Two Women. Two Countries. One Unstoppable Passion for Wine.

Two Women. Two Countries.

One Unstoppable Passion for Wine.

Join the Women’s Wine Alliance for a powerful cross-border conversation featuring Verónica Santiago of Mina Penélope in Baja California and Kiara Boccia-Fenlason, winemaker and host at Mia Marie in Escondido.

Representing two neighboring countries and two thriving wine regions, Verónica and Kiara are united by craft, community, and an unwavering commitment to quality winemaking. While their vineyards sit on opposite sides of the U.S.–Mexico border, their shared passion reflects a deeper truth: wine knows no boundaries.

Through a guided tasting and candid conversation, you’ll explore:

• The evolution of Baja California and San Diego as dynamic wine regions
• Distinct terroirs shaped by similar climates and agricultural traditions
• The power of collaboration across borders
• What it means to lead as women in today’s wine industry

This is more than a tasting — it’s a celebration of unity, resilience, and the connections that bind our wine communities together.

Join us for an evening of inspiration, dialogue, and exceptional wines from both sides of the border.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

6:30pm

Mia Marie

Limited to 25 Memebers

Cost:  $25/member 

About The Speakers: 

Verónica Santiago

Mina Penelope Winery

Born in Ensenada, trained in oenology in Australia with stints working for wineries in wine countries such as Napa, Thailand, Australia and Valle de Guadalupe. In 2010 she started her own family-owned winery in Valle de Guadalupe with a clear goal: to make high-quality Mexican wine following sustainable and organic practices. Verónica is considered one of the leading oenologist in Baja with a strong commitment to educate and team up to protect and promote Valle de Guadalupe as a grape growing and winemaking region.

Kiara Boccia-Fenlason

Mia Marie Vineyards

A San Diego native, Kiara is deeply proud to be making wine here, she is passionate about showcasing its potential to both locals and visitors alike.

After graduating from SCAD with a BFA in Graphic Design, and a 5 year stint in the design world, she took a dive into the infamous San Diego Craft Beverage scene. Being Italian, wine has surrounded Kiara her entire life, her grandfather used to make wine in his home cellar. Her formal education includes the UC Davis Continuing Education Winemaking Program and the San Diego State University Business of Wine Program, and she is also a sommelier. A lifelong learner, Kiara describes herself as having “no chill,” constantly exploring new techniques and styles to elevate her craft.

In her own words, when it comes to wine, she has “no chill” and constantly pushes herself to succeed both as a Winemaker and student of wine. She became a Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, obtained her Certificate in the Business of Wine from San Diego State, and most recently graduated the UC Davis Winemaking Program in 2023.

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SAVE THE DATE

April 20: Venissimo Cheese and Wine Seminar with Rachel deBerardinis

May 28th or 29th: SD Wine Week- Wine Country In The City: featuring San Diego wineries 

June 8: Beer 101 Seminar- Matt Akins,  Duck Foot Brewing