"The Virtuous Circle"
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
