As always our members were busy throughout the drinks industry. Our Chairperson Sinéad Smyth will be taking part in Grub Circus at All Together Now festival this weekend. The perfect festival combo of wine, music and BBQ, with a heavy emphasis on natural wines. Legendary DJ Stevie G picks the tunes to represent each of the wines in this battle to decide the best natural wines of the evening and the audience is the ultimate judge and with ‘snacks’ from chef David Bradshaw (Frank’s) and Smokin’ Soul. With Stevie G, Shane Murphy & Mick O’Connell (Neighbourhood Wine), Pascal Rossignol (Le Caveau), Brian O’Connor (Brian’s Wines), Beverley Mathews (L’Atitude 51), Aoife Carrigy, Katie Seward (Frank’s), Sinéad Smyth (Wine Spirit Women), Leslie Williams, Colm McCan (Le Caveau/Ballymaloe Cookery School), Smokin’ Soul & David Bradshaw (Frank’s).
Always a fan of lifelong learning Sinéad also just passed her WSET 3 with flying colours and completed the Spanish Wine Specialist Course with ICEX. You can learn more about this course, a little further down in the newsletter. There’s also a very exciting opportunity for our members, so keep reading on.
Our Vice Chair, Trish Nunan, paid a visit to Nest Wine and Coffee in Celbridge. Owned by fellow Wine Spirit Women members, Elli and Catherine Hynes, the Nest serves up a wide variety of wines on tap and by the bottle, wine-cocktails, accompanied by a good range of delicious nibbles.
WSW member Mary O’Sullivan and founder of Beara Bitters shared that they were finalists in this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, scooping up praise for their Beara Bitters Orange. We recently sat down with Mary for a Q&A, which you can read here.
Our members proved popular with Stillgarden Distillery being also nominated for their Café O’Maro. WSW member Viki Baird is the woman at the helm of Stillgarden – catch up with her Q&A here.
In the wine category, Dunnes Stores Laurent Miquel Cote 238 Pech Gentille Albarino 2021 was also announced as a finalist. Nessa Corish Miquel from Laurent Miquel was also featured in our Q&A, where you can learn more about this Irish woman who is living our dream, of marrying a French man and owning a winery!
An amazing achievement for all the nominees and we wish them the best of luck.
Another member, Ara Esparza, has been flexing her writing chops and has published a new article over at The Wine Snug, focusing on Austrian wine. Grab yourself a glass and read it here.
Santina Kennedy has launched a Pop-up Pintxo Bar at The Powerscourt Distillery. Inspired by the Pintxo culture of the Basque region on a recent trip to Bilbao she has decided to create an Irish style Pintxo Bar – dubbed ‘Pinsín Bar’. The event was launched by Spanish food and wine writer and podcaster Blanca Valencia, who gave a very informative funny and personal insight into Basque food culture.
The Pintxos at Powerscourt are all made from Irish produce with many Irish favourites featuring in bite size such as the ‘mini chicken fillet roll’ with Ummera smoked chicken, An Tairseach Farm organic leaves, Builin Blasta Smoked Onion Mayo, Burren Balsamic Irish Peat Pearls with a tiny salt scoop of Achill Island Smoked Sea Salt. They can be enjoyed with Basque wines from VinosTito a selection of Irish drinks including Valentia Island Vermouth, Kilmullen Farm Apple Juice, Poachers Sodas or of course, Fercullen Irish Whiskey, which is distilled at Powerscourt.
Discover the World of Spanish Wine: Become a Spanish Wine Specialist!
We are excited to announce the exclusive Spanish Wine Specialist Certificate program, curated by ICEX – Foods&Wines from Spain. This official and comprehensive educational course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding and appreciation of Spain’s diverse wine landscapes, from classic icons to crowd-pleasers and hidden treasures of native varieties.
Objective: The primary objective of this course is to equip professionals with profound knowledge about Spanish wines, delving into the rich history of the Spanish wine industry and exploring its current and future prospects.
