CATOCTIN CREEK DISTILLERY’S BECKY HARRIS WINS WCR: WOMEN CHEFS & RESTAURATEUR ‘GOLDEN GOBLET’ AWARD AT “WOMEN WHO INSPIRE” AWARDS GALA IN NYC ON APRIL 20TH
April 22, 2015, Purcellville, VA – On Monday, April 20th, amongst a sea of hundreds of some of the most celebrated women in the hospitality industry nationwide, Becky Harris, co-owner and chief distiller at Catoctin Creek Distillery, received the WCR Golden Goblet Service Award at the 2015 WCR: Women Chefs & Restaurateurs’ “Women Who Inspire” Awards Gala hosted in New York City. The award recognizes excellence in the beverage profession and honors a woman whose making or serving of beer, wine, spirits, coffee or tea enhances the dining experience.
Becky and husband and business partner Scott Harris launched the award-winning Catoctin Creek Distillery – the first distillery to open in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition – in 2009. Becky Harris is one of less than a dozen female distiller-operators in the United States. A chemical engineer and graduate with honors from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Becky has worked at companies like Amoco, YDK America, and CIBA, specializing in industrial processes and production systems. Eventually after her husband brought the idea of opening a distillery to the table several years ago, Becky’s background has since played a major role in taking her knowledge and applying it to something she loved – making the finest distilled spirits in Virginia.
“It was such an honor not only attend the awards gala surrounded by some of the most talented and respected women in the food and beverage industry, but to receive the Golden Goblet award honoring my work in the spirits industry. I’m just so humbled and grateful to be recognized for such a prestigious award!” said Ms. Harris.
Becky Harris receives the “Golden Goblet” award from Chef Carla Hall at the 2015 WCR “Women Who Inspire” Awards Gala. Photo credit WCR.
About WCR: Established by Barbara Tropp and seven pioneering women chefs and restaurateurs, WCR is an active resource for women seeking to advance culinary education and gain recognition in various areas of the food and beverage industry. Through invaluable experiences and opportunities, WCR helps leverage the voice of talented women, helping to elevate their position while building a strong connection of industry peers. These connections have influenced the careers of many notable chefs today. For more information on WCR: Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, please visit www.WomenChefs.org.
About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified organic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from organic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at kyle@catoctincreek.com or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.
