The wine region of Rioja has its own pioneers: an ever increasing number of female winemakers who are making their mark in this previously male dominated environment. The re-introduction of historical indigenous grapes, the production of single varietal wines and the move from using American oak to French oak barrels for ageing wine are just some of the changes that can be attributed to women.

It is the dynamic Maria Martinez-Sierra from Bodegas Montecillo, a true pioneer in the industry, who has really turned the tables and led the way for other female winemakers today. By applying the winemaking skills she learnt in Bordeaux and persuading the winery to source only the best quality Tempranillo grapes, she improved the quality of Montecillo wines, with award winning results.

Campo Viejo is one of the biggest selling Rioja brands, and one of the driving forces behind this label is Elena Adell. Originally trained as an Agricultural Engineer, she now has the winemaking responsibility for a number of different Rioja wine brands within the Bodegas Domecq portfolio.

But the route to the top was far from easy: “We (women) have our own way of seeing things. When we started out I realised that what we needed to do was change the concepts that were held by grape growers at the time” (i)

Research has shown that the palates of women are often considerably more sensitive than those of men (ii), with many women taking up the top technical roles. Marqués de Murrieta appointed Maria Vargas as their Technical Director with Alicia Calvo working alongside Maria in the bodega’s wine-making laboratory. They have played a large part in the recent move by the winery away from American oak towards using French oak barrels for ageing their white wines.

So on Monday 8th March, why not join in the celebrations and taste the fruits of these ladies’ labours, along with some other wines made by female winemakers in the Rioja region including: María José López de Heredia at López de Heredia, Cristina Bernedo at Valdemar, María Larrea at CVNE, Ana Barrón at Remelluri and Maria Barua at LAN