Delivered entirely online and conducted in English, the Spanish Wine Specialist Certificate program offers a wide range of exciting topics, including: Spain’s prominent position as a wine country in the global context. Captivating historical insights that have shaped the present-day Spanish wine industry.
It includes: Demystifying Spanish wine labels and understanding classifications for wine enthusiasts. Exploration of the most thrilling Spanish Wine Territories, important grape varieties, distinctive wine styles, and key regions. Special focus on fortified and sparkling wines that have gained recognition worldwide. Expert tips on pairing Spanish wines with the exquisite regional gastronomy.
Benefits: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded the prestigious Diploma: Spanish Wine Specialist Certificate. The ultimate goal is to create a network of enthusiastic Spanish Wine Ambassadors, eager to share their passion and knowledge, promoting Spanish wines globally.
How to Join: Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to become a certified Spanish Wine Specialist! Visit Foods and Wines from Spain website for more information and to register for the course. Join us on this thrilling journey to uncover the beauty and complexity of Spanish wines.
Wine Spirit Women are excited to present another amazing opportunity, available only to our valued members. ICEX – Foods&Wines from Spain have very generously given WSW a space to award to one of our members to sit the Spanish Wine Specialist course.
WSW Chair Sinéad Smyth recently sat the course and had high praise, commenting “I simply loved the course. I’m a huge fan of Spanish wines, like so many people here in Ireland, and having the opportunity to dive deeper into the various regions was amazing. We got to learn about the food culture too, and it has furthered my appetite and love for Spanish wines. I highly recommend anyone, whether they are a wine expert of novice, to take this course.”
To apply for this space please send an email with a short bio about yourself, and why you want to do the course to winespiritwomen@gmail.com. Deadline 13th August 11.59pm.
Please note this is open to Wine Spirit Women members only. The successful applicant will be independently chosen by ICEX, not Wine Spirit Women.
The Champagne Terrace at The Shelbourne Hotel is running throughout the summer, and we highly recommend you book yourself a seat at the most stylish venue this season. Guests can enjoy a range of Moët & Chandon blends and vintages, alongside a seafood focused menu. Our eyes are on the tasting flight of Brut Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Grand Vintage 2013, a steal at €40.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for those interested in a Champagne harvest experience. It’s the ideal change to explore the captivating world behind biodynamic and natural wine.
Somm Foundation has a number of scholarships available. At present the majority are for candidates based in the U.S, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on future opportunities.
Food writer Kate Ryan wrote a brilliant article for Echo Live, ideal for anyone heading to Cork on a Fork Food Festival. Running from August 16-20th
Thinking about further developing your digital skills? Have a look at the various Bord Bia Think Digital webinars. These are focused on the practical application of digital marketing, and can be found here.
Our good friend Anna Hickson from Winebabbl launched her new Substack – a weekly newsletter for the trade that summarises the latest in wine each week.
And lastly, our very own Chairperson Sinéad Smyth launched #WednesdayWineNews over on Instagram. Every Wednesday Sinéad will highlight the latest industry news and events from Ireland and around the world. Want to be featured? Send your news directly to Sinéad.
This August we chatted to the powerhouse that is Santina Kennedy, head of PR & Cultural Events at Powerscourt Distillery.
A true legend in Irish food & drink she holds a MA Gastronomy & Food Studies and is no stranger to the press, having been featured on RTE, BBC World Service and ITV, Her work has also featured in Forbes Magazine, The Irish Times, Food and Wine Magazine & the Irish Farmers Journal
The Connacht Distillery is hosting a Cocktail & Vinyl Night on 4th August, in Ballina, Co.Mayo. Guests will enjoy a DJ set on the distillery floor, 1 free cocktail, canapés, and a complimentary bus from the distillery to town at 9 pm.
Hot off the heels of their TV appearance with Masterchef judge John Torode (pictured below), Kinsale Mead present to you, Mead-Ella, on 4th August at BarBarella Cork. This event is totally free, and guests will experience a Mead Masterclass with the mead makers themselves.
On 7th August two free (morning and afternoon sessions) Glasraí Organic Farm Walks will take place in Claremorris, Co.Mayo.
