March 2024 Newsletter

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐎𝐈𝐕 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧!

Don’t miss this opportunity. You have until 31 March to apply. These grants offer either 3-year or short-term research opportunities for postgraduate training programs. For the second time, the Consortium of international companies, including Familia Torres, Masi Agricola, Moët & Hennessy, Sogrape, Viña Concha y Toro, and Yalumba Family Winemakers, is contributing, in addition to the OIV’s contribution. This enables the provision of different types of research grants. Take advantage of this chance to further your research and expertise in the vine and wine industry. More information here.

This past month, five new masters of wine were announced. There are Emily Brighton MW, Christopher Martin MW, Robert Mathias MW, Dror Nativ MW and Pietro Russo MW. Emily Brighton is currently the youngest female MW to hold this title. Read the full press release here.

Belfast’s Cyprus Avenue will run the first of many “Wine Skool” evenings, hosted by “Devine Wine by List”, kicking off on 25th April.

On Monday 11th February, The Drinks Business Master Winemakers ceremony awarded accolades for the very best wines of the year. Winners included Ana María Cumsille, chief winemaker at Viña Carmen, who won ‘Best Carmenere’ and Cristina Torres, general manager at Marimar Estate, who won ‘Best Pinot Noir’. Find out the winners in every category here.

In Co.Cork, St.Francis restaurant in Kinsale will host their next “Sommwich Sunday” on 10th March. Chef Darren Kennedy will be manning the pots while sommelier Wesley Triggs will look after your vino needs. The day will kick off at 1.30pm, with no reservations.

New Zealand Winegrowers announced that Jo Cribb will be the new Chair of NZ Women in Wine, effective February 2024. Dr Cribb brings a wealth of relevant experience with her, having worked in the gender and equality space for many years, including being Chief Executive for the Ministry of Women.

Spring into the new year with Stillgarden Distillery’s afternoon tea and gin tastings. Tickets include a welcome drink plus a tasting flight of four gins and mixers. Class duration is 60 minutes and your ticket includes afternoon tea.

The Corkscrew in Dublin will celebrate their 20th year in business on 24th March. They will be marking this significant milestone with a unique and exciting event, so stay tuned. In the meantime join their Bodegas Donbear tasting on the 21st with Paz Donoso.


On Tuesday 19th February Stillgarden Distillery hosted the final of their cocktail competition at their Dublin distillery with some of Ireland’s finest mixologists pouring creative and unusual drinks.

Each contestant had to create their own entry drink for the panel of judges, made up of Maggie Domaradzka (Polish Wine Fest), Carla Naltchyan (Wide Street Brewing) & Mary O’Sullivan (Beara Bitters).

They also had to incorporate Stillgarden’s 55 or Buí 43 as key ingredients. The ethos of Stillgarden Distillery is science, community, nature and sustainability. The contestants had to showcase each of these values in their cocktails, and they truly fulfilled the brief with their world-class unique cocktails. Congratulations to the overall winner, Darren Geraghty (Hawksmoor) and the entire lineup of fantastic finalists.

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In conversation with…

We’re springing into March with Diana Dorantes, Business Development & Brand Ambassador at Alkitara Mezcal.

Mexico native Diana shares her story of living in Taipei City, and volunteering across the regions of Oaxaca, where she fell in love with the enchanting world of Mezcal production.


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The Mitchell & Son portfolio tasting will take place on 4th March in Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin. The event will also include a Lustau Cocktail Masterclass *trade only.

Le Caveau will run their 25th annual tasting in Co.Cork, on 4th March *trade only

Also on the 4th, in Co.Cork JN Wine will run a spring self-pour tasting in Hayfield Manor. *trade only.

In Drumcondra, The Lovely Food Co is teaming up with neighbours Pinto Wines for a pop-up on 2nd March. Guests will savour a specially curated selection of reds, whites, and bubbles expertly paired with our small dishes. Walk-ins welcome or call to reserve your table on (01) 830 9549.

On 5th March Findlater & Co will host a portfolio tasting in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. *trade only. For those of you not in the trade, for the first time ever Findlater will be sharing an inside look at their tasting, through a live broadcast. Throughout the day there will be three masterclasses shown on Instagram Live. Each masterclass will be facilitated by a wine expert and feature some of the industry’s most recognisable names, including Aoife Carrigy (The Independent) John Wilson (Irish Times), Leslie Williams (Irish Examiner) and many more.

Join 64 Wines on 7th March for a Galician wine tasting, hosted by Rafa Salazar. Tickets cost €90 per person.

Fourth Corner Whiskey Club continues their tasting with local heroes Teelings. Grab your ticket and experience a whiskey masterclass and tasting session 

Neighbourhood Wine in Churchtown will host a wine tasting featuring wines off the beaten path on Thursday, March 7th. Their Leeson Street location will run a Portuguese tasting on 14th March and in Churchtown on 21st March.

This 13th of March Vinifinesse is hosting a portfolio tasting at the Hungarian Embassy in Dublin. *trade only

In Belfast, Mine Bennett will host an “Old & New World” wine tasting on 14th March at Stock Kitchen. Tickets cost £35 per person. Email mine@wine-and-yoga.com, or DM on Instagram.

