March is Women’s History Month, and we’re raising a glass to the women who helped shape the wine world as we know it.
For generations, the wine industry was dominated by men—but visionary women broke barriers, challenged traditions, and redefined what great wine could be. From pioneering winemakers to groundbreaking critics and importers, their influence can be found in cellars and wine lists across the globe.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight some of the remarkable women we’ve had the privilege of partnering with here at Small Lot Bottles. Their passion, dedication, and vision continue to shape the wines we love and the future of the industry.
First up: Katy Jane Seaton (pictured on the left) & Traci Furgeson (pictured on the right)
Katy Jane Seaton has become a driving force behind the growth and recognition of Texas wine. With more than two decades in the industry, she has spent the past 21 years working in Texas vineyards and over 24 years in the broader regional wine community. As a grape grower and co-owner of Farmhouse Vineyards, Katy Jane runs the winery alongside her sister-in-law and co-owner, Traci Furgerson—an essential partner in the operation and someone she says she couldn’t do it without.
Traci’s family had long been cotton and row crop farmers looking to diversify, and in 2010 they planted their first vineyards in the Texas High Plains. For the first several years, they focused solely on farming and selling grapes to wineries across the region. “We sold grapes for about five years before bottling our own wine,” Traci says. “Getting into the wine side at a small level made us better grape growers because we were able to see the other side of the industry.”
They opened their tasting rooms in 2017, marking a major milestone as Farmhouse Vineyards began sharing their own wines directly with consumers.
Katy Jane’s path into wine began unexpectedly while studying agriculture at New Mexico State University, where an agriculture professor introduced her to viticulture—an experience that shaped her career. Today, her focus is on producing exceptional fruit and helping elevate the reputation of the Texas High Plains. Farmhouse Vineyards has become known for minimal-intervention farming, regenerative practices, and wines that allow the character of the fruit to take center stage.
For Katy Jane, everything begins in the vineyard, while for Traci, staying true to their story is what fuels their passion for the work they do every day.
Farmhouse Vineyards is also notable for its vineyard team, which is proudly 98% female-led—an inspiring reflection of the leadership and strength women bring to every stage of the winemaking process, beginning in the vineyard.
One of the most rewarding moments in Katy Jane’s career has been watching Farmhouse fruit become a household name, a testament to years of hard work and the belief that great wine begins long before the bottle. For Traci, the most fulfilling part of the industry is working alongside family and caring for the land that makes it all possible. Wine is deeply connected to place, and stewarding that land while building something meaningful together has been incredibly rewarding.
Like many women in wine, Katy Jane’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. When asked about her experience in the industry, her answer is simple but telling: “There isn’t enough time or space for this answer—I’ve experienced it all.” Still, she remains optimistic about the future, noting that while progress has been made, there is more work to be done.
For Traci, being a woman in the wine industry has been both rewarding and empowering. She has worn many hats—from hospitality and operations to events and business management—and values working alongside her sister-in-law, Katy Jane. “Like many industries, there are challenges, but I’ve seen more and more women stepping into leadership roles and shaping the future of wine,” she says.
What makes their approach unique is the combination of family involvement and a deep respect for the land. They remain hands-on in every part of the process—from caring for the vineyards to welcoming guests and sharing the story behind each wine—creating a meaningful connection between the land, the family, and every bottle.
One thing that surprised Traci about the wine industry is how few people know where High Plains fruit is actually grown. She recalls pouring wine at an event in Lubbock and realizing many attendees didn’t know how many vineyards and grapes are produced in nearby Terry County.
Farmhouse Vineyards grows Counoise and has been especially pleased with how it thrives in the High Plains terroir. Often used in red blends, Traci believes the variety deserves more attention from wine drinkers.
Katy Jane also enjoys exploring lesser-known grape varieties and pushing boundaries in the wine world. She’s particularly excited about the potential of fractional wine formats as the industry evolves. We recently had the opportunity to support that momentum by creating a special 3-pack tube kit featuring Farmhouse Vineyards wines for The Art of the Cowgirl (pictured above).
When it comes to enjoying wine, Katy Jane keeps it refreshingly simple: sparkling wine and potato chips. Traci prefers a glass of Grenache paired with cinnamon vanilla pear jelly and cream cheese on a charcuterie board.
For Katy Jane, wine carries a deeper meaning. When asked to finish the sentence “Wine is powerful because…,” she reflected on its cultural and historical significance, saying simply, “It started with Christ.”
For Traci, wine is powerful because it brings people together—creating moments where relationships grow and the table is filled with smiles, laughter, and stories.
