Wine Spirit Women are delighted to welcome Santina Kennedy to the Leadership Team. Santina will join Sinéad and Trish, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge in food and drinks to the wider Wine Spirit Women network. You can learn more about Santina here and connect with her on Instagram and Linkedin.

Wine Spirit Women are going on tour! On 17th July we have been kindly invited by Dalcassian Wines & Spirits to visit The Shed Distillery for a tour and tasting. This event is open to Wine Spirit Women members only – please ensure your membership is up to date to be eligible to attend. However, keep an eye on our social media and website for upcoming events open to the public.

Wine Spirit Women co-founder Lynne Coyle was interviewed on “WINE: The Long and the Short of It” podcast.  A highly accomplished tour de force in the wine industry, Lynne wears many hats, from wine director of Ireland’s largest wine specialist retailer, O’Briens Wines, to a successful winemaker, Master of Wine, mentor, mother and founder of the organisation Wine Spirit Women, to name a few. Antonia has referenced Lynne as being the most influential person in her wine journey, both personally and professionally. Tune in to this special interview with Lynne and hear the fascinating insights and wonderful humour of a true legend in the wine industry.

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In Grape & Grain spy Jean Smullen is giving you stellar recommendations for summer tipples, including  Aldi’s Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin, Carmen Insigne Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from Tesco and Domaine du Touja Côtes de Gascogne, available in independent off-licences.

Long Meadow Cider have announced that their medium cider and blossom burst cider will be available in 220 Lidl stores across Northern Ireland and Ireland from 19th September as part of the kickstart programme with Lidl. Recently we spoke to Alanna McKeever, Tourism and Sales Executive at Long Meadow Cider about her family’s business, you can catch up here.

Join The Corkscrew on July 4th for an unforgettable cocktail masterclass. Participants get to create 5 of their own cocktails under the guidance of a professional mixologist using a selection of spirits from Stafford Irish Spirits and Outcast Brands. You’ll even get to drink them too. Both Aisling Boggan (Staffords) and Jason Kidd (Outcast) will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have. This is going to be a fun, hands-on evening where you get to learn new skills and enjoy exquisite cocktails in The Corkscrew’s private cellar. Tickets for this event are €20 and participants will be issued with a €10 voucher which will be redeemable against any of the spirits used in the cocktails. Don’t forget The Corkscrew’s BBQ Bonanza Sale ends at midnight on Friday 28th June, check out the special offers here.

Ara Esparza from The Wine Snug has published a new article on sustainable wines. Ara explores glass bottle weight, packaging options, cork closures and more, plus gives tasting notes on the new B-Liv range from VSPT Wine Group. Read the full piece here.

Interested in joining an online wine club? Caroline from Winobot Ireland hosts regular wine tastings, each focusing on a different grape or region. Reach out to Caroline on Instagram here to be added to the mailing list.

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In Co.Cork Rebel City Distillery’s Maharani gin celebrates its 4th birthday. You can visit the distillery for a tour and tasting or enjoy a cocktail-making class right in the heart of Cork City. They are currently having a summer sale on their webshop – perfect timing to stock up on summer essentials and get creative with your cocktails. Learn more about Rebel City here.

Irem Eren DipWSET & Master of Wine stage 2 candidate has authored an article in Meininger’s International exploring Turkey’s wine market. Irem explores the challenges winemakers face with strict prohibitions and high costs but tells a story of a positive and enthusiastic future outlook. Read Irem’s article here.

In Ireland, the Michelin Guide have added Ballyfin Demense to its prestigious listing. The 5-star country house hotel is located in Co.Laois and hosts regular whiskey tastings and boats a stunning wine cellar with emphasis on wines from the Irish ‘Wine Geese’. Elsewhere in Ireland, Daróg Wine Bar was named as a finalist in the Star Wine List’s ‘Sustainable Wine List’ category. Daróg joins finalists from around the world in this prestigious award nomination.

In Dublin, a new wine bar has opened its doors in Kimmage. Le Petit Renard is the brainchild of couple Romain Tessier and Suzanne Hodgkinson, who are also the team  the team behind Arty Baker. LPR serves handpicked wines from France including a small vineyard in Romain’s hometown in the Loire Valley, and also wines from Spain, Romania, Portugal and Italy. Read the full story here.

