---

Our Chairperson Sinéad Smyth will be speaking at the Powerscourt Distillery Harvest Festival on 1st October. Sinéad will be taking to the stage with fellow Wine Spirit Women member Santina Kennedy to chat about “Drinks on Screen”, dishing on their favourite films and TV show featuring mouthwatering beverages. Tickets are free of charge – see the full programme and reserve your tickets here.

In Co. Kilkenny, Carmel Boyle and her husband Keith were nominated in the Restaurant of the Year Awards, in two categories, Best Restaurant and Best Chef, a mere six weeks after opening their restaurant Keith Boyle at The Bridge House. Run by Food and Wine Ireland the awards will take place on 5th November. The nominations come shortly after the restaurant received a glowing review from WSW member Corinna Hardgrave in the Irish Times, where the critic forecast a Michelin star for the eatery.

Dublin restaurant Big Mike’s has been nominated for Best Wine Experience and Customer Service of the Year. You’ll find Wine Spirit Women members Clare Scally andCamila Canavezehard at work here. 

Also in Dublin,D’Olier Street Restauranthas been nominated for both Best Wine Experience & Best Restaurant in Dublin. Earlier this year Jane Frye from D’Olier Street kindly allowed us to host our first Champagne masterclass in this stunning restaurant.

On Thursday 5th October Francisca Vera Galdames will host a Virtual Wine Course. Perfect for anyone who prefers learning in the comfort of their own home, or on the go! Sign up here.

---

Viki Baird, founder of Stillgarden Distillery, was interviewed by the Sunday Times Ireland, dishing on how the independent brewery runs and operates in Inchicore. They’ve also just one two awards at the IQFA awards for their Café O’Maro which won Product of the Year and a Gold in the Liqueur category.

Jean Smullen was one of three new appointments appointment to the Irish Guild of Sommeliers Board. Jean will be heading up the Media & Public Relations activities.

Magda Muller had much to celebrate as she passed her WSET Spirits with Vinspire Academy. Don’t forget, Wine Spirit Women members get 10% off WSET Level 1 & 20% off WSET Level 2 with Vinspire Academy (valid until March 2024).

Lucia Costa from Neighbourhood Wine hosted a Bordeaux wine tasting, featuring a stellar line up. For upcoming wine tastings visit neighbourhoodwine.ie

In Belfast,Mine Bennett will host a sherry tasting on 11th November at Direct Wine Shipments. Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of International Sherry Week, chatting about the world of sherry while tasting different styles from Sanlucar de Barameda.

In Co.Waterford Union Wine Bar & Kitchen got a rave review from Jordan Mooney in the Sunday Business Post. Read the article here.

On 26th September Lynda Coogan & Blanca Valencia hosted “Taste the Camino” with DO Rías Baixas alongside chef Paul Flynn and Rafa Salazar in Drury Buildings, Dublin. The event featured a wide variety of Albariño based still white wines along with the less common Traditional Method Albariños, a still white blend combining Albariño with Loureira, Treixadura and Caiño blanco and finishing with a rare red blend made from Brancellao, Sousōn and Caiño tinto.

---

Argentinian winery Catena Announces Education Campaign to promote lighter wine bottles. The weight of glass wine bottles has been a much debated topic in recent years, with wine writer Jancis Robinson even refusing to review bottles over a certain weight. The California Wine Executive Summary provides some interesting numbers on the CO2 figures of wine production, including the use of glass bottles. Read the report here. Earlier this year Robinson wrote an article for theFinancial Times discussing the benefits for the planet when lighter bottles are used.

The Restaurant of the Year Awards announced the nominees for Best Cocktail Experience. The nominees are Santeria (Belfast), Bar 1661 (Dublin), Paladar (Cork), Hawksmoor (Dublin), The Sidecar at The Westbury (Dublin), Rare (Kinsale), The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel (Belfast), Cask (Cork), Hang Dai (Dublin), Three Storey (Dublin), The Blind Pig Speakeasy (Dublin) and Parlour at Haddington House (Dún Laoghaire).

Bord Bia relased their Irish Craft Beer & Cider Report. The report shows that consumption of beer declined in Ireland by 2.1% since 2017, while that of Irish craft beer rose by 13.5%. There was also an increase in market share of the 79 independent microbreweries that are currently in operation in the Republic of Ireland, as consumption of craft beer rose from 2.9% in 2017 to 3.4% in 2022.

The Bridge House in Kilkenny has launched its Autumnal Thursday package for the months of October and November. Escape into a world of luxury with an exclusive Thursday night package at the Bridge House. Begin your evening with a welcome aperitif. Unwind with a five-course tasting menu that showcases the culinary mastery of chef Keith Boyle. After dinner, retreat to your cozy accommodations for a peaceful night’s sleep. Wake up feeling refreshed and indulge in a hearty breakfast before starting your day. €150 per person sharing.

