Q&A with Niamh Quinn, Sales Representative at Wines Direct

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Name: Niamh Quinn, sales representative at Wines Direct

Tell me about your current role?

I’m sales rep for Clare/Limerick & Galway region. I’m working with restaurants, bars, hotels selling gorgeous Wines Direct wines.

How did you first get into the drinks industry? 

I worked in in hospitality for many years, then I moved to a sales role in a food company…I fancied a change of career after having my son and returning to work but wanted to remain adjacent to hospitality. In June 2022 I started working with Wines Direct on the back of my sales experience and interest in wine. I LOVE it.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

I have always enjoyed learning new and interesting things about food and drinks, expanding my knowledge wherever I can. Wines Direct is perfect as all the wines are from wonderfully inventive, creative and sustainability focused winemakers. Ultimately though, it’s the people in hospitality that keep me in the industry…hardworking, genuine, caring and a little bit mad.  

We’re meeting up for a drink after work – what are you having?

That could be many answers to be honest….a pint of beer, a nice G&T but if its wine….which it is more often than not, a nice organic glass of white wine, albarino, sauvignon from France or a nice fruity red.

You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass?

Wow, that one is very tough…..one drink…hmmm. I think it would have to be a good glass of red and if money was no object, something like Nuits St George Pinot Noir.

It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?

Another tough one for me as I like to go out for food and love trying all different types of restaurants. I would have to go with Vaughans Anchor Inn, Liscannor as it is on my doorstep and I cannot ever fault the food there…its exactly what you want for a night out. I really enjoy a pizza or a lobster roll in Pot Duggans or Oar Restaurant in Doolin is also fantastic. I’m spoiled for choice really!

Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drinks destination you’d love to visit?

I would really love to visit New Zealand or Argentina to experience the vineyards there. As for a drink. I think any special wines that are older in vintage or a once off cuvée are always very special.

The most memorable experience of your career?

I’ve had a few very memorable experiences/trips, but in wine, definitely a trip to Bordeaux we went on with Wines Direct. A particular highlight was being brought around the vineyard and then into the winemakers home for gorgeous food and wines from all different plots and vintages.

One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?

More knowledge around organic wines / sustainability and general awareness of cost vs quality.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry?

Get lots of experience and advice from successful people in the industry. Follow your own plan/what feels right and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing!

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Follow Niamh’s wine journey on Instagram here, and check out the latest wine deals at Wines Direct.