It’s just like singer songwriter Mundy sang, “Oh! my my my, oh! my my my, oh! my my my, my July”. We are knee deep in summer, whether the weather shows it or not, and we are in high spirits as these precious months are filled with gatherings, celebrations and lots of good beverages!
As usual we’ve rounded up news, events and job openings for you, alongside our monthly Q&A with another fantastic industry professional. Our newsletter is sent to our Wine Spirit Women members and wider trade network, making it a great place to spread trade news. If you or your company want us to highlight your upcoming events, tastings, news, jobs and more, please get in touch and we would be happy to share.
I love Verdejo!
That was the phrase du jour at our latest Wine Spirit Women event. DO Rueda very generously hosted a wonderful evening of wine tasting and food culture for Wine Spirit Women in the gorgeous surroundings of Drury Buildings.
On the night we had spot prizes for attendees, with the lucky ones bringing home a bottle of Rueda. A highlight of the evening was when we announced the lucky WSW member who will be heading to Rueda this September on a special trade trip. Congratulations to Carol Cunningham, we’re looking forward to following your Spanish adventures.
The event was a resounding success,with a fabulous turn out but here at WSW we’re always seeking to improve and ensure our members voices are being heard. We would love to get some feedback from our guests on the evening. We have a quick questionnaire that we would appreciate if you took a moment to fill out.
We would like to send a big THANK YOU to the folks at DO Rueda for sponsoring this event, and kudos to our wonderful organisers and hosts. Also, thank you to our fantastic photographer Mel Mullan who took the beautiful photos you find in this newsletter. I think we know what wine our members will be seeking out this summer.
Don’t forget to tag @winespiritwomen & @dorueda in your wine pictures #DORUEDA
This past month our members have been extremely busy, from running events, opening up new restaurants and featuring in various newspapers and publications. In the latest issue of the Irish Examiner Kinsale Mead got a lovely shout out. If you haven’t read founder Kate Dempsey’s Q&A yet, you can do so here.
In the Irish Times John Wilson highlighted a number of women offering various types of wine education including some of our members. Máirín Uí Mhurchú runs Fáilte Wine Education for anyone interesting in WSET courses, Sevgi Tüzel-Conghaile runs regualr tastings at A Wine Idea and Lynda Coogan has her online learning course A Class of Wine
Those who attended our Rueda event will know Blanca Valencia, who is our first guest writer on winespiritwomen.com. Blanca has written a very fitting article on cooking with wine. Pop the kettle on and read her top tips on creating delicious dishes full of flavour.
Do you want your writing to be featured on our platform? If so, get in touch with us through email.
Dublin has a new hangout spot for wine lovers, Bar Pez. Sister to the beloved Fish Shop and the Beach House in Tramore. We are just itching to get down and sample the libations on offer.
The Institute of Masters of Wine took place in Germany this past July. The institute announced the location of its next symposium will be Adelaide in 2026.
The Corkscrew in Dublin officially moved into their new location on 4 Harry Street, right across from The Westbury Hotel. The newly refurbished shop now boasts an impressive spirits collection and wines that would be fitting for even the finest cellar.
Powerscourt Distillery released its finale in the Estate Series. “The Gates” heralds a new era for the distillery, Fercullen Single Malt is a marriage of Bourbon and Amarone matured whiskeys, some of the first whiskey distilled in Wicklow in over 100 years Powerscourt Distillery is also where you will find Wine Spirit Women member Santina Kennedy. You’ll find out more about this powerhouse of a woman in an upcoming Q&A.
Star Wine List revealed they will celebrate the best wine lists of Ireland and the teams behind them for the first time ever. All Irish restaurants and wine bars are now welcome to enter, free of charge.
Dublin Airport has a new cocktail bar, Tailors, which we hope will provide some much needed variety in the drinks offering at Ireland’s busiest airport (don’t get us started on the food). The cocktail and spirit only cocktail bar is the first of its kind at the airport, with decor inspired by its three main spirits, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray Gin and Roe & Co. Whiskey.
At the launch Diageo Ireland Marketing Director Hilary Quinn, said: “We are immensely proud to bring Irish and International travellers then first ever cocktail and spirits only, bar to Dublin Airport….we are thrilled to showcase the elevated drinks and luxurious experience that discerning travellers can look forward to enjoying before their journey with Ketel One, Tanqueray Gin and Roe & Co Whiskey at the helm of this exciting opening, just in time for Summer 2023 travels.”
In was a busy month for Diaego’s women as Jenna Bawas named global brand ambassador for Tanqueray NoTen gin and The Board of Directors of Diageo appointed Debra Crew Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.
July’s Q&A sees Carmel Boyle share her wine story with us. Carmel has recently stepped into her new role as Restaurant Manager & Head Sommelier at Restaurant Keith Boyle at The Bridge House in Co. Kilkenny.
It’s the perfect time for you to get to know Carmel a little better, and check out the delicious wine and food delights on offer at her new home.
On July 12th Sam Povey DipWSET will host “On Wednesdays We Drink Pink” in association with WSET London.
Keep the summer spirit alive with the Stillgarden Summer of Spritz Games Nightat 57 The Headline. Guests will enjoy a complimentary Stillgarden spritz on arrival and free distiller tour tickets to every guests. Did we mention tickets are free? Games, gin and a whole lot of craic! We recently chatted to Viki Baird from Stillgarden Distillery for our monthly Q&A.
From 11th – 13th July WSET’s Impact in Wine Programme 2023 will take place in Odney Club in Berkshire.
Nectar Wines in Sandyford will be hosting distributor WBW for a Bastille Day French Fine Wine Tastingon 14th July. Wine Spirit Women member, Magda Müller, will be presenting from 5.00pm – 8.00pm.
In Dublin City, Wine Spirit Women corporate member Radici will host a Roman food and wine night on 18th July. Guests will enjoy a typical 4 course Roman dinner paired with 5 wines from the region.
The Irish Whiskey Society will be travelling to Wicklow for a tour at Powerscourt Distillery on 20th July.
Belfast Whiskey Week will run from 21st – 29th July with events running across a number of locations.
In Churchtown, Neighbourhood Wine will host their Summer Wine Fairon 30th July, in addition to a whole heap of events taking place in the Arnotts, Dún Lagohaire and Churchtown locations. Check out their full event listings.
August 11th – 13th sees the return of The Wine & Cheese Festival.
On 12th August Causeway Coast Foodie Tours will run their Coast & Country tour, taking guests to five food and drinks stops in Northern Ireland. In addition to sampling local foods you will taste Bushmills Whiskey.
Irish food and drink lovers will want to mark 17th – 20th August in their diary as The Big Grill Festival makes its return.
Save the date: Sommit Ireland will run from Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th October in Co.Waterford.
Whiplash Beer are recruiting a Packaging Manager with 2 years experience. Full job spec here.
Dublin’s Rag Trader seek a senior bartender with a passion for whiskey with experience in a similar role. More information or send CVs to paul@dakotabar.ie
Note In Dublin city centre are hiring for a full-time sommelier and both part-time and full-time front of house staff.
Church of Oak Distillery in Co.Kildare are hiring across a number of roles, including four distillery operatives and 1 marketing executive.
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 