Wineries
WOMEN MAKING A SPLASH
The Women Behind Cannonball Wines
In honor of Women’s History Month we pay tribute to the women of Cannonball — get to know the women behind the wines!
Ondine Chattan, Cannonball Winemaker
What’s a quote you love and what does it mean to you? “A brand is a promise, a good brand is a promise kept.” This is an over-arching philosophy for me applying to products, places, and people. Deliver what you represent. Be reliable and focus on quality in everything and at every level. I take great pride in the brands I make and the effort I put into them. As a producer I feel a gravity of responsibility and loyalty to my customer to deliver against their expectations and delight them.
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? I admire how every woman in this organization is comfortable in her own skin and owns her role and skill in performing in that role. We are an ambitious and driven group of professionals from diverse backgrounds who mesh well and respect one another’s knowledge and experience. Something that really stands out to me is the strong undercurrent of support and admiration I see across varied roles; each individual’s success is taken as a ‘win’ for the team and colleagues are outgoing and effusive in awarding their praise to one another (this holds true for our male colleagues and leadership as well).
Jennifer Chapple: V.P. of Sales
What is your desert island bottle and why? If I’m deserted on an island I better have a lot more than just ONE bottle of wine!
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? This group of women inspire me everyday. We collaborate with each other regularly and listen and contribute without ego or judgement. The women of Cannonball simply ROCK!
Sarah LaFlamme: Sales Manager/FLA,MA
What advice would you give your 21 year old self? Everything always works out how it’s supposed to. Stress less, embrace life and its challenges and take it all head-on, confidently.
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? I embrace how many women are a part of this wonderful Team! I believe that the women are all strong, savvy, smart, innovative and unique in their own ways. We all support each other and lift one another up!
Kelley Deal: Director of Marketing
What’s a quote you love and what does it mean to you? “How you do anything is how you do everything!” If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing 100%.
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? This team is the best of the best that the industry has to offer! I cherish the opportunities to collaborate, learn from, and have fun with all of these women…Cannonball is most definitely a work family in the best sense.
Megan Holst: Operations Manager
What led you to pursue a career in wine? The passion and creativity that surrounds the wine industry is infectious and it’s so fun to work with such a diverse group of people who share your love of learning about and exploring new wines.
What’s a quote you love and what does it mean to you? “Life is too short to drink bad wine.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. I love this quote because it reminds me that it’s ok to indulge in life’s little pleasures!
Jennifer Iverson: Sales Manager/West, SW U.S.
What led you to pursue a career in wine? Growing up in Napa, I started working at a tasting room for a small, family owned winery when I was in college. I fell in love with wine and selling wine and knew it was what I wanted to spend my life doing!
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? We each bring different skills to the team, but all love selling Cannonball! I count myself very lucky to work with such brilliant, hardworking and dedicated women.
Mia Balasi: Marketing Coordinator
What advice would you give your 21 year old self? You don’t know exactly where life will take you, but that is absolutely ok! Try new things, embrace new experiences, be true to yourself, and you are going in the right direction.
What is your desert island bottle and why? My desert island bottle is, without a doubt, Cannonball Sauvignon Blanc – nothing is better on a warm sunny day! Can I bring a fridge to chill it in?
Chantal Landreville: Export Director
What advice would you give your 21 year old self ? Surround yourself with people that stimulate and inspire you, and with whom you can learn to grow and evolve.
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? We are all so different, but we come together as one with the same DNA of the company: ambition, humility, and a love for our brand – oh, and we love a good laugh and wine! 🙂
Julia Leeper: Senior Accountant
What’s a quote you love and what does it mean to you? “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Always helps motivate me to do something if I am doubting myself.
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? We all get along really well. They are all great women and good fun!
Barbara Jurbala: Director of Sales/Central U.S.
What’s a quote you love and what does it mean to you? “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.” You must work hard to become the rainbow despite all the challenges. Stay focused, practice patience and be persistent.
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? I’m grateful to be surrounded by a high-energy, dedicated team of ladies that challenge and support each other, equal to the “Serious, but Fun” expression on our label
Isabelle Deland: Sales Manager/Canada
What led you to pursue a career in wine? I was invited to join a friend on his wine trip to Burgundy, I had a magical time and I knew something special had happened. Upon my return, I registered to WSET which I graduated with distinction, I then went on to study and graduate as a Certified Sommelier.
What’s a career achievement that you’re most proud of? I was chosen to be on a panel for a Symposium on New Zealand Pinot Noir. I am very proud that my knowledge and my experience led me to such an incredible, intensive trip to Central Otago NZ!
Kate Krause: Director of Sales/Northeast U.S.
What led you to pursue a career in wine? While working in restaurant events while I was strategizing ‘what’s next’ on my professional path, little did I know that putting together a big media event for Andrew Firestone of The Bachelor featuring his family’s wines would segue into a 20+ year wine career!
What do you cherish most about the team of women you work with at Cannonball? It’s not about titles and egos, but teamwork done with a positive attitude. We believe in each other and believe in our common purpose. And not to diminish all of the good work we do, but I also happen to LIKE them!