We can’t think of a better way to kick off the summer season than a heatwave and that’s exactly what we’ve got this year! Festivals are a go, and with that sun beating down, we’re on the hunt for light, juicy wines, cool, long cocktails and thirst quenching brews. What a way to start off summer in Ireland?
WSW x Rueda
Hot off the heels of our Champage masterclass we will host our next member event in collaboration with DO Rueda. Join us on 27th June as we explore Spain’s favourite white wines with Leslie Williams and learn about the gastronomy of the region with Blanca Valencia.
This event is now sold out – however if you have a ticket and are unable to attend please get in touch with us as we have a waiting list and can assign your ticket to someone else. Thank you to everyone who has shown such interest in the event and we look forward to seeing you on the night.
On 22nd May we were thrilled to host our first Wine Spirit Women masterclass, exploring brut Champagne in all its glory. We tasted eleven wines with varying levels of dosage and grape blends allowing us to compare between each style, diving further into the fascinating world of fizz. Again we would like to extend a big thank you to the wine suppliers and venue for allowing us to host such an amazing day.
And speaking of amazing Masterclass experiences, Wine Spirit Women was recently invited by member Audrey Underwood of Febvre Wines to attend a d’Arenberg Masterclass hosted by none other than the iconic head of the d’Arenberg dynasty, Chester Osbourn. Famous for his larger than life personality, incredible talent in the winery and flamboyant statement shirts, Chester has truly brought his family’s McLaren Vale wines to the forefront of the Australian wine scene.
Congratulations to member Ellen Leonard Bates who was the lucky recipient of our Vinspire Academy Scholarship. We are thrilled to offer our members exclusive benefits and opportunities such as this scholarship. Keep your eyes peeled for more scholarship and educational opportunities – a little bird told us there are some amazing things coming down the line.
Vinspire Wine and Spirit Academy, based in Dublin, offers globally recognised WSET courses to individuals with an interest in wine and spirits, and also for those working within hospitality and retail in Ireland. If you’re looking to sit your WSET we highly recommend you contact Vinspire Academy to discuss your options.
Ireland’s own Lynne Coyle and Roisín Curley will join other international MW winemakers at the 10th Institute of Masters of Wine Symposium. They will be partaking in the staple MW winemaker tasting at the symposium, which runs from 29th June – 2nd July in Germany.
The 8th annual Gosset Matchmarkers competition is open for applications until 30th June, in continued partnership with Le Cordon Bleu London alongside new 2023 partners The Sommelier Edit and London Wine Fair. The food and wine pairing competition invites chefs and sommeliers to create one innovative dish to match with one of Gosset’s fine champagnes, Gosset Grand Rosé. The winners of the competition receive an all expenses paid visit to Champagne Gosset’s headquarters in Epernay and the title of Gosset Matchmaker 2023.
Hallgarten & Novum Wines have launched an ‘Inclusivity in Wine’ WSET course, with places available free of charge exclusively for individuals working in the hospitality sector from diverse backgrounds. Register before Friday 30th June.
Double Dutch’s Scholarship Programme is open for applications. The Bartender Scholarship Programme has been set up to empower aspiring female bartenders and mixologists – to foster up-and-coming talent through a line-up of unique educational sessions. Open to women aged 21 and over who are already working within the industry or are looking to break into bar tending.
For our June Q&A we spoke to Lynda Coogan, founder of A Class of Wine & co-host of Wine:The Long & Short of it Podcast.
Lynda is a familiar face to many in the Irish wine scene and her passion for wine education is infectious. Learn more about Lynda’s wine journey below.
On 12th June guests are invited to the Sauvignon Showdown at The Corkscrew. Taste the difference between New World whites from South Africa, Napa Valley and New Zealand and compare them to their Loire Valley cousins.
Neighbourhood Wine have a number of tastings planned across their multiple locations including “Best of the Summer Wine” on 15th June in Churchtown and “Wines of Southern France” in Dun Laoghaire.
In Dublin The Wine Buff is hosting another of its Summer Series events with a tasting focusing on White Wines to Savour in the Summer in their Killarney branch at 7pm on June 24th. Email killarney@thewinebuff.com to book your place.
The team from Polish Wine Fest are back and setting sail for the high seas. On July 8th they are hosting a Polish Wine & Cider tasting onboard St.Bridget, whilst sailing around Dun Laoghaire and Dublin’s coastline. Early bird tickets are just €39 until 22nd June (€45 after this date).
If you’re planning some holiday getaways be sure to check out Copenhagen Cooking this 18th – 27th August. Expect communal table dinners, one of a kind experiences and a food festival you’ll never forget. Restaurants from across the city take part in the festival, with the full programme and tickets sales opening on 15th June.
In Co.Down, guests are invited to the Mourne Dew Spirit Experience to learn about Irish poitín, whiskey and gin. Two sessions are on offer; Whiskey & Poitín – Spirits of Fire and Rebellion and The Glorious Gin Revolution – 1688 and All That.
This September the Armagh Food & Cider Festival takes place from 7th – 10th. Celebrating the humble apple the festival will feature five-star dining, cookery classes, open air markets and cidery tours.
Distributor Liberty Wines are recruiting a Brand Manager for Sogrape Vinhos.
Diageo seek a Business Development Representative for On Trade.
An Area Sales Manager is required by Wine Lab to cover the Northern Ireland region.
O’Briens Wine are recruiting sales assistants across a number of stores.
Clanbrassil House seek experienced front of house staff to join the team. Send CVs to info@clanbrassilhouse.com
Cavistons Restaurant are hiring a General Manager.
A Restaurant Host is required at Cliff at Lyons.
Ampersand FMCG Distributors require a Wine Development Executive.
In London a creative PR agency seeks an Account Manager to work with some of the world’s most renowned wine and spirit brands. This role is being filled through Michael Page recruitment.
Michael’s Dublin are expanding their team across their three locations and seek floor and bar staff.
Michelin star restaurant Aniar are looking for a sommelier with a passion for natural, organic and biodynamic wines.
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 