Name: Therese O’Toole 

Occupation & Company: Head of Wine On Trade, Bibendum Ireland 

Tell me about your current role?  

I lead the team in Bibendum Ireland across the Island of Ireland. I am fortunate enough to have a great team who have excellent wine knowledge and work hard to meet customer’s needs for bespoke and interesting wine lists. In Bibendum, we have built a unique portfolio of wines including wines from the old world as you’d expect, but also interesting wines from places like China, Brazil, Tasmania & Canada to name but a few. More and more of these wineries are focused on organic and sustainable production methods. Our portfolio continues to evolve as new and interesting trends emerge, and I am proud that at Bibendum we have built the best wine portfolio in Ireland.  

How did you first get into the drinks industry?  

My earlier career was in the hospitality sector, having graduated from Cathal Brugha Street. While working in the Conrad Dublin, I decided to study for my WSET Diploma. While this was challenging, it was a great experience. In 2008 I opened my own wine store in Ringsend (called The Wine Boutique) which I operated for several years. From that experience, I was lucky enough to get offered a role in wine sales and jumped at the chance. I have been at Bibendum (previously known as Gilbeys Wine) for nearly seven years and am proud of the team I work with and the great wines we offer in Ireland.  

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?  

It’s great to be able to collaborate with my team, who are as passionate about all things wine as I am. We also work very closely with our customers & our suppliers to provide great options for diverse and interesting wine lists featuring wines from all over the world.  

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

That is a hard one as it depends if I’m having a bit to eat too. If I’m having a glass of wine on its own, it is a white and usually an Albarino, Riesling or Picpoul. 

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

Opus One, I visited the vineyard and enjoyed a glass (or two) several months later after my daughter was born. Well worth the wait! 

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

Cellar 22, Fire, Sole, Ananda, Pichet, Montys … so many great restaurants to choose from 

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

Yes, I would love to visit New Zealand and see the wineries there. There is a lot of innovation and new styles hailing from New Zealand I think it would be a fascinating experience.   

The most memorable experience of your career?  

In 2017 I had the privilege to visit Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy. What a beautiful part of the world, and that coupled with seeing firsthand the passion from the family who are creating world-class biodynamic wines since the 80s.  

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

It’s great to see more and more women having successful careers in the drinks industry, and I hope that trend keeps going.  

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

The WSET diploma was very challenging, but it gave me a foundation that I am able to draw on every single day. That education gave me the confidence to talk about wine and to help customers build better and better wine lists.