Happy New Year friends and followers. We hope you had a lovely holiday season and enjoyed some well-earned rest. We are back for 2024 with our first newsletter, sharing the latest industry events news, in addition to exciting career opportunities.
The Corkscrew in Dublin has partnered with Hinch Distillery to introduce the Legacy Cask Programme, marking a significant milestone in the world of Irish whiskey. To provide you with more details about this incredible opportunity, they will be hosting information sessions on Friday, February 2nd at 6pm and Saturday, February 3rd at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5pm. If you wish to attend any of these sessions, please secure your place by sending an email to spirits@thecorkscrew.ie.
The Spirits Business compiled a list of their Top 50 innovative spirits launches of 2023 from across the world, and Stillgarden Distillery’s two new products made the list, alongside top international brands. This month they announced the Stillgarden Cocktail Competition to officially launch their latest innovations Glas 55 and Buí 43. Five finalists will be announced on 8th February, with the finals being held on 19th February at the distillery.
To Enter:
– Post a photo & details of your cocktail creation to Instagram (profile must be public).
– Include the hashtag #Stillgardencocktailcomp
– Tag your venue, @stillgardendistillery and @thebittergardener
– Entry deadline is 29th January.
Ireland.com is a fantastic resource for anyone travelling around Ireland (including the locals). Their latest “Guide to Kinsale” features everything from walks, tours, food and drink to music and more. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone visiting the area. Kate Dempey’s Kinsale Mead was included in the piece. Kinsale Mead is Ireland’s first meadery in over 200 years and a must-visit for anyone in the area. Read the full article here.
Bord Bia released its Performance and Prospects Report 2023 – 2024. Bord Bia is an Irish state agency, which aims to promote Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers throughout the world and in Ireland itself. The report noted that total drink exports for 2023 were estimated to be approximately €1.8 billion, although their value has declined by 8%. This was mainly due to short-term market factors in the North American spirits sector. While beer (€330 million) and cider (€80 million) exports both increased by 11%. The full report is available for download here.
Dublin’s first coffee festival is set to take place in 2024 at The Complex. From 1st – 3rd March 2024 industry-only session on 1 March) passionate coffee lovers and pros coming together to celebrate the city’s thriving coffee scene at the Dublin Coffee Festival. The organisers are Cup North, the team behind the renowned Manchester Coffee Festival, Birmingham Coffee Festival and Extracted Development. Bring along your favourite cup to the festival because it will be a paper cup-free event. And bring your pooch too as it’s dog friendly – puppuccino anyone?
The Wine Snug have launched a new series, highlighting various women in wine. Catch up with the latest edition here.
This month brought news from the Decanter World Wine Awards as it welcomes a new co-chair. Beth Willard will join Andrew Jefford, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Michael Hill Smith AM MW and Ronan Sayburn MS to oversee the world’s largest wine competition. The Australian native has honed her talents working with some of the industry’s top names including Syndicat des Vins de Bordeaux and Direct Wines (Laithwaites).
In Dublin Love Tempo officially opened its doors in late December. Created by the people behind Big Romance & Mother, it promises to be a chilled space, where everyone is welcome, describing itself as a “music-led neighbourhood bar”. Beer lovers will be delighted to hear that Dublin brewery Whiplash is flowing freely from the taps. Drop by for a pint of their beloved brews including, Blue Ghosts, Rollover or Body Riddle.
Wine Scholar Guild is hosting a free Portugal Webinar with Ryan Opaz and Simon J Woolf, co-authors of the award-winning book Foot Trodden. The event will take place on 16th January at 12.00pm, EST. Register here.
Kicking off 2024’s first installment of “In Conversation” with Kathryn Meany, Sales Representative at Wines Direct.
Kathryn describes her role at Wines Direct and how she helps her customers create a wine offering that suits all aspects of their business.
She shares her bucket list wine destinations, her favourite drinks and even tells us about a very hairy situation with a nun!
On 19th January The Corkscrew will invite Vinifinesse to host a Central Europe Wine Tasting. More information and tickets here.
The Wine Pair are inviting family-run importer Boutique Wines to host their first tasting of 2024. The Unusual Suspects will be a tasting focusing on lesser-known grape varieties. The event will take place on Saturday 20th January from 4 pm – 6 pm. Tickets are €25 and can be bought here.
Borsa Vini Italiani returns to Dublin on the 23rd of January. Over 30 producers will present their wines from 11 am – 6 pm in The Davenport Hotel. For more information visit jeansmullen.com. *Trade only. Wine Spirit Women members welcome.
On Wednesday 24th January, The Corkscrew is running a Burn Cottage tasting with Andy Crozier at 6.30pm. Information and tickets here, or contact events@thecorkscrew.ie to book.
In Co.Limerick, One Pery Square will run its monthly Wine Club & Sleepover on the 25th of January. The evening will consist of an in-depth look at Italy, led by Michelin star sommelier, Nick O’Callaghan. Overnight packages and rates can be found here.
The Wine Buff in Rathmines, Co.Dublin, will run an Italian Wines Blind Tasting on the 25th of January. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm with tickets priced at €30 per person. To book, call Ken at 0851206878 or email rathmines@thewinebuff.com, or book in-store.
