In 1978, when prominent Cava winemaker Montserrat Mascaró went to school for wine, she was the only woman in her class. By the time she finished studying in 1984, many more women had joined the classroom, interested in studying oenology.
“Until the ‘80s, the wine world was 90% men,” says Mascaró, CEO and technical director of the producer Mascaró. “Now, women are working with the vines and working in the land. They are not just in the office or the export part of wine. They can do everything.”
Mascaró is the first woman in her family to lead the three-generation-old brand of Cava, vermouths, brandy and spirits. She has led the estate towards ecological and sustainable viticulture and has introduced a line of vermouths inspired by the flora and fauna of the land. She recalls being in the vineyards and cellar with her father and grandfather, helping in all parts of production.
“It has not been a problem to be a woman for me,” she says.
Montserrat Mascaró – Image Courtesy of Mascaró Smashing the Patriarchy
Mascaró, though, is an exception and that may be because she has no brothers. Historically, most vineyard estates are passed onto the sons. Mascaró’s family training led her into her role as manager of the company, which now employs about an equal number of men and women. However, for women wanting to step into leadership roles in Cava, it can still be hard without family ties.
“We need more women in Cava, not
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
