Rachel Collier, VP of National Accounts, Ancient Peaks Winery and Chief Strategic Officer, Dream Big Darling Foundation

Years in the Industry:
There are times when I feel like I just started my career, but I am entering my 27th year in the industry!  I spent 20-plus years working in fine wine distribution, starting as a sales rep and moving into managing team and divisions. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 26 and created the first chain division for a California fine wine distributor, The Henry Wine Group. That was an incredibly rewarding time. I was also the first female VP at the same company a few years later. It was a wonderful part of my career as I learned about the business of wine, traveled the world and met incredible people. I built teams that inspired me and that fueled my energy. It was so much work but also very rewarding.

I transitioned to the supplier side in 2017, working for a family-owned all-estate winery in Paso Robles; Ancient Peaks Winery. It has been such a great fit for me as I work with some of the most innovative, committed and caring people I have met in the industry. I am also involved in our mentorship foundation, the Dream Big Darling Foundation, which was created to mentor women in the wine industry. That has been very personally energizing.
 
My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:
As a natural caregiver with three kids, aging parents, and a full-time job; at the end of the day, I am tired.  I don’t like exercise to be scheduled, because so much of my life is scheduled, so I rebel against any daily or scheduled workout routine. I’m much better with a spur of the moment walk or yoga class with a friend! So the biggest challenge is making spontaneity a routine!
 
How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:
Honestly, I think getting older gives you a wonderful perspective on life that has helped me to regulate my mental health. We have the benefit of more and varied life experiences, both negative and positive. I have discovered that the greatest areas of growth for me over my life and career have been a direct result of persevering through unexpected, seemingly negative life experiences. Sometimes it’s something concrete like a health crisis for your child or as broad as when life doesn’t turn out how you expect it to. These experiences have been some of the greatest gifts and have contributed to my contentment with life, and therefore greater wellness. Our experiences make our lives richer and more satisfying and make us who we are.

I took up meditation several years ago and I love nature, especially trees. I am a thinker and I love the quiet. I like to be alone with my thoughts and a journal or a good book. My dream is to live somewhere where my backyard deck sits next to a forest… I love the smell of the trees, the crispness of the air and the natural silence. A quiet backyard deck in the forest with a cup of coffee and a journal = Heaven!
 
You can connect with Rachel on Instagram at @rachelcollier1.