Female sommeliers invited to take part in women in wine survey

The founder of a female wine collective has launched a nationwide survey encouraging women in the wine industry to share their experiences.

Queena Wong, founder of Curious Vines, has collaborated with market research company Proof Insight to identify any issues women face when it comes to the communication, hospitality, marketing, sales, buying, and distribution of drinks.

She said: "As much as I have an idea of what the main issues are for women working in the UK wine industry there is nothing like real data to show the industry how women perceive their working environment. This survey will give women a chance to tell the industry what their experience is really like. I want proper statistics to tell me if there are issues that need to be addressed."

Wong had previously told The Caterer: "As a fine wine collector, I have had some amazing men that have mentored me. I had a Champagne mentor, Burgundy mentors – amazing people, but the problem is that in that sphere, it only takes a few of the guys to wreck it for the rest of the good eggs that are out there.

"What I experienced was a mixed bag and I felt that if I could increase the number of females in this sphere, this sort of stuff wouldn't happen any more and I could give other women the confidence to sit at the table and not feel marginalised or patronised."

The survey is open to any women who are working or have worked in the UK wine industry, including in wine roles in hospitality.

It can be completed here and the survey is due to close on 31 August.