George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
We are celebrating International Women's Day (IWD) by highlighting stories of inspiring Women@GBC.
Doris Miculan Bradley, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) professor and program co-ordinator, recently received her European Wine Academy pin and diploma, signalling the end of an extensive certification process.
“These exams test extensive knowledge of wines, spirits, and other beverages, as well as skills in wine, business, and production," explained Miculan Bradley. "In total, there are 100 lectures and essays, 120 wines tasted, a proctored 100-question short response test and a research thesis.”
A role model for women in the wine and beverage industry
Miculan Bradley says a number of factors account for the underrepresentation of women in the sommelier community.
“The scarcity of female sommeliers means fewer visible role models for aspiring women," she said. "This lack of representation can perpetuate the perception that achieving this title is less attainable for women.”
Miculan Bradley also says the demands of the sommelier profession — including long, late hours, travel, and studying for intensive exams — can “conflict with societal expectations” for women working in the wine industry.
This trailblazing dual-professional (and doctoral candidate!) continues to inspire her George Brown students and colleagues, and has been driving force behind many cross-institutional and industry collaborations, including the Citronino partnership with Reid’s Distillery.
Cheers to Doris on this incredible accomplishment!
Fun Fact!
Doris Miculan Bradley was gifted the world’s 31, 515th Laguiole Rossignol Champagne sabre. It has facilitated the “liftoff” of the tops of hundreds of bottles of champagne!