Women sommeliers are cracking male-dominated wine world open

Argentinian sommelier Paz Levinson tastes wine in the restaurant 'La Dame de Pic'. Long a male stronghold, the world of sommeliers is now opening widely to women, who are making their mark with distinction, even in competitions and prestigious establishments, despite the obstacles that persist in a still very male-dominated environment. – Photo: Eric Feferberg / AFP

Paris, France, Dec 13, 2025 (AFP) -Marine DO-VALE Women who have fought their way to the top of the male-dominated wine sommelier world say their profession is becoming less sexist and more open -- even if men continue to win all the prizes.

Now an established figure as resident wine advisor at Chambers restaurant in New York, Pascaline Lepeltier told AFP that when she first started out "a certain male clientele of a certain age didn't trust me" -- or would ask to see the real sommelier.