Breaking into the wine industry certainly deviates from the standard career path, especially in wet, rainy Ireland where wine production is limited to a handful of hopeful entrepreneurs. Yet, this can be such a fulfilling career for a woman, starting out in their career, with an innate curiosity when it comes to food and wine. With a host of roles available, from finance to the more creative end of the spectrum, the wine industry in Ireland has plenty to offer.

I’ve been working in wine for nearly ten years and in this time, I’ve explored various roles in the industry, from retail assistant to social media manager, before progressing to fine dining and then on to my current position as a wine specialist in the import business. From my perspective, there are some fantastic opportunities for women. This may be a biased but I believe women make fantastic communicators, a skill the wine industry is crying out for. We need young, fresh voices to help us democratise wine and make it more accessible to younger generations.

Before I dive into the practical stuff, I’d like to share the reasons I enjoy working in this industry. While the technical aspects of tasting intrigued me at first, it was the people I met along the way, and their shared approach to life, that led me to commit to this as a career for life. On the whole, I encountered a generosity of spirit and a zest for life. Wine inspires conversation, brings people together and gives us the ability to rise above cultural, racial and social divides by connecting through a shared interest. As Hemingway said, “wine is the most civilised thing in the world!”

The wine scene in Ireland is relatively small compared to other countries but has been growing steadily in recent years. Below is a list of the more common roles available within the job market, followed by some practical steps to help a rookie enter into the trade.

Wine Retailer Merchandiser: Wine shops, like O’Brien’s, require knowledgeable staff to assist customers with wine selection, provide information about different wine regions, grape varieties and food pairings. This is a great place to kickstart your career in the wine industry because very little prior knowledge is required. However, the learning curve is steep and many retailers will encourage you to take exams such as the WSET.

Sommelier: Restaurants, hotels and bars often employ sommeliers to curate their wine lists, assist customers with wine selection, and ensure proper wine service. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of wines, including tasting, pairing, and proper storage techniques. This is a great option if you value creativity, autonomy and relationship building.

Importer: Wine importers are companies that import and distribute wines from different regions around the world, to the Irish market (retailers, restaurants and bars). It is common to enter as a sales representative and, if it’s a goal, work your way up to a sales manager position. Those who show an interest in or talent for buying and sourcing wines, can think about becoming a buyer. Buying sounds glamorous but it requires grit, strong communication skills and empathy. Imagine a producer, who you have built a relationship with over many years, is under performing and you have to explain the negative sales figures to management and either come up with a solution or withdraw business and conclude the relationship. Like any industry, there are good times and harder ones!

Wine Educator: Wine education is a growing field in Ireland. Wine educators conduct tastings and professional courses to educate consumers, trade personnel and enthusiasts about different aspects of wine. They may work independently, in-house or for a wine school. This is a very fulfilling career path if you are naturally curious and interested in the process of learning and how effective communication can lead to a direct increase in wine sales.

Marketing: Marketing roles are available across a number of different channels. You can work in-house for a winery, an importer or a retailer. The marketing team is responsible for increasing brand exposure in the marketplace which includes the company you work for and all the wineries you represent.

Wine Writer: Wine journalists, writers and bloggers play a crucial role in the wine industry by sharing their expertise, reviewing wines, and providing insights on the latest trends and developments. Until AI bots can learn to smell and taste and travel to vineyards in remotes parts of the world, personal accounts will continue to play an important role in wine communication.

These are just a few examples of the job opportunities available in the Irish wine industry. It’s worth noting that some roles may require formal wine education or industry certifications (e.g. WSET or Guild of Sommelier), while others rely more on practical experience and knowledge.

To increase your chances of finding a job, here are some practical steps you can take:

Gain Wine Knowledge: Read books, attend wine courses, and participate in tastings to develop a solid foundation of wine knowledge. Some of my favourite books include: Wine Girl (Victoria James), Wine Reads (Jay McInerney), The Wine Pocket Bible (Andrew Smith) and The Widow Clicquot (Tilar J. Mazzeo). Online resources range from wine-specific websites like Decanter and Jancis Robinson to the wine columns in magazines like The Sunday Business Post and Eric Ashimov’s wine school column in the New York Times. There are many brilliant, informal wine courses you can attend across the country too, such as: A Wine Idea; Ely; Wine Tasting Ireland; Wicklow Way Wines; L’atitute 51 or for a more glamorous affair, check out Adare Manor.

Network: Start to build a network within the industry by attending wine events and tastings. Wine Spirit Women is a great place to start! Networking can help you stay informed about job opportunities and build valuable connections (and lifelong friendships!).

Education and Certifications: Consider pursuing formal wine education as this will enhance your credibility and help you stand out from the crowd. Several organisations offer wine education programs, such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Court of Master Sommeliers. I reached level 2 WSET before realising my passion was more than just a hobby! Passing this exam allowed me to envision a career in the trade.

Hone Your Skills: Once you know the basics, it’s time to think about where you see yourself within the industry and identify the skills you need to get there. If you want to become a sommelier, focus on wine tasting, food pairing, and service skills. If you aim to work in sales or importing, develop your knowledge of market trends, negotiation skills and understanding of logistics. If education is your thing, focus on passing exams and gain experience leading tastings with small groups.

Research and Apply: Stay updated on job openings in the wine industry by regularly checking LinkedIn and social media pages. Research wine importers, wholesalers, retailers, and other relevant companies to see if they have any openings. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and make a call. The hiring process in the wine industry isn’t as formal as other industries, especially for junior roles (all of my ‘interviews’ have been over coffee!) Make sure your CV clearly highlights your wine knowledge, interest and relevant experience.

A genuine passion for wine, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and adapt will greatly increase your chances of finding a job in the Irish wine industry.

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Article by Anna Hickson, Wine Babbl.

Anna is a wine specialist and WSET diploma student. You can follow Anna’s wine newsletter by signing up to her weekly Substack.