Wesley Davis: Redefining Rituals, Reshaping Wine Culture

By Carrie Dykes

The essence of Dionysius is ceremony, conviviality, and consumption. Wesley Davis wants us to explore the possibility of ecstatic celebration without alcohol. In an industry historically shaped by tradition, hierarchy, and exclusivity, Wesley Davis is a force of disruption. As the Marketing Director of Society De La Rassi, she is reshaping the conversation around wine, making space for women, and challenging the misconceptions surrounding non-alcoholic wine. Davis is not just breaking barriers; she is constructing a new paradigm—one where wine culture is inclusive and intentional.

The concept of wine, for Davis, is more than just a drink—it’s a shared experience. “It’s all about the ritual—coming together, being connected,” she says. “Wine and celebration have been intertwined throughout human history, and I think we can embrace that while innovating for the world we live in today.” Her journey into the non-alcoholic space was not just a professional move but a profoundly intimate one. Diagnosed with endometriosis, Davis was advised to reduce inflammatory substances, including alcohol. This shift led her to discover mindful consumption’s profound physical and mental benefits. However, her mission extends beyond personal health—Davis is driven by a broader purpose: to create spaces where celebration, pleasure, and ritual are not dependent on intoxication.

For Davis, embodying the ethos of Dionysius is not about excess but as a symbol of reverence for the art of gathering, of honoring the senses, and of indulging in life’s pleasures with presence and intention. “It’s about visibility and accessibility, says Davis. “Non-alcoholic options should be presented on the menu just as prominently as alcoholic ones. People should never feel less than for not drinking—it’s about making them feel seen, heard, and part of something.” She believes that non-alcoholic wines can—and should—be woven into the rituals of wine culture, not as an afterthought but as a legitimate, sophisticated, and celebratory choice.

Her advocacy is deeply personal. Having survived sexual assault and navigated the lasting impacts of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Davis understands the importance of safe, inclusive spaces. Traditional drinking culture often excludes or alienates those who, for personal or health reasons, choose to forgo alcohol. By championing the “sober curious” movement, Davis is not only broadening the industry’s perspective but also empowering others to make choices that align with their well-being without sacrificing the richness of wine culture. “Normalizing sober socialization benefits everyone. It’s not about judging those who drink, but about creating a space where people can choose how they want to socialize and celebrate without pressure.” She is intent on creating spaces where choice and freedom reign.

The wine industry has long been a space where women have had to fight for recognition, for their voices to be heard, and for their expertise to be valued. Davis is actively carving out room for women to take up space, not just as consumers but as leaders, creators, and innovators. Her work at Society De La Rassi is more than marketing—it is a movement, a reclamation of the wine world by those who have historically been overlooked.

Wesley Davis is not asking for permission to change the industry; she is doing it. She is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a wine lover, proving that reverence for the vine is not tied to alcohol but to appreciation, intention, and connection. In doing so, she is redefining wine culture for a new generation—one that values choice, inclusivity, and the power of taking up space. As she continues to push boundaries, Davis remains committed to one core idea: ritual should be for everyone. “There’s room at the table for all of us,” she says. “No matter what’s in your glass, what matters most is the experience, the people, and the stories we share.”