Can we make the wine world more inclusive for everyone?
Inclusion is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean? And why is it important for the wine industry?
Inclusion means making an environment or situation accessible to make sure people are included. It means respecting and valuing the diversity of people and their needs, preferences, and abilities. It means creating a culture of belonging and acceptance for everyone.
Did you know that 24% of people in the UK have a registered disability? That’s a huge number of potential customers, employees, and partners that the wine industry might be missing out on if it doesn’t embrace inclusion.
I have a unique perspective on this topic, as I have spent the first 20 years of my working life supporting children and adults with additional needs in various settings. I have seen first-hand the challenges and barriers that people with disabilities face in everyday life, but also the amazing achievements and contributions they can make when they are given the opportunity and support.
As with many in the care sector, I burnt out, trying to manage 2 small children, a home and the hours needed for care. I needed to step back a little and pursue my passion for wine. I was fortunate to pick up a small role in the wine industry, which grew into a rather big one overseeing hospitality, on and off trade, wine experiences, vineyard, stock and product development.
As I immersed myself in the wine world, I noticed that there was room for improvement when it came to inclusion. I saw how some people were excluded or marginalized by the wine industry, either intentionally or unintentionally. I saw how some people felt intimidated or confused by the wine jargon and etiquette. I saw how some people were unable to access or enjoy wine due to physical, mental, sensory, or learning disabilities.
So I decided to do something about it. I decided to use my skills and experience in both special needs work and wine to make the wine world more accessible and inclusive for everyone. From someone who knows very little about wine, helping break down the language and educate about the wine world. To how the wine industry can be more inclusive.
How can we do this? Well, there are many ways, but here are some examples:
Think about whether our environment is disabling or enabling. For instance, is our venue wheelchair-friendly? Is our toilet accessible? Is our menu readable? Is our lighting adequate? Is our music too loud? These are simple things that can make a big difference to someone’s experience and comfort.
Be aware of the different types of disabilities and how they affect people’s needs and preferences. For example, someone with a visual impairment might need a large-print menu or a verbal description of the wines. Someone with a hearing impairment might need a quiet table or a sign language interpreter. Someone with autism might need a table in a quiet space. Someone with dyslexia might need a simple font or an audio guide.
Respect service dogs and their owners. Service dogs are not pets; they are trained to assist people with disabilities in various ways. They have the right to enter any public place with their owner, regardless of any no-dogs policy. Please do not question their presence or try to pet them without permission.
Remember that not all disabilities are visible. Some disabilities are hidden or invisible, such as chronic pain, mental illness, diabetes, epilepsy, etc. These disabilities can affect people’s abilities and behaviours in different ways. Please do not judge or assume anything about someone based on their appearance or actions.
Use inclusive language and communication. Wine can be a complex and intimidating topic for many people, especially if they are new to it or have learning difficulties. Please try to explain things clearly and simply, without using too much technical jargon or acronyms. Please also talk to everyone equally and respectfully, regardless of their disability or level of knowledge.
These are just some of the ways we can make the wine world more inclusive for everyone. There are many more ideas and best practices that I would love to share with you.
If you would like to understand the benefits of inclusion for your business and your customers Emma can help you identify the gaps and opportunities in your current practices and policies and help you implement practical solutions and strategies to improve your accessibility and inclusivity. You can reach Emma via her website, Instagram and Linked In, she would love to hear from you and guide you on this important mission.