It’s a hot topic that is still going strong: what is it like to be a female working the wines and spirits scene? But for certain women, it’s a question they hope to be able to stop having to answer all the time.
One such spirited lady is Tasha Lu, Hendrick’s Gin brand ambassador for Southeast Asia. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Lu’s first job was in an office where “everyone was old”. The 30-year-old left her office job to work in a nightclub, and has been working in bars like the popular Eau de Vie in Melbourne since.
One such spirited lady is Tasha Lu, Hendrick’s Gin brand ambassador for Southeast Asia. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Lu’s first job was in an office where “everyone was old”. The 30-year-old left her office job to work in a nightclub, and has been working in bars like the popular Eau de Vie in Melbourne since.
“The most common stereotype I face is people assuming that there are gender stereotypes in this industry,” says Lu.
“Contrary to popular belief, our industry is one that has worked hard to stamp out discrimination of all kinds – whether that be gender, sexuality, nationality. I can honestly tell you I have never felt singled out for being a female.
“Contrary to popular belief, our industry is one that has worked hard to stamp out discrimination of all kinds – whether that be gender, sexuality, nationality. I can honestly tell you I have never felt singled out for being a female.
This has been a hot topic for some time now and I think it’s time we move forward and focus on more present issues in the industry like sustainability for instance.”
To be sure, former actress Constance Song agrees that being a female in the drinks industry is not as challenging as many might think. Song is now co-owner of Spanish restaurant BAM! She is also a certified sake sommelier, and helps out with the restaurant’s sake pairings.
“So far, it has been a good experience as a female sake sommelier. I have great customers who are receptive to our recommendations and are willing to explore with an open mind,” says Song. “As long as you know your product with confidence, everything will fall nicely into place,” she continues.
To be sure, former actress Constance Song agrees that being a female in the drinks industry is not as challenging as many might think. Song is now co-owner of Spanish restaurant BAM! She is also a certified sake sommelier, and helps out with the restaurant’s sake pairings.
“So far, it has been a good experience as a female sake sommelier. I have great customers who are receptive to our recommendations and are willing to explore with an open mind,” says Song. “As long as you know your product with confidence, everything will fall nicely into place,” she continues.
Yet, speak to Margareth Henriquez, the president and CEO of the prestigious Krug Champagne, will sing a different tune. When asked if she felt that it’s time people stopped asking her what it’s like to be a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, Henriquez answers candidly: “No, not at all. In fact, I feel that it’s my responsibility to answer. I feel I am part of this leading generation opening the way for other women to also step up.”
Indeed, though Lu believes it is time to move away from this topic, she acknowledges that outside of the industry, stereotypes still do exist and have yet to change. “I think females do face a certain stereotype from customers – When male customers request to speak to a male bartender under the assumption the male bartender knows a lot more, or has more experience,” says Lu.
She continues: “Now typically in Asia the way bars are staffed are with males behind the bar and women on the floor so you can see how this stereotype isn’t changing.”
Indeed, though Lu believes it is time to move away from this topic, she acknowledges that outside of the industry, stereotypes still do exist and have yet to change. “I think females do face a certain stereotype from customers – When male customers request to speak to a male bartender under the assumption the male bartender knows a lot more, or has more experience,” says Lu.
She continues: “Now typically in Asia the way bars are staffed are with males behind the bar and women on the floor so you can see how this stereotype isn’t changing.”
Margareth Henriquez, president and CEO of Krug Champagne. Photo Credit: Jenny Zarins.
“The wines and spirits industry is very male-dominated because there is this impression that you have to drink a lot of alcohol and you have to drink at night and you have to be a man to do that,” says Henriquez.
“But it is all rubbish. You can be a woman and do all that, you just have to do it differently.”
“But it is all rubbish. You can be a woman and do all that, you just have to do it differently.”
