Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Awards the Distinguished Service Award to Women of the Vine & Spirits, Founder & CEO, Deborah Brenner
New York, NY — March 31, 2025 — Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for women in the beverage alcohol industry, has been named the recipient of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) Distinguished Service Award. This honor, presented at the 2025 DISCUS Annual Conference last week, recognizes individuals or organizations who have supported the industry through promotion of the industry, advocacy or responsibility, and exemplary service contributions to their community and/or the hospitality industry with 10 years of documented accomplishments.
In 2015, Brenner launched Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) with a clear mission to unite all three tiers and industry sectors in championing the advancement of women in the workplace. Over the past decade, WOTVS has grown into the leading mission-driven global membership organization comprised of women and men who are committed to empowering and advancing women in the beverage alcohol industry.
As WOTVS marks its 10th anniversary, the organization celebrates not only its milestone year but also the strength of its expansive community. Today, WOTVS represents a network of more than 10,000 members worldwide and 165 Corporate Member companies spanning every tier and sector of the beverage alcohol industry. Through advocacy, education, mentorship and community building, WOTVS has a been a catalyst for companies to establish and expand their internal women’s initiatives, create succession plans, and foster the next generation of women leaders in beverage alcohol.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the DISCUS Distinguished Service Award on behalf of Women of the Vine & Spirits,” said Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits. “This recognition is a testament to the collective work of the WOTVS team and the steadfast support of our Corporate Members for the past 10 years. Now, more than ever our mission to empower and advance women has never been stronger. We know our work needs to continue and together, we can make a stronger beverage alcohol industry. Thank you to DISCUS for your ongoing support of our organization; we look forward to what we can continue to accomplish together.”
Through her leadership, Brenner has launched numerous initiatives focused on social responsibility, Business Development & Innovation (BD&I), and community engagement over the past 10 years. Just two years after opening membership to Women of the Vine & Spirits, Brenner established the WOTVS Foundation 501(c)(3), the charitable arm of WOTVS. Today, the Foundation has awarded more than $959,000 in scholarships to 373 women in 80 countries. Brenner is recognized for her leadership launching 86 Harassment, a WOTVS key initiative, dedicated to promoting a safer and more respectful workplace environment in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries through industry-specific training, resources and a dedicated 24/7 crisis hotline and chat.
“DISCUS has had the great pleasure to collaborate and partner with Deborah Brenner and Women of the Vine & Spirits on many important projects, including educational programs, conferences, and as an industry sponsor of 86 Harassment,” said Chris Swonger, CEO of DISCUS. “The work and service accomplished by Deborah and WOTVS is truly making a difference for the entire hospitality industry.”
The DISCUS Distinguished Service Award is nominated by the DISCUS membership and voted on by the DISCUS Board of Directors. It is presented annually to individuals whose work exemplifies excellence in leadership, innovation, and advocacy within the distilled spirits industry.
To learn more about Women of the Vine & Spirits, visit www.womenofthevine.com
Interested in Corporate Membership? Please contact Nicole Anderson, nicole@womenofthevine.com
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About Women of the Vine & Spirits Women of the Vine & Spirits® (WOTVS) is the leading mission-driven global membership organization comprised of women and men who are committed to empowering and advancing women in the beverage alcohol industry. By championing women in the workplace, WOTVS is dedicated to shaping the beverage alcohol industry where the talents and perspectives of all women are not only valued but serve as a driving force for success and growth. WOTVS embodies this commitment by offering resources, programs, and a collaborative network designed to inspire and empower members in the beverage alcohol industry. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, WOTVS’ aims to elevate its members' careers, cultivate inclusive leadership, and pave the way for innovation and growth in this dynamic field. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com.
Women of the Vine & Spirits Corporate Members include Charter Member: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Diamond Members: Breakthru Beverage Group; Pernod Ricard USA; and Republic National Distributing Company; Platinum Members: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; and Suntory Global Spirits. For a full list of Corporate Members including those at the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Associate level, visit the Corporate Members tab at womenofthevine.com.
About The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is the leading trade association representing the U.S. spirits industry. DISCUS advocates for the interests of distillers, promotes responsible drinking, and works to ensure the growth and success of the spirits sector. Through its programs and initiatives, DISCUS is dedicated to supporting the continued evolution and innovation of the industry.
Media Contact:
Olivia Campbell
olivia@womenofthevine.com
(323) 610-232