Q&A with Kathryn Meany, Sales Representative at Wines Direct

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Name: Kathryn Meaney, Sales Representative at Wines Direct

Tell me about your current role?

I am almost five years into my current role as a Wine Sales Representative for Wines Direct. I cover the area of South Leinster, Waterford & Tipperary. I work with hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, artisan butchers, speciality off-licences, racecourses, wine clubs, festivals etc. My main job is to work closely with my customers in developing a wine offering that suits all aspects of their business (style, price, food offering, location, customer base etc.) We keep on top of market trends and share this information to keep our customer’s wine offering current and fresh. I deliver endless staff training to equip them with the knowledge they need to be able to understand wine and in turn, sell more!  

How did you first get into the drinks industry?

True story: My Father had us working very young and at the age of 13, my two older sisters and I were working for a catering company (the same catering company that serviced the mart my dad took the cattle to). I can’t remember the specifics of this event but it was held in a convent and my job was to slice brown bread. When my job was done, I took it upon myself to help another staff member pop the champagne. At the fresh age of 13, I obviously had no idea what I was doing but went for it anyway. As expected, the cork shot off the bottle and hit a nun, right on the ear! The nun’s ear was fine and my sins were forgiven but the trill lives on. I spent the next 18 years working and studying all things hospitality, food and drink and now specialising in wine.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

Wines Direct only deal with small, independent, family-run winemakers where the words ‘minimal intervention’ mean everything. The wine business is a tough industry to be in, especially when you are one of the smaller ones, but when you’re in, you’re wholeheartedly in. Witnessing the passion and level of commitment our winemakers have is admirable. Their love for the earth and what it gives them is really evident in the quality and cleanliness of their wine, making it extra enjoyable for us – the drinkers. I also love sharing their passion and stories with my customers.

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

I’ll have whatever you’re having.

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

Champagne- always Champagne.

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

Fortunately for me, I am spoiled for choice with working with such lovely places. I get to choose between breakfast, lunch & dinner in nine counties every day – not just a Saturday. I couldn’t possibly pick one.

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

Anything from Château d’Yquem or Robert Mondavi as an after-dinner drink with Susana Balbo on her Argentinean estate (after drinking her beautiful wine, of course!)

What is the most memorable experience of your career?

I have way too many to list but passing my WSET Level 3 was my proudest. Drinking 1988 Krug is close behind.

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

I would like to see more wine drinkers.

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

Do it!! It’s the best industry in the world. I believe everyone should do a stint in hospitality. The skills you gain can be used in any walk of life you end up taking.