate with some of his idols in the industry. What he's learned over the years is if you have a passion, take your shot and explore it! This mindset led to him establishing East Bay Nights, a monthly community meetup for photographers and models to collaborate and create. Photography has led to many accolades, but what he loves most is making his subject's feel special and watching the models he works with grow and explore their own craft as they create. As a creative person, JB shared it's important to self reflect and consistently ask himself "what's next?" So what is next for JB? Sip with us at 10am and learn more about how he's #gettingsipdone! If you're looking for a photographer or want to reach out and connect with JB, check out his Instagram pages: @jbportz_ @jbecerra_photography @eastbaynights_

Justin Trabue is a head-strong, determined femme whose ready to slay any goal she sets her heart on--whether it's horseback riding, co-founding a non-profit wine club, or creating a financial and equitable pipeline for future BIPOC students' success. As she put it: "I do what I do so that future generations don't have it as hard as I did." While her passions have always been many, wine has always been at the center. From a young age, Justin was influenced by the industry (it's even how she got her name!). After being introduced to a Black sommelier, Justin's decision to pursue wine at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was solidified. To her surprise however, she was the only Black student enrolled in Cal Poly's wine program. During her time at Cal Poly SLO she would go on to study abroad in Australia and embark in her first harvest in New Zealand where she met her first Black friend in the industry. Though she started at Cal Poly in 2013, she didn't meet this friend until 2019! Reflecting on her feelings of isolation as a BIPOC student living in a city where less than 1% of students are black, Justin is determined to change this narrative for future generations and is currently working to amplify black and brown voices in this often white-dominated industry.  Her affinity for the vineyard and a desire to create her own wine has driven a virtuous circle that's making an impact. She recently co-founded Natural Action Wine Club, a non-profit organization that features wineries throughout the US that have sustainable and equitable practices. If you're hoping to score and snag some of these lovely gems, think again. This exclusive club is currently full, but you have an opportunity to get on the waitlist--a chance you don't want to miss out on because next club's shipment will feature Justin Trabue's very own wine! The world this powerhouse woman is creating is truly symbiotic with the values she carries and the future she dreams to build for the next gen. And while Justin has learned that agricultural labor is difficult (and filled with creepy crawlies we're not all fans of!), she values the beauty found in a moment where she wakes with the sun and watches the fog roll in and out before the world awakens and noise settles.  Though there's much joy to be celebrated, Justin shares that it first didn't come without plenty of grief. After George Floyd's murder in 2020, along with Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, she searched for a way to express her grief while also making a change. In partnership with her friend Simmone, Justin wrote a public letter/call to action on what people in the industry could do to support black friends, organizations, businesses, etc. Within a couple of days Justin and Simmone had raised $15,000 in donations and gave the funds to Race Matters SLO, the only non-profit organization in the community amplifying Black voices and matters of racial justice. Determined to continue making an impact, Justin and Simmone's heartwork has resulted in an influx of donations that will now provide future BIPOC students with full ride scholarships and paid tuitions for 5 years! Through these scholarships she's been able to connect and build a welcoming community for other Black students currently navigating the world of wine at Cal Poly.  Special shoutout to The Roots Fund and Bâtonnage Forum's mentor, Meghan Zobeck, for providing BIPOC individuals with opportunities in wine through education, mentorship, and employment. It's because of this organization and people like Meghan, that Justin uprooted herself from SLO and found a bigger, more welcoming community in Napa Valley at Heitz Cellars, where she currently works.   Stay up-to-date with this phenomenal, bright soul by following her on social media @jmedici320 and continue to push for progress by supporting organizations doing the work: @rootsfund @wineunify @batonnage_forum @naturalactionwc