March has been donned the month to celebrate ladies, with Saturday, March 8 as the official International Women’s Day honoring women’s achievements across a variety of social spheres. The Greater Jackson area boasts a plethora of notable women, more than we could ever write about in this blog. In fact, we regularly feature incredible women doing incredible things… so why not dedicate a blog to a few of Jackson’s leading ladies in the food and beverage industry in celebration of Women’s Month.
Kate Mead, Wyoming Whiskey
Women continue to drive innovation and leadership in the spirits industry, and Kate is among those trailblazers shaping its future. She played a hands-on role in building Wyoming’s first legal distillery from the ground up—including designing the distillery itself—while also dedicating decades of her life to preserving the land that defines both Wyoming Whiskey and her home. As a founding member of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation’s board, she played a critical role in building the park’s new visitor center in Moose, WY. Her passion for conservation and commitment to giving back to Wyoming continues today through Wyoming Whiskey’s partnerships with the National Park Foundation and local national parks, ensuring these landscapes remain protected for generations to come. When she’s not leading these efforts, Kate spends her time in the saddle, tending to the Mead family ranches and advancing the legacy of Wyoming Whiskey.
Watch and learn more about Kate here.
Linda Schroth, Jackson Hole Winery
Linda Schroth is the co-owner and office manager of Jackson Hole Winery, a family-operated establishment in Jackson, Wyoming. Founded in 2009 by her son, winemaker Anthony Schroth, the winery benefits from its high-altitude location at 6,229 feet, which contributes to the creation of award-winning wines. Linda, alongside her husband Robert and their son Anthony, has been instrumental in the winery’s operations, overseeing administrative functions and contributing to its growth and success. The Schroth family’s deep respect for the Jackson Hole landscape has been a driving force behind their commitment to producing exceptional wines in this unique setting. You can taste the fruits of their labor at two different tasting room locations. Their town square location is at 98 Center Street and is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Their newest location is in Teton Village, located at 3255 W Village Drive.
Nikki and Jessica Gill, Jackson Drug and Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch
Jessica and Nikki Gill are integral members of a family deeply rooted in Jackson Hole’s history and community. Their great-grandfather, Bruce Porter, established the Jackson Drug in 1919, a beloved soda fountain and pharmacy that became a local staple. After the original establishment closed in 2001, the Gill sisters, alongside their brother Patrick, revitalized this piece of local heritage by reopening the Jackson Drug in 2018. They restored original features, such as the antique swivel barstools and soda fountain counter, blending historical charm with modern offerings. Notably, the menu features beef sourced directly from their family’s Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch, ensuring locally produced and fresh fare.
In recognition of their dedication to sustainable ranching practices and land stewardship, the Gill family was honored as the 2019 Landowner of the Year by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Through their efforts with both the Jackson Drug and the Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch, Jessica and Nikki exemplify a commitment to preserving their family’s legacy while contributing to the vibrancy and sustainability of the Jackson Hole community.
