Women sommeliers bring new zeal to wine tasting

Breaking into what has traditionally been considered a male bastion has been one of Ashley Gao's proudest moments. And when one considers that it was one of the toughest nuts to crack, the victory is even sweeter.

Gao, who works at the Opposite House, a luxury hotel in Beijing, is one of the few women sommeliers in the Chinese capital. Sommeliers, or wine stewards, are trained and knowledgeable wine professionals, who specialize in all aspects of wine, including food pairing.

The young and vivacious Gao, with her bright smile and cheerful nature, regales customers with her extensive knowledge of the finest wines as they appear lost for choices among the multitude of brands.