Wine Scholar Guild has two upcoming dates for theCertified Sherry Wine Specialist course this October. Don’t forget that from the 6th to 12th November it is the 10th annual Sherry Wine Week. Are you hosting an event? Let us know and we can share with our network and be a part of the Sherry Revolution!

A Wine Idea will be running an Introduction to Wine course through Griffith College. The course is available Part-Time or Online. Please visit the website for more information.

---

---

Liberty Wines will be hosting its autumn portfolio tasting in Dublin on Monday 2nd October for the trade only. Register for your tickets here.

On Wednesday Wed 4th October there will be a Chilean Tasting of Pisco & Wine in Dublin. Contact Jean Smullen jean@jeansmullen.com to register.

Pete’s Provisions is hosting tasting events on Thursday 5th October and Thursday 30th November. During the events, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines & learn about their unique characteristics in a super friendly ‘no pressure’ environment. Check out the details on Instagram @petes.provisions or drop an email to petesdublin@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

On 6th October Ahascragh Distillery, Ireland’s first zero-emissions whiskey and gin distillery, are offering a free tour. Register here.

The NoffLA Irish Wine Show Star Awards are back for 2023/24 on Monday 9th October.

SommIT 2023 will take place in Waterford again this year from Monday 9th to Tuesday 10th October. While the main event is aimed at those working within the trade, this year there is an additional public event on Sunday 8th October where guests will get an inside look at the skills & expertise used in by those working in the hospitality industry. This unique event offers them the chance to chat one on one with sommeliers, chefs and those working in the wine industry. The event will offer the opportunity to sample local cuisine and an array of beverages, including wine to learn more about them.

In London, don’t miss the Women in Leadership: A Panel to Explore the Challenges and Skills on Tuesday 10th October at 6pm, organised by Queena Wong from Curious Vines.

Fusciardi’s of Capel Street is changing its name to Virtuoso! Celebrate this new beginning with our Coporate Member Radici by joining Veronica Falcone for the Virtuoso Opening Party on Tuesday 10th October.  At the opening night  those attending will sample the new  menu and enjoy wines from their list. To register, click here.

Join 64 Wines on Thursday 12th October, for a tasting of the wines from the Island of Sicily, home to wine making since approximately 4000BC. Tickets available here

Sevgi from A Wine Idea will be hosting an Autumn Wine Tasting at Mitchell & Son CHQ on Thursday 12th October – “Fall in Love” with the flavours of France. Tickets available here.

On Friday, 13th October guests of Rare Restaurant in Kinsale will experience an exclusive night of a seasonal five-course tasting menu perfectly paired with five Moët & Chandon champagnes hosted by Meeran Manzoor of Rare at The Blue Haven Collection and sommelier Julie Dupouy. There are a few tickets remaining, click here for more info or to book email bookings@bluehavenkinsale.com

Also on 13th October, Connect Cáfe hosted by West Wicklow Mental Health Association will take place. During this free event you will meet the members West Wicklow Mental Health Association and learn more about how they promote and enhance mental health, wellbeing and recovery for all individuals and communities. Interactive discussions will be facilitated and light refreshments will be served.

SPIT Festival returns to Dublin on Monday 16th October at The Chocolate Factory with 140 wines on tasting, presented by Grapecircus, Nomad Wines, Vinostito and WineMason. This event is for the trade only. Please register here.

On Tuesday, 17th October, The Ribeiro Wine Fair is being organised by Ribeiro DO in association with the Spanish Wine Tasters Association. The event will be held at The Gresham Hotel from 1:30pm until 6pm. Members of the trade and press should RSVP to jean@jeansmullen.com or 086 816 8468.

JN Wines will host their Autumn Trade Tasting in Dublin’s Drury Buildings on Tuesday October 17th. Please contact Jonathan at jonathan@jnwine.com to register.

On 21st October Wine Online will host the Rioja Wine Festivalat the Davenport Hotel. Tickets include general access to tasting over 100 wines, complimentary wine tasting glass, tote bag, tasting booklet, charcuterie & cheeses. Various premium tickets are available which include masterclasses with Irish Times Critic John Wilson or Master of Wine & Winemaker Fergal Tynan.

Hi Spiritswill host five course supper at The Renaissance Room Supper Club, featuring renowned Pan-African Masterchef Semi-finalist Victor Okunowo on 21st October. The event will also feature drink pairings, live music, and an art installation Tickets here.

The Portuguese Wine Fair & Masterclass takes place in Dublin on Monday 23rd October.  Contact  Luis Reis to register.

