We had our first in-person event in what felt like one million years, and it was a raging success. A fantastic bunch of Wine Spirit Women joined together in Sister Ray Rathmines to taste a wonderful array of wines. We want to send a big thank you to our wine sponsors – Lynne Coyle, Boutique Wines, Mitchell & Sons, Mackenway Wines, Rías Baixas & Lynda Coogan, Nude Wine Co, Winespark, Dunnes Stores and Polish Wine Fest.
In this month’s Q&A we chat to Antonia Dominguez, wine specialist at Donnybrook Fair. Not only is this amazing woman a mother of twins and working full time, but she’s also studying to become a Master of Wine – yep you read that right, she’s basically superwoman. You can read about Antonia’s journey and some exciting new projects she has lined up here.
WSW Study Group
With many of our members undertaking various wine exams we are considering setting up a study group to assist with exam preparations, and our committee member Lynda Coogan has kindly offered to facilitate this.
Speaking about the group Lynda said “I am happy to volunteer my time to assist any wine students that have upcoming exams or would like a head start on preparing for exams.”
About Lynda
As owner of Wine Tasting Ireland & A Class of Wine she has 13 years experience in the wine business with a focus on retail and education. Lynda holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma and received the highest marks in Ireland in the blind tasting exam the year completed. She has taught WSET up to level 3 and countless social consumer wine tasting experiences.
The format would be a tutored tasting of classic grapes, styles etc., a blind tasting section for fun, and a mock exam with feedback. Lynda will also give tips and advice on prepping for these exams.
To gauge interest we ask you to fill out this form if you’d like to join the study group WSW Study Group
Calling all budding writers – we are on the lookout for contributors to the Wine Spirit Women blog. Do you have a passion for Pet Nat, do you swoon over sherry or are you bonkers about beer? If so we want to hear all about it. We’ll be publishing member articles each month and with a network of women with such varied interests and knowledge, we want to share that with our members. Interested parties can email sinead at winespiritwomen@gmail.com
Jobs
Cork’s new kid on the block MacCurtain Wine Cellar is seeking part-time staff. We visited only a few weeks ago and can confirm it’s a gorgeous set-up with a cracking wine list. Email info@maccurtainwine.ie for more information.
In Galway, Micil Distillery is seeing a Visitor Centre Assistant Manager
O’Brien’s Wines are looking for both part-time and full-time sales assistants in a variety of locations. They are also seeking an innovative and passionate graphic designer. More information here.
A great opportunity has arisen to work in one of Ireland’s most beautiful hotels. Co Laois’ Ballyfin Demesne is recruiting for a junior sommelier, full job spec here.
Any Cork-based natural wine fans will want to check this job listing out. City centre wine bar L’atitude 51 are adding to their front of house team.
Kinsale Mead is seeking the right individual to aid its brand development (sales & marketing). Full job spec here.
Events
Stout & Coffee Tasting
To celebrate Indie Beer Week the Porterhouse Temple Bar will run a stout and coffee tasting on 31st May, hosted by brand ambassador Dave Cummins with special guest Brian Kenny from Silverskin Coffee Roasters. Tickets are available here.
Banana Block Comedy Club presented by Indie Fude x Velo Cheese x Bullhouse Brew Co
The 9th of June sees the first instalment of these monthly comedy club sessions at Banana Block Belfast. Tickets include an Irish cheese plate curated by Indie Füde and a beer from Bulhouse Brew Co. Cheese. Cheese, beer and a load of laughs? Sounds like the perfect night out. You can find more information and tickets here.
Rosé tasting at Provender Wine
With the sun (almost) shining it’s time to start thinking about all things rosé. Join Provender Wine on Sunday 5th June for a Rosé Wine Tasting where you’ll taste an array of delicious rosé and taste some nibbles that will get you thinking about your food and wine pairings this summer.
Summer & BBQ Wines Tasting
You’ve lit the BBQ, and the charcoals are burning, but what to serve with your flame-grilled feast? Join Wines Direct, on 18th June, at their HQ in Mullingar where they will talk and taste through the perfect bottles for your back garden soirée.
Dog Point Winemakers Dinner
The Corkscrew Wine Merchants will host winemaker Jak Nash in the newly opened restaurant Amuri, just above the wine shop on Saturday 25th June. Tickets are available here.
Italian Wine Dinner with Leslie Williams and Enrico Fantasia
On 23rd June Fallon & Byrne will play host to two of Ireland’s wine pros Leslie Williams (The Examiner) and Enrico Fantasia (Grape Circus) for an evening of Italain fare and fantastic wines. If antipasti, biodynamic wines and a sweet ending of Venetian biscuits tickles your fancy this event is for you.
Take a trip to the Mediterranean with Nude Wine Co
Join Michelle on June 2nd at Lawlors of Naas Kildare where she will talk and taste through a tantalising array of Italian wines. Travel from Tuscany to Verona, to Puglia and a jump to Sicily during this Italian wine tasting.
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 