Les Dames d’Escoffier Sonoma

At Locals Tasting Room, “local” isn’t just where our wines come from, it’s who we show up for. That’s why we’re proud to support Les Dames d’Escoffier Sonoma, the Sonoma County chapter of a worldwide nonprofit that champions women in the culinary, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International was founded by two friends, food writer Carol Brock and a young chef named Julia Child, after they were turned away from a professional chefs’ organization for one reason: they were women. Rather than take no for an answer, they built something better of their own. Today the organization spans 39 chapters and more than 2,600 members across the United States, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, all working to open doors through education, mentorship, and philanthropy.

Doralice Handal brought that spirit home to Sonoma County in 2020, launching the chapter with 15 founding members spanning Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Six years later, the chapter has grown to 72 members strong: farmers, chefs, bakers, writers, winemakers, and entrepreneurs, all showing up for one another and for the community that raised them.

From day one, the chapter has put in the work. Early years were spent volunteering alongside organizations like Farm to Pantry, Redwood Food Bank, and the School Garden Network to support neighbors hit hardest by the pandemic and wildfires. Since then, the chapter has become known for its creative fundraising, finding fresh ways to bring the community together while raising money for the women coming up behind them.

Every dollar raised goes back into the people. The chapter’s micro-grant program has already helped launch the careers of women just starting out in the industry, including Wooden Petal Bakery’s Clare Elaine and several 2026 grant recipients. The chapter also sponsors two members to attend the Les Dames d’Escoffier International conference, and is always looking for ways to send more. Donations to the Sustainers Circle help make all of it possible.