The Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route wishes to express its gratitude, in memoriam, to Ms. María Isabel Mijares y García-Pelayo for her indisputable contribution to the world and culture of wine.
Born in Mérida, Extremadura, she is an iconic figure in the world of wine, oenology, and gastronomic culture. Her career is a testament to dedication, passion, and excellence in multiple fields, from chemistry to literature, leaving an indelible mark on the national and international wine sector.
From an early age, María Isabel demonstrated her interest in the world of wine and science. After completing her primary and secondary education in Mérida, she continued her education in Madrid, where she graduated in Inorganic Chemistry from the Complutense University. However, her true passion for wine led her to pursue a specialization in oenology at the prestigious University of Bordeaux, France, under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. Emile Peynaud.
After earning her diploma in oenology and wine tasting, María Isabel returned to Spain to begin a prolific and innovative career in the world of wine. In 1975, she founded the Laboratory of Enological Analysis and Control (LACE) in Madrid, providing oenological consulting services to wineries throughout Spain.
Her expertise did not go unnoticed, and she was named a Full Member of the Royal Academy of Gastronomy and President of the Valdepeñas Wine Regulatory Council in the 1980s. Since then, she has held prominent roles in international fairs and events, including serving as Vice President of the Barcelona Alimentaria Fair and President of the Intervin Fair.
In addition to her work as an oenological consultant and technical director, María Isabel has been a prolific writer and speaker, sharing her knowledge and passion for wine in national and international publications, as well as at conferences and symposiums around the world.
Her influence extends beyond Spain’s borders, serving as a judge at prestigious international wine and spirits competitions and advising winemaking projects in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.
Her legacy in the world of wine and food culture is undeniable. Her contributions as an oenologist, writer, speaker, and advocate for quality and excellence have left a lasting mark on the industry, inspiring generations of wine professionals and lovers around the world. She has left us a pioneer and tireless advocate for women’s rights in the wine sector.
Among the numerous awards she received throughout her life, we would like to highlight three that made her especially excited: Favorite Daughter of Mérida, Musa de la Vendimia Award at Iberovinac, and ambassador of Cava de Almendralejo.
