Maribel Mijares, Spain's first female winemaker, has passed away
In a world then predominantly male, such as that of wine, María Isabel (Maribel) Mijares was a pioneer. After completing her degree in Chemistry, in 1967 she obtained a scholarship from the French Government to study Oenology at the Institute of Oenology of the University of Bordeaux, where she earned a degree in Oenology and a Higher Diploma in Wine Tasting.
In 1970, with a scholarship from the Juan March Foundation, he pursued his doctorate in oenology at the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology and obtained the Diplôme d'Études Approfondies.
She was the first female oenologist in Spain and the first woman to preside over a Regulatory Council, that of the Valdepeñas Wine Designation of Origin.
The full member of the Royal Academy of Gastronomy (RAG) passed away on Saturday night in Madrid, leaving behind an impressive career that earned her the respect, admiration and affection of the entire sector, as can be seen this Sunday on social media.
Multidisciplinary
She presided over juries, fairs, forums and specialized exhibitions, advised on wine projects, published books, gave lectures around the world, created her own consulting company, Equipo Team, and was coordinator and director of the Campsa Guide to the Best Wines of Spain (currently the Repsol Guide), from 1998 to 2019, reports the RAG.
Since 2017, she was the technical director of the Wine Activities of the Royal Casino of Madrid, where she organized wine-related discussions and technical workshops.
"But in addition to this impeccable curriculum, Maribel was one of our most illustrious and beloved academics," where she was inducted with a speech entitled "My Dialogue with a Wine Jar, in El Trascacho de Valdepeñas, on the Night of Saint Andrew." "This constant dialogue between herself, wine, and the world was one of her greatest virtues," the institution recalls.
Its president, Luis Suárez de Lezo, stated that with his passing the Royal Academy of Gastronomy "loses one of its great figures, who over the years has contributed decisively not only to the dissemination of the wine culture of our country, but also to the positioning of the Academy itself."
"A natural and passionate communicator, her ironic, funny, and enthusiastic conversation will be our best memory. Rest in peace, Maribel," he adds.