Her Story
About Laura
Laura Williamson, M.S. in Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, is a hospitality and business development professional based in Napa, California, with extensive experience across the wine industry. She currently serves as Director of Hospitality and Business Development at Paloma Vineyard, a small family-owned winery known for producing approximately 2,000 cases annually and earning recognition from Wine Spectator in the early 2000s for its Merlot. In this role, she operates as part of a lean team, contributing across nearly every aspect of the business.
At Paloma Vineyard, Laura’s responsibilities span hospitality, operations, and strategic development. She is actively involved in wine blending, leading tasting room experiences, managing wine club operations, coordinating shipping logistics, and supporting vineyard planning and vine health initiatives. She also plays a key role in introducing clients to the brand and ensuring a high-quality, personalized guest experience that reflects the winery’s family-driven values. Her hands-on approach allows her to bridge both the production and customer-facing sides of the business.
Laura has worked in the wine industry since 2015, gaining experience across large, medium, and small-scale wineries, including roles in hospitality, wine education, and guest services. This diverse background has given her a well-rounded understanding of both operational efficiency and premium customer experience within the wine sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Liberal Arts from the University of Washington Bothell, and she brings a strong foundation in communication, business development, and experiential hospitality to her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Laura
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a consistent commitment to growth and resilience, choosing to view every experience as an opportunity to learn and improve. I focus on finding value in each situation, even in challenges, and using those moments as a foundation for personal and professional development. This mindset of turning circumstances into constructive outcomes has allowed me to stay adaptable, solution-oriented, and forward-focused throughout my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that those who are willing to help others are often individuals who have themselves been supported along the way, creating a positive cycle of mentorship and generosity. This perspective has shown me the value of building relationships and staying open to guidance, as many industries especially those built on collaboration, such as the wine industry thrive on shared knowledge, resources, and introductions that help others grow and succeed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This is an all boats rise to the surface industry. To get ahead help those around you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in the industry today is the shift in consumer demographics, particularly the transition from a Baby Boomer–driven market to a younger millennial audience that is drinking less overall. At the same time, global wine overproduction has contributed to a more competitive and saturated market. As a result, success increasingly depends on how effectively brands adapt to these changes by strengthening customer loyalty, enhancing the customer experience, and building long-term relationships with a more selective and evolving consumer base.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness and community are central to my values, both in my professional and personal life. I believe in contributing positively to the people and environments around me, and in building genuine relationships grounded in respect and support. Authenticity is equally important, as I strive to show up with integrity and transparency in everything I do, while focusing on creating meaningful impact and putting good into the world.
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