Emma Hodges #207
Advocate for Inclusion and Accessibility in Wine & Hospitality
Emma Hodges is a UK-based Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant with a rich background in both the healthcare and wine industries, ranking #59 Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks in 2024 by Drinks Retailing. Emma is a passionate wine professional and a dedicated advocate for inclusion and accessibility in the wine and hospitality industry. With over two decades of experience supporting individuals with additional needs, she has devoted her career to empowering people to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Emma’s transition into the wine industry in 2018 was driven by a realisation that she could bring meaningful change to hospitality and trade, making these industries more inclusive and welcoming for all. Emma is dedicated to leveraging her extensive experience, deep passion, and well-honed skills to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. She is committed to identifying and addressing barriers that hinder accessibility, advocating for innovative solutions, and implementing meaningful changes that enhance the quality of life for individuals of all abilities. Through her efforts, she strives to create spaces, systems, and opportunities that empower people to participate fully and equitably in society.
A More Inclusive Pour: Emma’s Mission to Transform Accessibility
As an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant, Emma works closely with hospitality teams, businesses, and industry leaders to implement best practices for accessibility. She has developed the ‘7 Stems of Inclusion’, a training and awareness program designed to foster inclusivity and improve access within the hospitality and wine sectors. Her expertise spans communication and language (including AAC and British Sign Language Level 1), neurodiversity, physical disabilities, and education. In addition to her consultancy work, Emma serves on advisory boards for Wine GB and Drinks United, advocating for greater diversity and accessibility across the beverage industry. Whether leading a wine tasting, training hospitality teams, or shaping policy, her mission remains the same: to make the world of wine more inclusive, approachable, and enjoyable for everyone.
Spreading the word
Emma actively contributes to discussions on accessibility and inclusion, sharing her insights through various platforms, including her blog and articles in industry publications. Her multifaceted experience underscores her commitment to fostering inclusive environments across different sectors. Emma also uses her Instagram @emmaswinetime as a platform to amplify this message, sharing insights on accessibility in hospitality, best practices for inclusivity, and her passion for wine. Through engaging content, she raises awareness, sparks important conversations, and connects with a community that shares her commitment to making the wine industry more welcoming for all.
