Une Femme’s Sparkling Collaboration

When Jen Pelka visited Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) Headquarters in Orlando this spring for a Women’s History Month networking mixer, she wasn’t just there to make a toast to the success of her award-winning sparkling wine. The co-founder of Une Femme was also there to inspire. 

The event brought together leaders and team members to celebrate women in business, including MVW’s Executive Vice President and Chief Membership & Commercial Services Officer Lori Gustafson.

A Toast to Women Leading the Way: Celebrating Shared Values 

Lori later shared with Vacation Life her reflections on Jen’s story and the mission behind Une Femme:

“I was really struck by the grit and tenacity it took as a female entrepreneur to create her now award-winning brand of woman-made wines. It was a good reminder that journeys to success, or fulfillment, often aren’t linear,” she said. “I also enjoyed hearing how her company gives back to woman-centered charities while striving to empower women to dream big, lift each other up, and celebrate our collective accomplishments.”

As a long-standing advocate for women in business, Lori sees strong alignment between Jen’s mission and her own leadership values.

“I believe it’s important for female leaders across industries to mentor others and share guiding advice, act as a sounding board, and provide encouragement to take risks and own their career journeys,” she said. “This is especially relevant for female leaders because I think we often sit back and wait to be tapped on the shoulder, versus really going for it and raising our hand for the opportunities we want. There are very few things you can get done without building relationships, casting a vision, and asking others to be a part of it and, together, bringing it to the next level.”

Lori’s own career has been shaped by moments of courage. She recalled times when she said yes to roles she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

“Some of those key moments involved finding the inner courage to say, ‘Yes, you are, and you can do it.’ A lot of that strength has come from having leaders around me who recognized the leadership qualities that I have, and I think that’s been my differentiator in a lot of ways,” she shared. “That’s why I’m passionate about helping women build that inner confidence.”

Courtesy Stacy Allen

Bringing Une Femme Poolside 

Steven Dinner, director of Food and Beverage Services at MVW, shared why Une Femme is a standout addition to the company’s beverage program. 

“Today’s guests are increasingly drawn to brands that reflect strong values,” he noted. “Offering Une Femme at properties allows us to deliver not just a great quality wine, but a positive story of impact as well.”

That impact is already being felt. According to Steven, Une Femme’s “The Betty” sparkling white now accounts for 66% of sales in the sparkling wine category at pool bars — making it the top-selling sparkling wine across the portfolio. He also noted that feedback from the resorts has been overwhelmingly positive, with teams consistently praising the wine’s quality and guest appeal.

Currently, Une Femme is served at 40 The Marriott Vacation Clubs^™ properties in the United States, including locations under the Marriott Vacation Club^®, Sheraton^® Vacation Club, and Westin^® Vacation Club brands. It’s a meaningful addition to the beverage program, offering guests not just a celebratory sip, but a story of empowerment behind every pour. 

Une Femme’s journey from a bold idea to a top-performing brand embodies the leadership and vision MVW is proud to champion. And now, thanks to purpose-driven partnerships and shared values, guests across the country can raise a delicious glass to toast women everywhere.