Radici is launching a new series called Italian Mondays. On the night guests will taste five wines, changing each Monday, to pair with a mouthwatering Italian delicacies platter. The first in the series will be on the 23rd of October at “Virtuoso” in Dublin 1, at 7pm. Secure your ticket here.

Tastin’ France Ireland 2023 will be on Tuesday 25th October. This is a trade tasting only event for French importers seeking representation on the Irish market.  For more information please contact Mathilde de Lay at Business France mathilde.lelay@businessfrance.fr

---

Taste Club series with Mastercard is be taking place in The Port House Ibéricos in Dundrum on Thursday 5th of October. Guests will enjoy a six dish tapas experience and perfectly paired wines from D.O. Rueda. Guiding you through the wine on the evening will be Certified Spanish wine expert and owner of virtualvineyards.ie, Brigid O’Hora, also known as @Brideys_wine_chats on Instagram. Brigid will be taking us through the carefully selected wine pairings from D.O. Rueda. Tickets here.

Mitchell & Son will be holding an Autumn Mini-Portfolio Trade Tasting highlighting 40 of their new still and sparkling wines, as well as some of the popular wines from their existing portfolio, on Wednesday 25th October. To register, please contact James Archer james@mitchellandson.com

Join 64 Wines on Wednesday the 25th of October, for a tasting of wines from Burgundy, but with a modern twist. Tickets available here

After a summer hiatus Polish Wine Fest is back and inviting you to Unusual Wines From Down Under on Friday 27th October. Maggie and Maja will show a short video about their recent adventures in South Australia and take you through a tasting of Australian ‘prosecco’ and other Italian grape varieties grown Down Under. There’ll also be Riesling and a sparkling red, and they might even sneak in a Polish wine too! Tickets now available here. Please note a discount is available to WSW members. Check the WSW WhatsApp group. If you are a WSW but not in the WhatsApp group, email WSW directly for the discount code.

In Co.Kilkenny Arán Bistro will host Taste of the Mediterranean 7 Course Tasting Menu on 27th & 28th October, with optional wine pairing availabile.

Stillgarden Distilleryare running Cocktail Masterclasses throughout the month, every Friday & Saturday.

Neighbourhood Wine have a whole programme of tastings coming up, taking place across their four stores, which are as follows:

Arnotts
Thursday October 12th – A journey around Spain
Thursday October 26th – Sparkling Wine

Churchtown
Thursday October 19th – A journey around Spain

Dún Laoghaire
Thursday October 12th – Burgundy
Thursday October 26th – A journey around Spain

Leeson Street

Thursday October 19th – Burgundy
Thursday October 5th – Champagne
Saturday October 7th – Neighbourhood Wine School

On 10th November, the K Club is presenting a very special event. Lillian Barton, 9th generation of the famous 2nd Grand Cru Classé classified estate Château Léoville Barton, and Lisa Doherty, the K Club’s Head Sommelier will be hosting an exclusive Champagne reception in the Garden Room followed by a five course gala dinner from The Barton restaurant’s talented chefs. Each dish will be expertly matched with stunning Château Léoville Barton wines. Lillian – whose late father Sir Anthony Barton was the last Barton to be born at The K Club – will also be bringing an exclusive wine from her very own sought-after cellar to pair with the course of her choosing. To book your place at the Lillian Barton Wine Dinner, please email reservations@kclub.ie or call 01 601 7200.

Join A Wine Idea for a delightful wine tasting experience at Baraza on Ormond Quay Lower on Wednesday 15th November at 7pm. The event will include bubbles on arrival, four glasses of wine and cheese and charcuterie to accompany it all. Tickets available here.

---

---

Ireland

Vice Coffee are hiring a full-time barista. Send your CV to hello@vicecoffeeinc.com, or drop into the store directly.

Delicious Dublin Tours are looking for a freelance tour guide to join the team.

Wines Direct are recruiting for a Business Development Specialist.

Bibendum Ireland Business Development Wine Manager to cover East Ireland.

Leonards Fine Wines is looking to fill a part-time, mid-week, contract position in their specialist shop in Trim. Candidates can drop their CV into the shop.

O’Briens Wine is looking to hire for various positions in their shops in Dublin, Bray, Galway and Navan.

Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, is currently recruiting for several positions in their Food and Beverage department. Click here for current vacancies.

Global

The Wine Society UK is looking to hire a Wine Buyer, PR Assistant and Seasonal Member Services Advisor. Check out their jobs page for details.

The WSET Global jobs board is a great resource for jobs in the UK, especially London.

Pernod Ricard have numerous global jobs available, including Brand Creative Planning Lead (Paris), Talent Acquisition Manager SEA (Singapore) and Supply Chain Logistics Analyst (Sydney) to name a few. Explore the full career openings here.

Liberty Wines is recruiting a National Account Manager, off-trade. Full job spec here.