Barrels & Tanks

Seed Stage Entrepreneurs

Julie Linker

Julie Linker’s journey into wine making is a blend of passion and dedication. While maintaining a rewarding career as a psychologist, Julie established Colombe Vineyards in Nelson County in 2022. Named after her grandparents, the vineyard spans five acres and includes Roussanne, Cabernet Franc, Albarino, and Petit Verdot varietals.

The upcoming release of Delve Wines’ first vintage in 2024 marks an exciting milestone in Julie’s winemaking venture. Being a part of the Barrels and Tanks incubator provides her with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders in Virginia’s wine community, allowing her to hone her skills and knowledge in crafting estate-grown, boutique wines.

Tasha Durrett

Tasha Durrett is a wine enthusiast and educator born and raised in Virginia wine country. She founded Black Women Who Wine LLC in 2019 as an organization focused on increasing the visibility and participation of Black women in the wine industry and agritourism throughout the state. She is a WSET Level 1, studying for Level 2, and has a special interest in sparkling wine and grape growing in Southern climates. She contributes to various publications, including Wine & Country Life and is a 2024 Association of African American Vintners scholarship recipient.

A writer and communicator, Tasha is currently a senior communications manager at the Southern Environmental Law Center.