We raise a glass to Women’s Equality Day (Aug 26), and talk to five female connoisseurs. By Mim Koletschka

Cristina Spanu
Guest Relations Manager of Bel Guardo
G/F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9380/1. Open daily 11:30am-11pm.

Parani Chitrakorn
Founder of Winesmart 101
www.winesmart101.com

Nunteera Cox
Owner of Aubergine
71/1 Saladaeng Soi 1/1, 02-234-2226. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-11pm,
Sat-Sun noon-3pm, 6-11pm.

Kathrin Puff
Winemaker at Siam Winery
www.siamwinery.com

Koravic Bhanubandh
General Manager of Maduzi Hotel
911 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-615-6400. www.maduzihotel.com

BK: Why wine?

Koravic: I have a small plot of land in Kao Yai and there were a lot of people growing grapes there. I wanted to see if it would be feasible to grow grapes for wine production on my land, so I went and studied viticulture.

Nunteera: Wine is such an interesting subject. There is so much to learn, so many grape varieties, methods, areas of production, that no one can ever master it all.

Kathrin: Working in the wine industry allows for creativity, innovation, and a relationship with nature. It follows century old traditions, but leaves space for development and improvement.

BK: What is it like as a woman working in this male-dominated field?

Koravic: The number of women is growing in the industry but if you look back at the history, women were the ones doing all the grape pressing, the hard labor... they were behind the scenes of wine making.

Parani: It’s as difficult as any male-dominated field when you are getting started. We women need to work harder than men to show that we can do it as well as any man.

Cristina: Maybe this is more the case for Asia, because in Italy and other countries like France and Spain, women are very active in the industry. You will often find creative and professional women behind famous wineries running the business. As a woman I feel comfortable in this field.

Kathrin: It depends on where you look. When I started working in the industry at 18, back home in Germany, I was not only the youngest but also the only woman in the cellar. In Europe, the percentage of female winemakers is still quite low, but if you look at the New World, countries such as New Zealand and Australia, I get the feeling there are even more female than male winemakers.

BK: Wine-wise, is there a difference between men and women?

Cristina: I’m pretty sure women have a more developed olfactory system, because we spend more time in the kitchen and are exposed to the aromas of herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables. All these aromas are very common in wines so women can make very good sommeliers.

Nunteera: I have never witnessed a difference between wine connoisseurs based on gender. A good connoisseur just needs to be open-minded and have a passion for the subject. I have no patience for so-called-experts who insist that only French wine can be drunk with French food or Italian wines with Italian food. They should realize that these countries have common borders and share the same Mediterranean coastline.

BK: How do you feel about wine production in Thailand? What does the industry need to do to step up to the global platform?

Koravic: It is hard for Thailand because the micro- and macroclimate are just not that suitable. In my opinion, much more research has to go into this field because until we find a suitable grape for the climate we cannot produce good wine. In the end, you can’t defy nature.

Parani: Thailand is on the rise, but it still has a long way to go. We are just a baby in the business.

Kathrin: I am confident that in the near future Thailand will be a part of the international wine business. The ability to produce high quality wines in such a hot climate will prove to the world that nothing is impossible. Getting to the point where Thai wine is today was difficult; along the way I have met wine producers here who have a deep passion and an indestructible belief in what they are doing. The world will acknowledge them soon.

BK: Do you have any advice for women who are trying to break into the wine industry?

Koravic: Go for it! We need sommeliers in Thailand­­­­—and I mean real ones with the proper certificates.

Nunteera: Do it for your passion. The wine industry is open for everyone. You should read up on the subject and visit as many vineyards as you can. Form your own opinion and do not blindly follow the trends.

Parani: I would suggest that they get a proper education since it can serve as a solid foundation.

Kathrin: Follow your heart.