About The Women's Wine & Dine^®

Monyka Berrocosa-Marbach, Founder

WomenandWineEvents.com was created by Monyka Berrocosa Marbach in April 2004. Monyka has been an independent Food and Wine consultant based in the Mid Atlantic region for over 8 years. She authors the wine column Smart Tastes for Smart Woman Magazine (since 2003), the food and wine column for Woman's "I" magazine (since 2005) and is a frequent guest on several radio shows in the area namely on WBAL with Dave Durian, WAMD as well as WASR in New Hampshire. Since 2005 she has been a regular contributor to WBAL TV Channel 11 Television, hosting a segment on food and wine on the weekend morning show.

Monyka was tired of conventional wine events offered in the local community and saw a need and opportunity to create something that would benefit all kinds of women, as well as local charities. Thus Women and Wine events came to exist and the idea for The Women's Wine & Dine® was born.

"I've taught wine classes for years in the Mid-Atlantic area. Over time I began to notice that more than 60% of my clientele and students were women. They enjoyed Grape Events because they were a comfortable, friendly, & fun way to learn about wine. I decided that there was a need for a Women only Wine event where the tasting was a large part of the fun and a whole lot more was offered to provide an entire evening of enjoyment. Necessity is the mother of invention, hence The Women's Wine & Dine®

A unique concept , The Women's Wine & Dine® has dramatically influenced the area's perception of women in relation to wine. The first year alone saw the creation of similar groups and organizations, however, though replicated, The Women's Wine & Dine® can never be imitated.

M is known for her "Education not Intimidation" approach to wine education, "If you are a wine snob, looking to impress people, this probably isn't the kind of environment you're looking for". says M in her trademark candid and upfront style. "If what you're seeking is an opportunity to connect with other women, make a difference in the community and find ways to better the quality of your life - The Women's Wine & Dine® is the place for you!"

Imitated but never replicated, since the inaugural event April 29th at Helen's Garden 2004, The Women's Wine & Dine® raised funds exclusively for the WHC (Women's Housing Coalition) for the rest of the year. In 2005, with over 1300 women registered to The Women's Wine & Dine®M felt a responsibility and saw an opportunity to spread the generosity around. Thus in 2005, The Women's Wine & Dine® began benefiting a variety of women's charities in the Baltimore area including Suited to Succeed (March) and Turnaround Inc (February & April). In 2005 the group donated over $15,000 in cash and in-kind to over 8 local, regional and International women's charities.

In December 2005, The Women's Wine & Dine® hosted what is believed to be the largest women-only wine event ever to have been produced on the East coast south of Boston. "Be the Star of Your Own Life!" had over 200 women dressed in formal attire, enjoying Piper Heidsieck Champagnes, glamourous makeovers by Lancome Cosmetics and Holiday Up Do's by the team from Kumbyah Salon. The event raised almost $7,000 for a local young women's charity named The Priceless Gown Project. Plans are underway for a 2nd event Monday December 4th, 2006.

The group (which counts almost 3,000 subscribers in Maryland alone) now hosts events in five Maryland counties and is expanding to Delaware as of May 2006. Monyka is presently writing her first book entitled "Women, Wine & Wisdom" an inspirational creative non-fiction book that explains the story of The Women's Wine & Dine® but also hopes to act as a gateway for women to raise their glasses in confidence (and their spirits as well). The book will be available for purchase as of June 2006.

Why the Pledge*?

Why not? For everyone who's ever wanted to be a member of a sorority, or sisterhood or has been and misses the days, the pledge reminds us what the evening's all about and gets everyone in the party mood. To read The Pledge* click here

The Women's Wine & Dineú is a happening for women to get to know each other, enjoy great food and wine, learn about things of common interest, starting with wine and also including subjects appealing to all women (through a variety of guest speakers ranging from Accountants to Weight Management Experts). This fun takes place, all the while supporting the community and increasing awareness about important issues in our area. A portion of the proceeds of each Women's Wine & Dineú goes to sustain a variety of women's charities in the Baltimore area. If you would like to nominate a charity for consideration, please email us.

"Knowledge is Power! Don't let wine intimidate you! Embrace it and make it your friend. Wine is your passport to the world; whether you chose to stay in one country or visit them all, is entirely up to you." MBM