The Viennese bar scene is preparing for a new edition of the event format "Female & Flavorful," which will take place on March 8, 2026, at the Hammond Bar. To mark International Women's Day, the event will highlight the expertise of women in cocktail culture.
Hosts Sigrid Schot and Laura Peez are continuing a long-standing tradition initiated over 15 years ago by industry expert Konny Wunder. The initiative stems from the still-low representation of women at the cocktail bar and in management positions within upscale gastronomy, despite their significant influence on modern concepts and innovations.
As part of the event, eight renowned bar professionals from well-known Austrian establishments, including Dino's Apothecary Bar and Kleinod am Ring, will temporarily take over bar operations. Each of the participating women will present two signature cocktails created especially for the occasion. The lineup includes experienced professionals such as Isabella Lombardo from Sbagliata Bar and Alexandra Hochegger from Truth & Dare Bar, who are collaborating with industry partners like Patrón Tequila, Roku Gin, and Bulleit Whiskey. The event serves as a platform for professional exchange and aims to increase the visibility of female role models in a traditionally male-dominated work environment.
In addition to its professional focus, the event also serves a charitable purpose. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to an organization that supports women facing difficult circumstances. The selection of the beneficiary will once again be made by the event's initiator, Konny Wunder. The eight-hour event marathon will feature live music, with a focus on showcasing artisanal precision and creative mixology. The organizers emphasize that equal opportunities and a modern approach to gastronomy are central goals of the project, aiming to shape the future of the industry.
The event underscores Vienna's development into a center of European bar culture, where expertise and social responsibility are increasingly intertwined. The participation of numerous premium spirits brands further highlights the economic relevance of the female target group in the B2B sector. The event at the Hammond Bar is considered one of the most important networking events for hospitality professionals in the first half of 2026 and sends a clear signal for the professionalization and diversity within Austrian culinary culture.