On 14th September WSET Global will host a webinar, Napa Valley’s 2023 Harvest: The Winemaker’s Perspective. The guest speakers will be Catherine Bugue DipWSET, Vice President of Education, Napa Valley Wine Academy and Michael Scholz, Vice President Winemaking and Vineyards, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery. Register here.
From Grass to Glass: Bertha’s Revenge Irish Milk Gin Talk and Tasting will take place on 18th August as part of the Cork on a Fork festival. Tickets are free and can be reserved here.
In Dunfanaghy, Co.Donegal guests are invited to a one-of-a-kind culinary experience on the Wild Atlantic Way. On this fun half-day workshop, participants will learn all about kombucha fermentation, its benefits and how to add flavour to this delicious fermented tea, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to make mouth-watering homemade Irish soda bread.
The Shelbourne Bar Cork is the place to be for whiskey lovers on 20th August. They are pairing up with Myo Cafe to bring a unique whiskey and pastry pairing and tasting.
On 20th August Wasted will hit Co.Cork. The event is part of a series of popup events to celebrate the launch of Chef Conor Spacey’s book of the same name. The evening will consist of a five course dinner (using recipes from the book) that closes the loop on food waste, each dish will be paired with delicious organic/bio-dynamic and natural wines from the fantastic L’Atitude 51 team in the heart of Cork city.
Pete’s Provisions are hosting two wine tastings on Thursday Sept 7th Thursday Sept 21st. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines from different regions and learn about their unique characteristics in a super friendly ‘no pressure’ environment. Tickets are €55 per person and guests will get 10% off all purchases on the night, plus a selection of Pete’s meats, cheeses & dips.
Indie Fude have just two A Wee Taste of Belfast tours left this season on 26th August and 30th September. They will take you on a bespoke tour of some of their favourite new food and drink friends – with a focus on some of the producers in and around Portview Trade Centre.
An Argentine Masterclass and Wine Fair on Monday 4th September. Open to trade only.
Family run importer Boutique Wines are hosting a portfolio tasting on 25th September at Dublin’s Row Wines. On the day expect organic and biodynamic wineries with an emphasis on family run businesses. The tasting is open to those working in the trade and will run from 11am – 5pm. To RSVP email Avril at avril@boutiquewines.ie
Wine Spirit Women’s newest corporate member J&C Kenny are recruiting for office admin role in Oranmore Galway. Contact info@jckenny.ie for more information.
Searsons are recruiting for a full-time shop manager. The Manager will be responsible for overseeing daily shop operations, managing a small team of dedicated staff, maintaining a high level of wine knowledge and delivering exceptional customer service
Union is hiring hospitality professionals to fill waiting positions. Apply directly to Union.
Two Michelin star Liath are lookingfor someone to run their wine program from 2024.
In Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse seeks a hospitality manager.The successful candidate will lead/manage food outlets on the 5th floor at the Guinness Storehouse. You will deliver a high-quality menu and motivate our staff to provide excellent customer service.
Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey is hiring a Brand Ambassador. This field-based role will see you work across a wide range of activities such as; brand education and advocacy, rate-of-sale, increasing visibility, and executing engaging consumer & trade activations in both retail and on-trade outlets in the Republic of Ireland.
A Luxury Spirits Account Manager is required at Diageo. The role includes developing and managing relationships with key accounts across the island of Ireland. You will work closely with the brand teams, wholesalers, retailers, and key collaborators to develop and implement sales strategies and achieve revenue targets.
Hendrick’s Gin are looking to hire a Global Brand Innovation Manager on a 9 month fixed term contract.
WSET is recruiting a remote part time Product Developer – Diploma Content Specialist.
Adare Manor are recruiting across a number of roles, including resort sommelier, resort mixologist and restaurant manager. Full list of available positions here.
Ibec are hiring for Director of the Irish Whiskey Association. Be quick, the deadline for applications is 3rd August 2023.
Château Picoron are hiring an Assistant Winemaker & Viticulturist.
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