Also on the 25th of January, Indie Füde will host a wine and local cheese tasting at The Errigle Inn in Belfast. Tickets are £25 and can be found here.
The Irish Whiskey Society will host the Highlights of the Irish Whiskey Awards on the 25th of January at Wynn’s Hotel in Dublin. More information and tickets here.
In Navan, The Winery’s tastings are back, with the first on 26th January at 6 pm. Contact +353 (0)46 904 8158, or direct message on Instagram to book.
On Saturday 27th of January Pete’s Provisions in Raheny, Co.Dublin, will host a wine tasting. We attended a tasting here over Christmas and only have brilliant things to say about our experience. It’s fun, informal, interactive and you’ll be well fed with the cheese and charcuterie served. Tickets are €55 and include wine, cheese and charcuterie, plus you get 10% off all wine purchased on the night.
The Australian trade tasting will take place on 30th January in London and 1st February in Edinburgh. The event will give trade a taste of Australia’s most exciting and diverse styles of wine, from classic to contemporary, rogue to refined.
The K Club, one of Ireland’s most prestigious hotels will host a St.Brigid’s Feast in partnership with Powerscourt Distillery on the 2nd of February. In addition to the whiskey-infused meal, guests will enjoy wine pairings by world-class sommelier Lisa O’Doherty. Carefully selected vintages from Château Haut-Brisson in Bordeaux (whose wine barrels are currently being used to age Powerscourt’s 21-year-old Fercullen Irish Whiskey) will accompany the starter and main. Overnight packages are available. More information and tickets here.
Keeping on the topic of luxury hotels, Ashford Castle, from 2nd-4th of February, will host a “Meet the Makers” event featuring Alex Van Beek, General Manager of Château Giscours, and Lorenzo Pasquini, Estate Manager of the vineyard at Chateau d’Yquem. Over two days, you will experience wine tasting with excellent food as well as exploring the wonderful Ashford Estate. Full itinerary and tickets here.
Green Man Wines will host The Wines of Rioja & Dinner with Rafa Salazar on Wednesday 7th of February 2024 from 7 pm – 9.30 pm.
On 8th February, Wine Spirit Women co-founder, Master of Wine and O’Briens Wine Director Lynne Coyle will host an online wine tasting with Georg Lingenfelder on 8th February at 7pm. More information and tickets here.
On the 15th of February, A Wine Idea will host a special tasting in Dublin’s Airfield Estate, from 6 pm – 8.30 pm. Guests will sample five wines while learning about viticulture along with exploring the various types of wine you’ll sample. More information and tickets here. Then on the 23rd of February, they will host a French wine tasting in Dublin’s Fumbally Stables, from 6.30pm – 9.00pm. Tickets cost €65 and can be purchased here.
Ireland
In Co.Galway, Builín Blasta café is hiring wait staff to work weekdays. Email CVs to info@builinblasta.ie.
In Co.Cork, one of our favourite eateries, Michelin star Bastion is hiring a full-time front-of-house team member. Experience essential. Send your CV to helenbastion@hotmail.com.
Carlingford Brewing is hiring a restaurant manager for their Mill Bar & Restaurant, in Co.Louth. Experience essential. Email CVs to des@carlingfordbrewing.ie.
In Belfast, Noble is hiring part and full-time front-of-house staff. Minimum 1 year experience in a hospitality environment required. Email info@nobleholywood.com for more information.
In Limerick, One Pery Square seek a food and beverage supervisor. Candidates should be highly motivated, seeking a new challenge to grow in a luxury boutique hotel environment. Full job specification here.
In Skerries, Root is hiring a restaurant supervisor. Send CVs to rootrestaurantskerries@gmail.com or alexlee008@gmail.com.
In Dublin, Michelin star restaurant Glovers Alley have an opportunity for a Part-Time Sommelier to join the team. Full job specification and application details here.
Loved by the Middle Child’s new permanent home in Beaumont is getting busier, and as such recruits are needed. They are on the lookout for front-of-house staff with coffee experience. Email CVs to shop@themiddlechild.ie or send a private message on Instagram.
Dublin’s As One is hiring for a full-time barista and a part-time content creator. Email mark@asone.ie for more information and to apply.
In Galway, Plámás is hiring a barista to join the team. Basic Irish is essential, as is previous barista experience. Email CVs to plamasgalway@gmail.com, or call into the café directly.
Global
The Institute of Masters of Wine is recruiting for an Examinations and Research Paper Coordinator, to be based in London. Applications close on 5th February.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine have an exciting internship opportunity, commencing in February 2024, for four months. The position will be as an Intern in Unit Oenology and Methods of Analysis, as part of a university agreement. Full specification here.
Liberty Wines has several vacancies, including Ex-cellar and supply planning coordinator and Champagne marketing coordinator. Find out more.
In Copenhagen, the MAD Academy, founded by Michelin star chef René Redzepi, is hiring a head of finance (part-time) and an academy assistant (internship).
Are you recruiting? Email us to be included in future newsletters
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 