| It’s officially Spring which signifies new beginnings, and in keeping with this theme we have been busy behind the scenes working on some changes and planning some really exciting things for 2023. If you haven’t visited our website in a while, we encourage you to head over there after you’ve read the newsletter. We’ve updated the look and feel of the site and added heaps of helpful links to online educational tools such as Champagne MOOC, Typsy, University Courses in Brewing and Distilling and more. WSW MEMBERSHIP Some of you may remember that when Wine Spirit Women was initially set up it was on a paid membership basis. Since then, we’ve faced a global pandemic where the entire world was put on pause, and during this time we didn’t feel it was right to charge a membership fee. Now after a year of free membership, we realise that things need to change slightly. We want to be able to run more events and provide more supports for our members, and to do that we need to invest in WSW. That means going forward we will have a membership fee which goes towards running the group – the website, events and so on. In order to CONTINUE to be part of WSW, to stay in our WhatsApp & Facebook group and to access all benefits be sure to get your membership before 6th of March. JOIN NOW Benefits of Membership Access to the WSW WhatsApp and Facebook Groups Exclusive Discounts and Offers Access to Members-only Events, Workshops and Tastings First access and member discounts to event ticketsFree access to online learning platform Capstone California Level 1 & 2 (worth over €500) We have also launched new Corporate Memberships, ideal for businesses & organisations who want to join the wider WSW network. BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER WSW COMMITEE APPLICATION Are you motivated to build spaces for women to come together, to network, to learn and to share ideas and experiences? We have seen the evidence, not only from within this group, but from other female-centred drinks groups globally and across other industries, that these spaces are hugely beneficial to women, both professionally and personally. And since this group is all about promoting the goals of collaboration, education and mentorship, we’re looking for some of our members to step forward and join our passionate and engaged team to deliver on these goals. The commitment we’re looking for is participation in a monthly Zoom meeting where we can plan events, collaborate on the newsletter, create socials content, set any specific action items too be carried out, and helping with WSW events when possible. Each committee member will agree to a role with set responsibilities which are hopefully a reflection of what they feel is their strength or capability. So, if you feel you have some time and energy to give to the committee, applications are now open below. The deadline for applications is 28th February. Apply Here We would also like to take this opportunity to thank past and outgoing Committee Members for their time and contribution to Wine Spirit Women. UPCOMING WSW EVENTS Christmas Party | Monday, 27th February This month will be celebrating our Christmas Party on 27th February at The Wine Pair. We look forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, you can get yours HERE . Whiplash Brewery Visit | Monday, 27th of March Next month, we are hosting a free event in collaboration with Whiplash Brewing. We will head to their brewery on Monday, the 27th of March for a Tour and Beer Tasting. Spaces are limited so please secure your place here to avoid disappointment. Champagne Masterclass | Monday, 22nd May Save the date! We’re currently planning a Champagne Masterclass to be held in D’Olier Street Restaurant on 22nd May. More details to follow. If you’re working in the wine trade and want us to feature one of your portfolio’s Champagnes please get in touch. OTHER EVENTS Women in Wine Expo | 10th -12th of May Click Here for the Conference Program Click Here for the Masterclass Program The Women in Wine Expo will be held in May and we’re looking to gather some Wine Spirit Women to travel together and take advantage of a group rate. If you’re interested in attending with us, please contact us at winespiritwomen@gmail.com.Group Rate: £360 per participant (joining as group of 7 or more). Our vice-chair Sevgi Tüzel-Conghaile will join Women in Wine Expo as a speaker talking about Trends & Topics in the Wine Business.In other event news, there