Let the Good Times Roll
There’s a distinct chill in the air, the days are getting shorter, and sparkling lights are popping up on every storefront and home, marking the start of the most festive season of all. While we noticed some Christmas lights way back before Halloween was even over, we fully support colourful and charming decorations throughout the whole month of December – we all need a little joy in our lives.
We know that for a lot of people, Christmas is a time full of merriment, but for some it’s a pretty tough time of the year. Not everyone has the Hallmark movie family we see on our TV screens. So, we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, whether you’re surrounded by family, or flying solo we are sending you all of our love and positivity. May we suggest grabbing your preferred tipple, and tasty snacks and throwing on your PJs to watch your favourite films and we’ll see you in 2024 for a brighter and better new year.
For the last newsletter of 2023 we wanted to look back over the year at some of the highlights, celebrating our vibrant and growing community and our members that make it so special.
In January 2023 we kicked off our “In Conversation” series with a fresh batch of faces. Our first Q&A was with Virtual Vineyards founder and owner Brigid O’Hora. A familiar face to avid Instagram users Brigid honed her craft over many years working in the hospitality industry, before starting her own business dedicated to wine education.
February’s slot was filled by by Neasa Corish Miquel, co-proprietor of Laurent Miquel Family Wines – is Neasa living our fantasy of marrying a French man and living in a vineyard? Yes, yes she is!
In March, we chatted with Thomson & Scott NOUGHTY CEO & Founder Amanda Thomson. Pushing forward in the no-alcohol space the brand plans to be the number one premium choice wine in the category.
April saw Stillgarden Distillery’s very own Boss Lady Viki Baird share her story. The innovative distillery has just launched some exciting new products, to rave reviews from industry professionals.
In May it was Mary O’Sullivan who featured, telling us all about her delicious Beara Bitters. The business won a gold medal for their Orange Bitters at the Berlin Spirits Competition and a Silver medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Lynda Coogan from A Class of Wine and Wine Tasting Ireland was June’s Q&A participant, sharing her top tips to anyone wanting to join the wine industry.
Sommelier Carmel Boyle joined us for a chat in July, sharing her favourite wines. Carmel has sat courses with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a member of the Irish Guild of Sommeliers.
August saw Santina Kennedy, who heads up PR & Cultural Events at The Powerscourt Distillery take our Q&A.
As we said goodbye to the summer our September we took a trip to Spain with Spanish food and drinks speaker Blanca Valencia. Following on from her co-authored cookbook Soup, 2023 has been a whirlwind year for the cook and writer.
As Halloween approached Niamh Quinn, sales representative at Wines Direct. Niamh’s background in hospitality eventually led her to a role in wine where she’s visited iconic regions such as Bordeaux and she has dreams of visiting New Zealand or Argentina next.
Last month we had Veronica Falcone, founder of RADICI join us for a chat, where she shared her passion for promoting all things from her native Italy, and her desire to showcase wines from lesser-known regions. RADICI was one of our first corporate members of 2023 and we are delighted to have their support on board.
Throughout 2023 we were thrilled to see our community of passionate drink professionals grow, and we look forward to what the new year will bring.
Our members were busier than ever this year. Hosting events, taking exams, starting new jobs in exciting new roles, widening their network, and forging connections.
The diary was jam-packed for us too! We started the year off in style with a Champagne Masterclass held in D’Olier Street Restaurant in Dublin. A massive thank you to Jane Fyre and D’Olier Street for kindly hosting us in this stunning venue. This year also saw us collaborate with corporate members for the first time. The response to our corporate membership was extremely well received and we are eternally grateful for the support we have been given from our industry peers.
This year saw more of our members pick up the pen and write for our website winespiritwomen.com. From articles showing you how to cook with wine and highlighting the coolest Sicilian wine producers, to experiencing vertical tastings with Italy’s iconic Masi winery. We even enlisted the help of a wine specialist who gave you her top tips on how to break into the industry.
Mackenway Wines and WSW joined forces to host a wine tasting, where our members delved into the world of wine with Celler de Capçanes. Over the past 12 months, our members have attended masterclasses, tastings, festivals, and fairs, all in the pursuit of learning and promoting our industry.
