Every Wednesday we will be highlighting one business woman and her professional story.

Happy HumpDAYYY, Ladies! This week we are uber excited to introduce you to Debbie Gioquindo! Debbie is a CTC(Certified Travel Counselor), CSW(Certified Specialist of Wine), WLS (Wine Location Specialist). She is a marketing professional by day following her passion for wine. In 2006 she began her wine blog “Hudson Valley Wine Goddess” with the intent to educate people about wine.

Debbie combined her love of wine with her full time, day job in Community Relations and Marketing for a regional health insurance provider and part time marketing consultant for the local wine region. Wanting more and to give credibility to her blog, in 2010 she sat and passed the Certified Specialist of Wine exam administered by the Society of Wine Educators and in January 2012 she passed the Centers of Wine Origins, Wine Location Specialist exam in Port and Champagne.

Everything changed in February of 2011 when she was downsized from her day job and the local wine industry she was consulting with lost their funding. Trying to figure out what direction she wanted to move forward in, she answered a tweet from Keryl Pesce, @TheHappyBitch about creating a wine label. Three tweets and a cup of coffee together a business relationship was formed. Six months later Debbie and Keryl Pesce gave birth to their first wine, a Rosé. June 2013 they gave birth to two more wines, a Sauvignon Blanc and Pink Chardonnay.

In addition to her blog and Happy Bitch Wines, Debbie is a wine judge and chairperson for the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition and consults on social media to small businesses. She is also available for private wine tastings and education.

Follow Debbie: Facebook /Twitter /Pinterest / Instagram / HV Wine Goddess Blog /Hudson Valley Wine /Google+

Debbie, we love what you’re doing! Now we really want some wine because that Rosé looks amazing!

Debbie’s Favorite Quote

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” ― Benjamin Franklin

If you’re interested in being featured on a Business Women Wednesday click the nomination button below and don’t forget to check out today’s amazing podcast!

Listen to us highlight Debbie on today’s podcast!