Old and New World Perspective - Tawnya Falkner, Le Grand Courtâge

An Old and New World Perspective

INTERVIEW WITH LE GRAND COURTÂGE CEO TAWNYA FALKNER

By Terri Marshall

Tawnya Falkner, Proprietor, and CEO of Le Grand Courtâge, grew up in a three-street village surrounded by farms. Those beginnings evoked a wanderlust. Despite humble beginnings and being the first in her family to graduate college, she followed the unconventional path and at age 19 moved to Europe to study and later lived in Asia. During her travels, she realized that food and drink are the common thread that bring friends and family together.

Tawnya ultimately gave up her career as a real estate developer and moved to Burgundy to create wines embodying the French spirit of the joie de vivre. She saw an opportunity to re-envision the category and offer a French cachet combined with an American appeal and price. Since champagne is expensive, she wanted to create balanced, fruit-forward wines that delight the palate and offer affordable luxury. “My goal was to create a momentary escape and to elevate and celebrate the every day,” shares Tawnya. The journey resulted in Le Grand Courtâge, French sparkling wines, and Tres Chic, a Provence-style rose.

Le Grand Courtâge, which translates as “the great courtship,” symbolizes her story as an American working with the French and Old and New World winemaking traditions converging. Tawnya believes success comes from communicating a dream and operationalizing the vision. “To me, success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure, so I hope to model a company that feels good for employees and stakeholders.”

Sometimes she dislikes being classified as a femaleowned company. “One wants to be viewed on the merits of being a good leader or having a strong business acumen,” she explains. “I believe applying descriptors such as female, Black, gay, etc. runs the risk of not fully recognizing, or negating, accomplishments, or it may lead to some believing that accommodations were given.” That said, she believes women lead differently. “I’d like to think the inherent nurturing nature of women allows them to bring a different perspective and in today’s society, the skills that become increasingly more important center around the EQ vs just IQ. The emotional quotient and prioritizing people will allow the individual and organization to shine,” says Tawnya.

As it pertains to my category, the vast majority of bubbly and rosé consumers are female, so I believe my gender allows me to understand the core demographic. Further, women control nearly 85% of all spends in the U.S. for all goods. I believe from a positioning perspective, more women at the helm offer insights into the end consumer and thus, this is good for the bottom-line.

Believing in the importance of mentorship, Tawnya takes calls from budding entrepreneurs, or those thinking of entering the industry. “I’m unabashed about discussing the inequities, the pain-points, what needs to change and where I believe one can capitalize on opportunities.”

Two years ago, she also launched ELEVATE, a grant and mentorship program supporting female entrepreneurs. Throughout the year she partners with different organizations, like Project Glimmer or Ladies Who Launch, a non-profit grant partner. The program includes a rotation of partners and projects throughout the years to address the challenges and needs of women. “I know how difficult it can be for female entrepreneurs, and the stats continue to show the unique challenges women face. By teaming up with similarly minded partners and pooling our financial resources, intellectual capital, and networking communities, we will be able to provide meaningful support. In the end it’s about paying it forward.”