A Convo with Caitlin Mueller: Events & Hospitality Coordinator
For our first Women in Wine Wednesday feature, Caitlin Mueller, Events & Hospitality Coordinator at a family-run winery in Paso Robles shares what she loves about her job – and how she got there.
“I was one of the only girls at my first internship and that was scary. A lot of the guys were like, oh, I can do that for you. And I’m like, no, I’ll climb the ladder with my five gallon bucket. I got this. It is important to make it known that we’re strong, we’re independent, we can do it.”
What brought you to the wine industry – and Barton Family?
“I grew up on an avocado ranch in a small town called Somis down in Ventura County. Growing up, I loved agriculture, and I knew I wanted to go into that field later in life.”
Although, like many of us, Caitlin didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do in college – she knew she wanted to study science. Exhausted from applying to over 20 different schools, she almost didn’t send an application to Cal Poly SLO. “On the last day of the deadline, my mom forced me to apply to Cal Poly… I think I was probably bawling my eyes out at this point.”
Caitlin was accepted and fell in love with viticulture. “It was a really fun and interesting program…I think I took all the chemistry that you need to get into medical school, but I make alcohol.” Now three years later, Caitlin still works at the same winery where she got her first job out of college – Barton Family Estate. From cellar to tasting room to events and hospitality, she has been grateful to get hands-on experience with all aspects of the industry.
Barton Family Estate is a down to earth, small family run operation in Paso Robles, California. It is home to Barton Wines, Grey Wines, Grey Wolf Wines, and Grain & Vine Distillery.
What do you do as an events & hospitality coordinator?
“I mostly talk and follow up with those who are considering using us as a wedding venue or rehearsal dinner venue. We also host small private events like engagement parties and baby showers, all that fun stuff.”
Caitlin also plans all in-house events such as Live Music Saturdays, cupcake and chocolate truffle pairings, or their once-a-month late night Friday cocktails.
What's your favorite part about your job?
“I love to see people super, super happy at their events. It’s the most rewarding and fun part of my job – I work super hard and then once the event rolls around and everything’s set up, I can just take that breath and enjoy the moment with them and see them so stoked about how the space has been transformed.”
Do you have any mentors?
“The winery owners, Joe and Jenny Barton, have done a lot for me. They entrust me with their vision and just let me run with it. It’s awesome. They hired me fresh out of college – I literally had no experience. They have been my experience. Jenny has just such a great vision for things and it’s definitely sparked my imagination … I owe a lot to them for sure.”
What are your goals for the future?
“I’m just dipping my toe into this events industry side of the wine industry. I would like to maybe have my own event coordination business in the future. I think that would be super cool.
I’d also like to make a little bit of wine on the side. I have 25 gallons hanging out in the cellar – I had some fruit donated to me.
I used to think I wanted to own my own winery, but I’ve learned that can be extremely difficult. I would love to have my own label someday.”
What has been your experience as a woman in the wine industry and what advice do you have for other women?
“My experience in the cellar is totally different than my experience right now, on the more managerial side. Sometimes people think you can’t do it. I was one of the only girls at my first internship and that was scary. A lot of the guys were like, oh, I can do that for you. And I’m like, no, I’ll climb the ladder with my five-gallon bucket – I got this. Make it known that we’re strong, we’re independent, we can do it.
Asking questions is also super important. Maybe I was a little bit slower than some of the other people in learning and getting the job done, but I wanted to know why… all the reasons and the science behind it. I think that really helped me advance my career.
My advice would also be to get your name out there and talk to anyone you can. This industry is small and it seems like everybody knows everyone.”
The Happy Drinker
In addition to her events position, Caitlin has her own business called The Happy Drinker – a mobile bar made from a converted 1970s horse trailer. She goes to winery venues and has even done some backyard weddings.
Editor
Natalie is co-founder and editor of The Grapevine Magazine where she helps winemakers big and small tell their stories. She lives in Manhattan, New York City.