In addition to networking, education is another core value here at Wine Spirit Women and during the year we were thrilled to offer our members more opportunities to further their knowledge. In collaboration with Vinspire Academy and its founder Philip Dunne, our member Ellen Leonard Bates was awarded a scholarship to sit WSET Spirits. Vinspire Academy also offered all Wine Spirit Women members a generous discount on their wine and spirit WSET courses.
Lorna Rouse also received a scholarship, where she attended the Spanish Wine Specialist Course with ICEX, thanks to the help of Sara Crespo and the Spanish Commercial Office, and Carol Cunningham was chosen to attend a study trip to Rueda, thanks to DO Rueda and the Lynda Coogan and Blanca Valencia.
These opportunities are so important for our members, not only to expand their knowledge but to build their confidence, immerse them in the drinks industry, and amplify their voices within the trade. We are extremely grateful to all who have allowed us to provide these opportunities – you’re 100% on Santa’s nice list this year. Your support is invaluable to us.
Now, we can’t say too much, but rest assured we have a few tricks up our sleeves for 2024, and cannot wait to share the exciting opportunities we have in store.
For the last installment of “In Conversation” we were delighted to chat with Leah Newman, Owner of Whispering Wine.
Based in Newcastle in the North East of England. Leah’s background is in human and animal health pharmaceutical industry where she worked as a key account manager.
Leah then began her wine education, embarking on her Wine Spirit Education Trust journey, and from there she has pursued a career in wine.
Polish Wine Fest has been very best this festive season. Hot on the heels of their sparkling wine tasting and their BYOB event they will host their Christmas Party and Dumpling Fest on the 22nd.
SC Grocer’s Annual Food & Wine Event will take place on 1st December, 5pm – 8pm.
On 7th December Blackrock Cellar is hosting a Hungarian wine tasting with Peter Vida. Hungarian venison charcuterie from Venison Gusto, and we’ll finish the night with the artisanal Hungarian chocolates of ChocoMe. Tickets €50 pp.
Little Italy will run a Christmas customer evening on 7th December from 5pm – 7pm. RSVP To info@littleitalyltd.com
A Wine Idea is hosting a Spanish Wine Tasting on Saturday, 16th December in Baraza. The tasting will include five fantastic Spanish wines that would be the perfect addition to your Christmas lineup.
Experience Irish Whiskey hosts several experiences including a weekly Dublin whiskey walk, an Irish coffee masterclass, and cocktail masterclasses.
Premium Whiskey & Food Experience runs tastings every Wednesday and Friday at the Lincoln Inn.
The Real Wine Fair will return to London on the 28th & 29th of April 2024. The fair is a two-day wine event celebrating artisan growers who work with minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winery. Open to both trade and consumer.
Ireland
In Dublin The Purty Kitchen seek a Restaurant Manager for their gastro pub in Dún Laoghaire.
Luxury resort Adare Manor is recruiting a Food & Beverage Manager (on-site).
The Old Orchard seeks a Senior Bartender, full time. This position is across a four-day week.
A Full Time Bar Manager is required at Brasserie Sixty6 (Dylan McGrath Group), in Dublin city centre.
The River Club is now recruiting for an experienced General Manager to join this vibrant and upbeat bar and restaurant located within The River Lee, a Doyle Collection Hotel.
Diageo seeks a Key Account Executive (Take Home Trade). This a hybrid role based between Dublin & Belfast. They are also recruiting a Performance Improvement Lead (Beer), for a role based in Belfast.
Irish Distillers are hiring a Global Senior Brand Manager – Partnerships (12-month FTC).
The company is also accepting applications to the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme. Initial 13-month contract with an opportunity to extend for a further 12-24 months (performance dependent).
Wine importer Grape Circus is recruiting a sales representative. CV’s and cover letter to grapecircusorders@gmail.com.
Global
International Business and Brand Development Director. A highly respected spirits company with exceptional growth is hiring a head of International business development to launch and expand their brands across the globe (with an initial focus on Europe and South America)
Head of Wine & Society and Communications is required at CEEV – Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins.
Moët et Chandon are hiring an Assistant Brand Education Manager. Full job spec here.
Britain’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, are hiring a Wine & Spirits Advisor.
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 