On 15th March The K Club hosts a very special Laurent Perrier Champagne Dinner. Back by popular demand following last year’s sell-out evening. The event will pair a sumptuous five-course menu with some of the historic Champagne house’s finest vintages. 

Celebrate Paddy’s Day in style with a Hawksmoor X Waterford Whisky paired tasting menu on 17th March. Guests will be treated to an exclusive evening of Whiskey conversation paired with dinner and indulgent whiskeys.

Ely Wine Store in Maynooth will host a “Wines for Easter” tasting, kicking off at 7.30pm. You will taste cheese and charcuterie and enjoy exclusive on the night discounts on the wines sampled.

On 23rd March, A Wine Idea will host an Italian wine tasting at Fumbally Stables. You will begin the evening with a welcome drink leading you through a curated wine tasting experience featuring four exceptional Italian wines. Tickets cost €65 per person.

Echlinville Afternoon Tea is back at the Echlinville Stillhouse this 6th April at 1.00 pm. Enjoy a guided tour of our farm distillery to discover the story behind their whiskey, gin, poiti­n and vodka. Then return to the stunning stillhouse to indulge in a delightful selection of the finest savoury and sweet treats accompanied by our award-winning spirits. Tickets cost £55 per person.

The Polish Wine Fest returns to Ireland on 8th April, featuring a masterclass with Maciej Nowicki from Ferment Magazine. Guests will enjoy a two-hour tasting, and wine bar and can accompany their Polish wines with delicious pierogies. It’s not just wine that will be on show, Beara Bitters will be making an appearance too!

The Neighbourhood Wine School will run on Saturday April 13th, from 2 pm – 5pm. During this 3-hour intensive session, you will taste and learn about the classics and natural wines.

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Ireland

Findlater & Co are on the lookout for a commercial executive (wine category) to join the team.

Dylan McGrath group are hiring a group sommelier to work across restaurants, multiple event spaces, and two bustling cocktail bars.

Doppio in Kilkenny are currently recruiting for a barista and wait staff (part-time and full-time opportunities available). Please email your CV to Simona at office@doppio.ie

Lilith Wines in Dublin are on the lookout for a new team member. Experience is not essential but a good attitude and a desire to learn is. Drop your CV into Lilith directly and have a chat with Sophie

The Olde Glen Bar & Bia Box are hiring for the following positions for the incoming season. Food & Drink servers, (daytime), part-time bartenders (daytime & evenings). Competitive rates of pay for successful candidates. Please email CV to: hello@oldeglen.ie. Experience in similar roles preferred.

O’Briens Wine are hiring for a number of positions including full-time sales assistant (Navan Road, Dublin), temporary part-time sales assistant (Beacon, Dublin), part-time sales assistant (Athlone), and assistant manager (South Dublin).

In Waterford, 1 Michelin star House restaurant in Cliff House Hotel are recruiting an assistant sommelier and a food and beverage assistant.

The Molloy group are hiring a sales assistant for their Finglas location and a senior sales assistant for their Francis Street location.

Cush in Ballycotton wants to add to their front-of-house team for the new season ahead. Anyone that may be interested please email reception@cush.com with your CV. Candidates must be over 18 to apply due to the service of alcohol throughout the premises.

The Glass Curtain in Cork are hiring a full-time server. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a similar restaurant, be personable, professional & a good team player. The role includes Tuesday – Saturday evening work with Sunday / Monday off. Staff meals daily, discounts on dining in & wine, and great staff parties throughout the year. Apply to manager@theglasscurtain.ie

Liberty Wines is recruiting a Dispatch Coordinator for their Basingstoke Distribution Centre.

In Galway, fine dining restaurant Lignum seeks a passionate individual to join the front-of-house team. Previous experience in a restaurant setting is preferred but not essential as there will be full training provided. This is a part-time position approximately 20 hours per week. If you are interested email molly@lignum.ie

Quintessential Wines has two positions available. One is for an office & logistics administrator – this is a full-time role with flexible working hours, tailored to suit individual needs, as required (12-month maternity cover required).

The second is for a retail store manager, this is also a full-time role. Additionally, a part-time sales assistant position is also available. Wine knowledge would be great, but not essential, as full training will be given. If any of these roles are of interest please email seamus@quintessentialwines.ie 

Donnybrook Fair is looking for a wine manager in Morehampton Road. Please email a CV to Ray at ray.connolly@donnybrookfair.ie (by 4th March preferably) if interested.

In Belfast, Noble are seeking enthusiastic individuals to provide exceptional service in a dynamic environment. Flexible hours and competitive pay. Apply now by sending a CV to info@nobleholywood.com or give us a call on 02890 425655.

Global

London’s Noble Rot are hiring a sommelier and a bartender, offering excellent training opportunities. Email CVs to people@noblerot.co.uk

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is recruiting a Head of Educator Development (remote).

Piazza Wines in Ballard Canyon are on the lookout for an assistant winemaker.

Are you recruiting? Email us to be included in future newsletters

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