(1.3) The Essential Role of Alewives

Celebrating Women Brewers from the Dawn of Beer to 19th Century Belgium

Beer has been a staple of human civilization for thousands of years. From ancient Sumer to medieval Europe, it has been brewed, shared, and celebrated. In every era, women have been at the heart of brewing, not merely as participants, but as the skilled artisans who ensured beer’s place at the table. In Belgium, the tradition of female brewers, known as alewives, is a crucial part of the brewing legacy. Their craft and contribution to society as skilled brewers—often in the face of tremendous societal pressure—deserves to be celebrated, for without them, the world of beer would not be what it is today.

The Dawn of Brewing: Women as Pioneers

The history of brewing stretches back to the beginnings of civilization itself. Evidence of early brewing dates back to around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia, where the Sumerians brewed beer, often with women as the primary brewers. In these ancient societies, women were the first to craft beer. It wasn’t just a domestic task—it was an essential cultural activity. Early beer was likely brewed in homes by women who were recognized for their brewing skill and knowledge.

Beer was a communal drink that brought people together, and women were at the heart of that communal tradition. They brewed beer for festivals, feasts, and daily consumption. This powerful role of women as brewers continued through history, from ancient Egypt, where women brewed beer for Pharaohs, to medieval Europe. In Belgium, the role of women as alewives became more formalized, and they were central to the brewing culture long before beer became the mass-produced commodity it is today.

The Alewife in Medieval and Early Modern Belgium: A Pillar of the Community

In medieval Belgium, as in many parts of Europe, brewing was primarily a domestic activity carried out by women in their homes. Women were not only in charge of brewing beer for their families but were also responsible for selling it in local markets. It was no small task. Brewing required expertise, attention to detail, and patience—qualities that women had cultivated for centuries. Alewives were highly respected figures in their communities because of their skill, knowledge, and the role they played in ensuring the steady supply of beer.

However, not everyone viewed alewives in a positive light. They were sometimes portrayed in a negative manner, particularly in folklore and religious rhetoric, where they were associated with greed, deceit, or witchcraft. These stereotypes often arose from societal anxieties about women engaging in economic activities and gaining financial independence. The success and visibility of alewives could challenge traditional gender roles, making them targets of suspicion or disdain.

The medieval Belgian alewife was far more than a simple home brewer. She was a vital part of the local economy, ensuring the flow of beer to local taverns, markets, and festivals. As beer was often safer to drink than water, alewives became the keepers of the local drink, a symbol of both health and community. They were not just brewing beer—they were maintaining traditions that brought people together, creating social bonds, and nourishing the body and spirit of the community.

As the brewing process became more formalized, women remained integral to beer-making. Women would often run taverns and inns where beer was served, but more significantly, they managed the actual brewing process. Their homes and small workshops served as the birthplace for many of Belgium’s most enduring beer traditions. In a society where women were often confined to the domestic sphere, the role of the alewife was a powerful exception, allowing women to contribute to the economy while preserving the deeply rooted tradition of brewing.

17th Century: The Professional Alewife

Regina Wauters: A Pioneer of Belgian Brewing

Regina Wauters (1795–1874) stands as one of the remarkable yet often overlooked figures in the history of Belgian brewing. Born in the vibrant city of Mechelen, renowned for its long-standing brewing traditions, Regina's early life placed her in the heart of a region where beer was not just a beverage but a cultural cornerstone. Her story is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of women who played pivotal roles in the brewing industry during a time when female entrepreneurs faced significant societal challenges.

In 1821, Regina and her husband, Pedro Rodenbach, co-founded the now-famous Rodenbach Brewery in the city of Roeselare. While the brewery carried the Rodenbach family name, it was Regina's vision and hands-on management that transformed it into a cornerstone of Flemish brewing. She immersed herself in the complexities of beer production, ensuring the brewery's success by combining traditional techniques with forward-thinking innovations.

The untimely death of Pedro in 1848 left Regina solely responsible for the brewery. Many might have faltered under the weight of such a responsibility, but Regina rose to the challenge. Her business acumen and unyielding dedication not only kept the brewery afloat but also allowed it to thrive. Under her leadership, the Rodenbach Brewery became known for its distinctive Flemish red ales—beers that were aged in oak barrels and celebrated for their rich, complex flavors.

Regina's efforts ensured the brewery’s place in history as one of the premier producers of Belgium’s iconic red-brown ales. Her work laid the foundation for the brewery's future, establishing traditions that remain integral to its identity even today. Beers like Rodenbach Classic and Rodenbach Grand Cru owe their existence to the methods and standards Regina championed.

While her name may not be as widely recognized as some of her male contemporaries, Regina Wauters' impact on Belgian brewing is undeniable. Her story is a reminder of the crucial yet often unheralded contributions of women in the beer industry. Thanks to her leadership, the Rodenbach Brewery has endured as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of Belgian beer.

The 19th century also marked the end of many small alewife-run businesses, as mechanization and mass production took hold. Yet, the legacy of women brewers remained embedded in Belgian brewing, thanks to the skill, innovation, and perseverance of alewives who had crafted the beers that helped shape Belgium's brewing identity there is a growing presence of women in the industry in the 21st century, including as brewery owners and brewers. Some notable examples include:

Brasserie de la Senne: While not fully women-owned, one of the co-founders of this well-regarded brewery, Bernadette Willaert, has played a significant role in its operation, contributing to its success.
Brouwerij Cantillon: Although this famous brewery in Brussels was founded by the Cantillon family, the current generation includes women who are integral to its operation, particularly Jean Cantillon's daughters, who have taken leadership roles in the business.
Brouwerij Boon: This brewery, known for its Lambic-style beers, has some women involved in the operations and brewing aspects, though it remains primarily family-run.
Brasserie de la Lienne: Located in the province of Liège, this brewery is owned by Catherine Boon, who is involved in both brewing and the management side of the business.
Brasserie des Rocs: A Belgian brewery run by Christine Huybregts, who is part of the leadership team and brings a fresh approach to the traditional methods of brewing.

These breweries represent a small but growing shift toward more women-owned and led businesses within the Belgian beer scene, a trend that is expanding as more women pursue careers in brewing.

The Lasting Legacy of Alewives

The history of Belgian brewing cannot be told without acknowledging the critical role women played as alewives. These women were not just brewers—they were the lifeblood of the brewing industry for centuries. Their skill, their knowledge, and their dedication to the craft were what kept the tradition of beer brewing alive and thriving. Alewives were respected members of their communities, and their contributions to both brewing and social life should be celebrated.

Today, as women continue to take their rightful place in the craft beer movement, the legacy of the alewives lives on. From Marguerite de la Porte, brewing in Mechelen in the 17th century, to Marie-Victoire Willems in Brussels, and Elisabeth Smit in Ghent, these women showed the world that beer brewing was not just a man's domain. Their work paved the way for future generations of women brewers, and ensured that beer, as both a cultural and economic force, would continue to thrive in Belgium for centuries to come. The alewives were, and continue to be, the true queens of brewing.

Next Chapter: Chapter 2: The Agricultural Landscape of Belgium