Gillian began her career in New York City at The Rainbow Room, later moving with mentor Andrea Immer Robinson to Windows of the World, where access to a 100,000-bottle cellar shaped her early education. At the time, female sommeliers were rare, especially on the floor.

She recalls approaching tables only to hear, “We asked for the sommelier.”

Instead of backing away, Gillian leaned in. By opening a few bottles, building real dialogue, and earning trust through knowledge and hospitality, she changed the conversation and cemented her place in the industry.

Those early moments fueled her desire not only to succeed, but to bring more women onto the floor.

In 2012, Gillian passed the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, becoming the 18th woman in the world to earn the title. Today, she reflects on that achievement with deep pride, not just for herself, but for the collective progress of women in wine.

She continues to mentor and inspire women pursuing careers in wine, education, and hospitality.

From the earliest stages of Drop of Sunshine, Gillian was deeply involved in shaping each bottle alongside the winemaking team. As a Master Sommelier, she applied her expertise to evaluate and refine the blends, using her technical insight to shape the wine’s style, balance, and final composition.

Gillian’s involvement wasn’t about overcomplicating the wines. It was about honoring the intention behind them. Drop of Sunshine is rooted in approachability, joy, and connection, and Gillian helped ensure each bottle reflected that spirit. She describes the lineup as wines she’s genuinely excited to live with. To pair with great dishes, to open with great company, and to experience in real moments together.

For Gillian, Drop of Sunshine represents everything that drew her into the wine business in the first place: community, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Whether she’s presenting wines like Drop of Sunshine at consumer-focused events or educating trade partners through her role at Treasury Wine Estates, Gillian believes wine has the power to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary, turning a simple meal into a memory.

When asked what sunshine means to her personally, Gillian’s answer is both powerful and intentional.

“I try to be my own sunshine,” she says. “I inspire myself to do great things in my career and personal life, and I surround myself with inspiring women.”

She describes her days as a collection of small, meaningful moments. A drop of sunshine gathered from the people and experiences around her.

“I collect drops of sunshine from my team at work, my friends, my family. Sharing a glass of wine, a great interaction with someone, taking my dogs for a walk—there are so many mindful moments tied to sunshine if you look for them.”

Drop of Sunshine’s tagline, Our story is all about yours, deeply resonates with Gillian.

Through her work in education at Treasury Wine Estates and her involvement in this project, she tells stories every day. She sees firsthand how much people want to connect. The connection to wine, to one another, and to the people behind the bottle.

Today, Gillian Ballance serves as Senior Education Manager at Treasury Wine Estates and was elected to the Board of Directors for the Court of Master Sommeliers in December 2023. Drop of Sunshine is proud to sponsor the Court of Master Sommeliers Women’s Sommeliers Symposium, a program that has become a powerful touchstone for connection, mentorship, and momentum for women in wine. Through Gillian’s dedication and leadership, Drop of Sunshine can support the continued education and future of women across the wine industry.

Gillian remains a respected voice in wine education, a champion for women in the industry, and a guiding presence behind Drop of Sunshine. Like the wines she helped bring to life, her story is one of connection, authenticity, and moments that brighten the table. We’re honored to spotlight Gillian and grateful for the sunshine she brings to everything she touches.