are several spring portfolio tastings being held over the next few weeks, some of which we have shared below. To stay up to date on upcoming trade and consumer tasting events be sure to follow Jean Smullen’s Wine Diary. Celebration of Imbolc & St. Brigid at Powerscourt Distillery On Friday 3rd February we were delighted to attend a celebration of Imbolc and St. Brigid at Powerscourt Distillery, led by Santina Kennedy. On the day we were treated to a delicious lunch full of local Wicklow produce, prepared by Gather and Gather, as well as a delicious mulled mead, apple and honey aperitif, created by WSW member Kate Dempsey from Kinsale Mead. We enjoyed a talk from PhD student Caitríona Nic Philibín, who regaled us with the Irish food traditions associated with St.Brigid and Imbolc. Did you know that St. Brigid is the patron saint of brewing? Last year, we listened to a great podcast from Wine Enthusiast where, to celebrate International Women’s Day, they looked at women’s role in drinks. Check out Episode 110: Women in Drinks History, Part One – Women in Brewing where our very own St. Brigid of Kildare gets a mention. Definitely worth a listen!    Q&A For our February Q&A we sat down with Dublin native Neasa Corish-Miquel, co-proprietor at Laurent Miquel Family Wines in the Languedoc, France. READ HERE EVENTS Dublin’s Stillgarden Distillery hosts regular tastings and comedy nights, which make for a great night out. The Wines Direct Portfolio Tasting is being held in Temple Bar Gallery & Studios, Dublin on Monday, 13th February, with March dates scheduled for Galway (13th) and Cork (27th). Click here to register. On 19th February, Philip Dunne and winemaker Bo Barrett will host a Chateau Montelena Winemaker Dinner in WILDE at The Westbury, Dublin. The Tindal Wine Merchants Portfolio Tasting will take place on 20th February in The Marker Hotel, Dublin. Email sales@tindalwine.com to reserve your place. On 21st February Ger Garland and Deirdre O’Carroll will host a Redbreast Masterclass at The Horseshoe Bar in The Shelbourne Hotel Radici Wines will be hosting its first Business Supper Club at Fusciardi’s on 21st February in partnership with Poderi Moretti Winery. To find out more and to register to attend, click here. The Powerscourt Distillery, in collaboration with the Monaghan Whiskey Society, will be showcasing Fercullen Irish Whiskey at a special tasting on 23rd February at The Squealing Pig Bar & Restaurant, Monaghan. Tickets available here. Cassidy Wines Portfolio Tasting will be held on 27th February at The Westbury, Dublin. Click here to register. Bibendum will be hosting their Portfolio Tastings on 27th February at The Glasshouse in Cork, on 28th February at the Asian Tea House in Galway and on the 1st March at Opium Restaurant in Dublin. You can register for your preferred date and location here. Galway whiskey lovers will want to attend this Jameson Whiskey Tasting at The Skeff Bar on 7th March. On 8th March guests are invited to a tasting exploring Waterford & The Influence of Wine making in Whiskey with distiller Ian O’Brien in Dublin. The Corkscrew Annual Charity Wine Fair takes place on 12th March, with funds being raised for Fraser Holden, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. JOBS The Institute of Masters of Wine are looking to fill two roles. For more information, click here. Nest Wine Bar is recruiting for a new Manager. Interested parties can email elli@nestwineandcoffee.ie Dax Restaurant is seeking fine dining wait staff. Successful candidates will receive 3 days off, good working hours, and other benefits. Applicants will have 2+ years experience. Email olivier@dax.ie Cliff House Hotel require a Sommelier. Candidates will have at least 2 years experience within a similar 5 star environment or experience as a Sommelier or similar role. Moher Cottage in Liscannor, Co.Clare is hiring for a number of roles, including full & part time barista and store assistants. Stock Kitchen Bar in Belfast is looking to hire an Assistant Manager. They are accepting CVs via email to info@stockbelfast.com Harrow Killarney is hiring Part-Time Waiting Staff. To apply, send your CV to reservations@harrowkillarney.com Michelin star restaurant Bastion in Kinsale, are recruiting for a Head Waiter to join the team. Email your CV to helenbastion@hotmail.com. Drumoland Castle is seeking an Assistant Sommelier. For more information, click here. |
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 