“The sommelier profession has historically been a male-dominated industry,” admits Andrew McNamara, chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers in the Americas. But it’s evolving.[1]
There are 230 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam. There are currently 23 women who have passed the difficult exam. [2]
Mexico has a very long history of making wine from before the Spanish arrived bringing new wine strains in 1517. Vinicola Urbana, an urban winery in the middle of Mexico City, is working to foster the country’s wine culture and teach people about Mexican wine. Today, three out of ten uncorked bottles of wine are Mexican wines, says Sandra Fernandez. She is a female wine steward in Mexico. “A glass of wine brings people together. It connects you with history, culture and geography. Every wine has a different story.”
Sandra says “It took me time to understand that it was possible for a woman to make it in an industry dominated by men.” More women are finding jobs in the wine industry in many areas. Sandra studied and worked hard to become a sommelier, who are experts in wines.
A sommelier has been a man’s job for a very long time. It still is. Fifteen years ago, female sommeliers didn’t exist in Mexico. I was a pioneer for connecting women and wine, a pioneer for being a female leader in a men’s industry.
Machismo can’t beat knowledge. That is why I have always tried to show my knowledge and prove myself.
Yes, I had to fight for it. Being a leader requires sacrifice. As a female leader, you have to sacrifice even more to play your role. I had to leave many things behind. I wanted to be outstanding in my job and I am still fighting every day to reach that goal.
It wasn’t easy. But in the end it was worth it. I enjoy the great privilege to love what I do. If you live your passion, every sacrifice will be worth it.
Being a Master Sommelier is a very hard process for men and women. A good movie about becoming a Master is “Somm“. Less than 15 percent of the master sommeliers in the world are women.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUunwFZFqZo
Reference:
[1] Women sommeliers story on Bloomberg (July 2015)
Link to story on CCTV America (November 20, 2016)
Link to a video interview of Sandra Fernandez about wine (in Spanish)