Next up for our “Meet the Team” blog series is our Community Relations & Event Sales, Bronwyn Baumgardner! Bronwyn joined our team in January 2017. She runs the social media accounts across all of our properties including Mount Ida Farm + Vineyard and The Farms of Turkey Run. She has been working on building our special events program at the Tasting Room. Be on the lookout for some fun house events being announced shortly!
Introducing…Bronwyn!
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia! I grew up in Hanover County (just 15 minutes outside of the city) then moved to the city for college. I currently live in the Scotts Addition district of Richmond. Yes, I do have quite a commute!
What is your educational background?
I went to Virginia Commonwealth University (go Rams!) where I received my Bachelors of Science from The Richard T. Robertson School of Media & Culture. My degree is in Mass Communications, concentrating in Public Relations. I also minored in General Business and Political Science.
Bronwyn Baumgardner
What do you like to do in your free time?
I hate being still so I love anything that lets me be active! I enjoy running (my furthest distance is a half marathon), lifting, yoga, and hiking. I have a sweet pup named Harper who is always down to explore Richmond with me. I also go to a lot of concerts & shows, I love a good live band!
How did you get in to the industry?
I started tip toeing into the events industry while I was the Director of Philanthropy for my sorority, Phi Mu, while I was in college. My role was to organize fundraising events to benefit our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. During my term I organized a variety of events ranging from casual basketball tournaments to formal silent auctions. During my senior year of college I interned for a wedding and events venue here in Richmond which taught me more about the coordinating world. I was hired on as a Venue Coordinator upon completion of the internship. I also worked in the production department of a local catering company where I got to learn more about the technical side of events (lighting, AV, rentals.) I joined the Mount Ida team when the tasting room was still just an idea, and it has been so exciting to see our dreams turn into reality!
Bronwyn
What personal goals do you have for The Tasting Room & Taphouse?
My personal goal for the Tasting Room is to build the sense of community. We have our neighborhood, The Farms of Turkey Run, just a stone’s throw away and this is the perfect, convenient area for residents to get together and have a place to gather. I also want to connect with our clientele from the wedding venues (The Lodge and The Event Barn) and give past couples a reason to come back and visit us at their wedding venue (and maybe even enjoy a glass of bubbly…or two.) Charlottesville has such a strong and diverse beer and wine industry, it’s so exciting getting to join this unique community!
What is your favorite drink at the moment?
I love the RVA cider from Buskey Cider! I’ve also been on a sour beer kick lately. If I’m doing liquor, I like a simple vodka soda with lime.
What is your favorite thing to do in Richmond on a day off?
I’m always down to go brewery hopping in Scott’s Addition. There’s SO many great places in the neighborhood.
Bronwyn and her dog, Harper