We’re honored to partner with women like Katy Jane Seaton and Traci Furgerson—producers whose dedication, vision, and hard work continue to shape the future of wine. Cheers to Farmhouse Vineyards!
Valentine’s Day is one of the most emotional—and profitable—moments in the DTC calendar. It’s a time when presentation matters just as much as what’s in the bottle.
Small Lot Bottles’ premium 3-bottle showcase packaging transforms your best sellers into a polished, gift-ready experience that customers can’t resist. Designed to highlight a curated trio of wines in one cohesive presentation, this format makes it easy to tell a story, drive higher order values, and elevate your brand during the holiday season.
Whether you’re spotlighting a romantic red flight, a “his & hers” pairing, or a tasting-room favorite lineup, the showcase allows wineries to merchandise wine the way customers already love to shop—thoughtfully, visually, and with intention.
Why Wineries Love the Valentine’s Showcase
🍷 Encourages larger purchases with a built-in multi-bottle format
🎁 Instant gift appeal—no extra wrapping or upsell required
🏷️ Perfect for tasting rooms, online orders, and wine club shipments
✨ High-end presentation that feels personal, seasonal, and elevated
📦 Streamlined packaging solution that saves time without sacrificing impact
Valentine’s Day shoppers are looking for something special—and this showcase helps wineries deliver a memorable experience that feels curated rather than transactional.
If you’re planning holiday bundles, limited-time flights, or seasonal promotions, now is the time to start building your Valentine’s Trio.
Build Your Valentine Trio and turn your wines into a gift customers will remember.
We’re excited to share some big news at Small Lot Bottles! 🍷We are welcoming JB Berry to our Board of Advisors. JB brings decades of leadership in wine, packaging, and distribution—from serving as CEO of Saxco International to his current role as President & CEO at BFG Supply. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue scale and support wineries of all sizes!
We’re honored to have JB’s insight and guidance as part of our journey forward.
We’re excited to share some big news at Small Lot Bottles! 🍷
We are welcoming JB Berry to our Board of Advisors. JB brings decades of leadership in wine, packaging, and distribution—from serving as CEO of Saxco International to his current role as President & CEO at BFG Supply. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue scale and support wineries of all sizes!
We’re honored to have JB’s insight and guidance as part of our journey forward.
We’re thrilled to welcome Colleen Hartman Rambusch — a seasoned Digital Marketing & Campaign Executive with over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, PR, and media strategy — to our Board of Advisors! Please join us in raising a glass to Colleen as we embark on this exciting next chapter together! 🥂
🔗 Click the link below to read more!
Fractionalized formats—like 100ml glass bottles—are more than a trend. They’re a strategic tool helping wineries expand their reach, elevate experiences, and diversify their revenue streams!
Here’s why more wineries are integrating small formats into their portfolios:
Driving Discovery
Let customers explore your lineup without committing to a full bottle. Perfect for first-time buyers, DTC sampling, and virtual tastings. Curate your winery's very own "tasting flight"!
Elevate Gifting & Seasonal Campaigns
Curated tasting sets, advent calendars, and wine + food pairings are ideal for holiday gifting, press mailers, or exclusive releases for club members!
Low-Risk, High-Impact Marketing
Sampling doesn’t have to be expensive. Small-format packaging reduces shipping costs and waste, while still delivering a premium brand experience!
Small bottle. Big opportunity.
If you’re ready to explore what fractionalized wine can do for your brand, we’re here to help you build a custom solution. Send us an email and we will give you all the details, candice@smalllotbottles.com
Single-serve wine formats are on the rise, and Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge. Today’s wine drinkers value flexibility, convenience, and sustainability, making single-serve bottles the perfect fit. They allow consumers to try new varietals without committing to a full bottle, reduce waste for solo drinkers, and fit seamlessly into busy, on-the-go lifestyles.
For younger consumers, it’s also about experiences over purchases. Single-serve options make wine more approachable and fun, encouraging sampling and sharing at events or casual gatherings. With mindful consumption also on the rise, these formats deliver portion control without sacrificing premium quality.
As brands lean into innovation, design, and functionality, single-serve wine has evolved from a novelty into a category-defining trend. Here at Small Lot Bottles, we can help you make your wine “fun-sized” and capture this growing market!
We’re hosting a happy hour immediately following the symposium with Awtomic, and we’d love for you to join us. Come sip, mingle, and learn how small-format packaging can make a big impact on your business.
Hotel Bar @ 4:30pm - 5:30pm
We look forward to raising a glass with you! 🥂
#WineSalesSymposium #SmallLotBottles #Awtomic #WineCommerce #DirectToConsumer #WineMarketing #HappyHour