Name: Lynda Coogan 

Occupation & Company: Wine Tasting Ireland/ A Class of Wine 

Tell me about your current role?

How long have you got? What I love about working for myself is the fact that no two days are the same. I really enjoy the fact that I am never bored. I like to say YES to as many opportunities as I can, and I am always open to learning and trying something new. At the moment I am extremely busy, which is great. I have two kids I tend to take the summer months off and usually plan my year around their holidays.  

A glance at my week ahead.  

Monday – I have just made some changes to a restaurant wine list and I will be heading to their restaurant to train brand new staff and introduce them to the new wines I have listed.   

Tuesday – I am heading to a MASI wine tasting and interviewing the export manager for our podcast Wine: The Long and the short of it and then out for dinner. 

Wednesday – Admin, lots of admin.  

Thursday, Friday & Saturday – I will be working in the VIP section of Taste of Dublin on behalf of DO Rueda wines.   

How did you first get into the drinks industry? 

By complete accident, in my early 20’s I dated a guy, who was a sommelier. He introduced me to the wines of the world. He was self-taught and I learned so much from him. We travelled a lot, ate in the best restaurants all over the world. I was working in accountancy at the time and starting doing WSET professional exams as a hobby. I became hooked very quickly and couldn’t believe that I found my true passion. I saved for a few years, and left a well-paid job in London working in accounts and moved back to Dublin. I enrolled in the WSET Diploma and started a position in  Sweeneys wine merchants. I worked there for 10 years and learned so much; from stacking shelves to organising wine fairs to the stores whole marketing strategy.  

What is your favourite part about working in the industry? 

It is as simple as, the people you get to meet. I am a connector and I love meeting interesting people from all over the world. Last week, I was lucky enough to have been invited to a tasting with Chester Osbourne of D’arenberg wines. I love hearing stories and hearing about and sharing them with my audience.  

We’re meeting up for a wee drink after work – what are you having?

Totally depends on the time of year. Generally, you can’t beat a glass of Champagne, Cremant or Cava, because why not.  If it is summertime I may go for a rosé, in winter a big bold Portuguese.   

You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass.

That is not fair, but most likely a good producers white burgundy.  

It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?  

I actually love a classic restaurant, my favourite is King Citric in Howth. They have the most incredible fresh fish and an exceptional good value fine wine list.  

Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drinks destination you’d love to visit?  

I have been very lucky to have tried lots of different wines and drinks from so many regions. I am always grateful when I am invited on any press trips and get to learn about all wine regions. Even visiting the same region you will always learn something new. On the list of places to visit are  Champagne, South Africa and Argentina.  

The most memorable experience of your career?  

One highlight from my career, was when I was awarded the ‘George O’Malley’ tasting trophy for receiving the highest marks in Ireland in the WSET blind tasting Diploma exam. It was very tough work tasting wines blind nonstop for two years, but someone had to do it!   

One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?  

Support, encouragement and mentorship. I feel that there will always be competition no matter what part of the drinks industry you are in, sales, education. There is enough business for everyone, but you need a UPS to stand out.   

If someone is doing a good job in the drinks industry acknowledge it and learn from them.  I currently have an 18 year old intern working with me and it is great to receive feedback and see how I can change aspects of my business in order to attract a younger audience like her.  

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry? 

Make connections, network and offer to help. When you start off in the drinks industry, the pay is generally low. Learn from offering to do work experience with people more established than you. Try different areas and see what seems like a good fit for you. When someone helps you, be sure to thank them. Be nice, and be kind.   

You can follow Lynda’s wine adventures at the links below.

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