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Apr 28 2026
Women of Wine Awards Spain 2026
In Spain, female winemakers have been making waves in recent years. According to a Rioja Women's History Month Tribute, over 50% of the winemakers in DOC Rioja are women. Meanwhile in DO Rueda around two thirds of wineries are run by women. It is no surprise then, given the massive influence of women in the wine industry (both in Spain and beyond) that they should be given recognition as such. One of the Spanish awards celebrating the leadership roles of women in wine is the Premios Isabel Mijares de Mujeres del Vino - the Isabel Mijares Women of Wine Awards, which are presented annually. Often mentioned in the Spanish press, the La Vanguardia publication when writing about the award, summed up the late Isabel Mijares as “An undisputed pioneer… the first woman to preside over a Wine Regulatory Board in Spain. She leaves behind more than twenty books and, above all, her tireless fight for women's rights in the wine sector.” Only in its second year since her passing in 2024, these awards honor her career and acknowledge the talent, dedication and leadership of the women fronting Spain’s wine-making sector.
A total of 11 categories spanning from wine-making to investigation, communications and gastronomy are highlighted, ranging across different sectors in the world of wine. The winners are profiles that promote innovation and transformation within their working environments. Here are some of the specialized 2026 winners and their contributions that have sparked this worthy recognition.
Woman of the Year Award: Jancis Robinson MW
A highly influential journalist and wine critic, Jancis Robinson is one of the world’s leading wine influencers who made waves in 1984 when she became the first woman to earn a Master of Wine title. Jancis writes for many leading publications on wine and was the official advisor to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s royal wine cellar for almost two decades. She received the highest recognition of the Isabel Mijares Women of Wine Awards - Woman of the Year.
Female Sommelier Award Winner: Carmen Garrobo
With over 30 years in the wine sector, Carmen Garrobo is not only the founder and director of the Escuela Española de la Cata in Madrid, but also the president of the Asociación de Sumilleres Profesionales de Madrid (ASUMAD) and the secretary of the Comité de Formación de la Asociación Española de Periodistas y Escritores del VINO (AEPEV). Her teaching methods promote sensorial excellence in food and wine with technical precision and clarity. She regularly collaborates in specialized publications, and is a major spokesperson in the sector.
Female New Generation Award Winner: Amor López
Winemaker and promoter at Bodega Erupción in DO Lanzarote, Amor López forms part of a pioneering project in the town of Tao in the Canary Islands. Since 2021 the winery has combined over half a century of artisanal family production with an innovative vision of producing unique signature wines in extreme terroirs.
Female Wine Sales/Brand Ambassador Award: Isabel Vázquez
Known for her work as Brand Ambassador and Brand Manager for the historic Bodega Castillo Perelada in DO Empordà, Catalonia, Isabel Vázquez presents the Perelada brand at events like the annual Verema Experience, showcasing wines in Valencia, Barcelona, Málaga and Murcia. She has a prominent profile as a reference professional in the wine industry, and her award acknowledges a strong commitment to the commercial and brand work for the business.
Female Winemaker Award: Marta Casas
Having co-led the oenology team at Parés Baltà winery in DO Penedès since around 2000, Marta Casas is the head winemaker of this biodynamic family winery in Catalonia. Together with her oenologist sister-in-law, Casas is renowned for revolutionizing the organic viticulture sector, and was named Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin in 2024. The historic winery continues to combine traditional methods with modern organic innovation and of course a biodynamic ethos.
Female Chef Award: Carme Ruscalleda
The most distinguished female Spanish chef, Carme Ruscalleda is the only woman in the world to have obtained 7 Michelin stars at her restaurants: Sant Paul (Sant Pol de Mar), Moments in Barcelona and Sant Pau in Tokyo. Raised in a farming family, Ruscalleda began cooking at an early age, and over the decades has become an icon of native Catalan cuisine and a driving influence in zero-kilometer cooking.
Female Wine Tourism Award: Carmen Bengoechea
A designer of tourism strategies, Carmen Bengoechea has created various gastronomic and enotouristic experiences chiefly in DOC La Rioja during her longstanding career in sustainable tourism. With her in-depth knowledge of regional environments and regulatory boards she has participated in various studies and dynamic projects to promote the wine industry and slow travel. She is a passionate leader of the Vivanco team, who run this winery in Rioja to include
9,000m2 of experiences and journeys surrounding wine, gastronomy, art and culture.
Other Award Winners for 2026:
Female Communications and Scientific Disclosure Award: Amaia Soto, The Way We Wine Now
Female Winery Manager Award: María del Yerro of Alonso del Yerro (DO Ribera del Duero)
Female Enologist Award: Maite Calvo of Bodegas Bilbaínas (DOCa Rioja)
Female Wine Investigation Award: Adriana Ochoa of Bodegas Ochoa (DO Navarra).
