Imbibe 75 Person to Watch: Kira Ballota

For Kira Ballotta, winemaking and advocacy go hand in hand. “I’m interested in telling stories of impactful but unsung women,” Ballotta says. Every bottle from her new label, Cantadora Wines, does just that. Cantadora showcases female leaders creating impact in extraordinary ways.

To date, the six-bottle lineup includes a Tempranillo honoring Sonia Melara, founder of California’s first domestic violence shelter, and a Rhône blend saluting Marianne Page, an economics researcher working to reduce child poverty. “These are people fighting for solutions,” says Ballotta. Ten percent of wine sales go to a social cause led by the women on the label.

Raised by a single working mother, Ballotta observed socioeconomic disparity at play from a nearly age. After she studied business at the University of Washington, a financial consulting gig in Napa Valley sparked Ballotta’s interest in wine and she segued into the business, first in finances before landing in the field. She made her mark with Olivia Brion Wines, using the fictitious character “Olivia” to share tales of real-life adventurers like Effie Hotchkiss, the first woman to ride cross-country on a motorcycle.

While inspired by historical figures, Ballotta says, “I’m also passionate about telling stories of women today.” This is the aim of Cantadora Wines. Expressing the gravity of current events while maintaining the levity that wine lovers expect is no easy feat. “It’s a hard line to walk. I want to bring attention to the issues,” she says, “but I also want to focus on joy and community.”

Click here to read more about some of 2024’s other Imbibe 75 People and Places to Watch.