Julie Thompson, Finn McGrenaghan and Sarah Kennedy from McConnell’s Distillery (pictured below) share their whiskey wisdom with Sophie Clarke, who wrote a fantastic piece in The Irish News on women’s role in Irish whiskey. Meet the women proving that ‘whiskey is not just an old man’s drink anymore’. Read the full article here.

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Wicklow Wolf and Gym Plus Coffee have collaborated on ‘Make Life Richer’, a non-alcoholic beer that is community-driven and focused.
 
‘Make Life Richer’ is the ultimate Summer sipper for those days spent outdoors. A beer brewed to celebrate the outdoors and to give back to our wonderful communities, proceeds from each can sold will go towards supporting the great work being done by  Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team.

On July 13th join the celebrations to launch the collaboration at the brewery for a Techno Yoga class with Meg Wrenn, a tour of the brewery, coffee from Never a Days Trouble, acai bowls from Maidin Catering and of course, to sample ‘Make Life Richer’ our non-alcoholic spritzy sour brewed with Apricot, Mango and Peach juice.

All ticket sales will go to Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team. Purchase tickets here.

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WineOnline’s Pot Luck is back!  It’s a lucky dip for wine lovers with limited mixed, all red and all white cases. If you fancy a really interesting, veritable smorgasbord selection of great wines then Pot Luck is for you. Order yours here.

Just in time for Taylor Swift’s visit to Ireland for her Eras Tour Stillgarden Distillery has whipped up a cocktail that will satisfy even the most demanding of Swifties. Inspired by one of her songs, the “Lavender Haze” features Stillgarden Social Gin, French lavender, clary sage, Champagne vinegar and white vermouth.

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On Sunday, June the 30th 64 Wines will be hosting a Natural Wine Fair where some of Ireland’s best wine importers will showcase over 50 wines to taste. They will also have a delicious selection of snacks and nibbles. Tickets cost €30 pp, and there will be two time-slots available on the day 2pm and 4:15pm. Tickets are available at www.64wine.ie

Imbibe Live is taking place on July 1st and 2nd in London. This is a dedicated drinks industry trade show designed to empower you and grow your business through community and connections. They aim to delight you with new tastes, innovative people and inspirational masterclasses, paving the road to discovery, education and networking. Click here for more information.

Neighbourhood Wine will be hosting several events in July at their Leeson Street and Churchtown Road Upper locations. Check out their events page for more info.

On Thursday 4th you’re invited to an exclusive event at The Shelbourne’s Horseshoe Bar. Join Drumshanbo for an extraordinary evening of whiskey tasting featuring five exceptional whiskeys from The Shed Distillery portfolio, including Drumshanbo Single Pot Still, Drumshanbo Single Malt Galanta Release, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Marsala Cask, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Pinot Noir Cask and Unreleased Whiskey Expression. Begin your evening with a welcome drink crafted from the incomparable Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Brazilian Pineapple Gin, accompanied by delectable canapés perfectly paired for the occasion. Tickets here.

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Embark on a wine adventure with Polish Wine Fest as The Voyage wine event returns on the 6th of July. Guests will enjoy a wine tasting aboard St.Bridget with Dublin Bay Cruises as they sip wines from around the world.

On Thursday 11th July Lynda Coogan from A Class of Wine will host a Thermomix and wine tasting demo in Charlestown, Dublin from 7 pm – 9pm. Guests will enjoy 6 European wines plus nibbles made with the Thermomix. Early bird tickets are €25. WSW subscribers can avail of €5 off with the code “WSW2024”. Tickets here.

Also on July 11th, Ely Wine Store, Maynooth will be hosting ‘A Trip Down The Loire’ One Of France’s Most Amazing Wine Regions, while on the 18th of July Ely Wine Bar, D2 will be hosting ‘Volcanic Vineyards – Some of Europe’s Most Interesting Wines’. Tickets to all Ely events can be found here.

On July 18th Pete’s in Raheny will host a wine tasting. During the events, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines & learn about their unique characteristics in a super friendly ‘no pressure’ environment. Check out the details on Instagram @petes.provisions or drop an email to petesdublin@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Join 64 Wine for a South African Wine Masterclass on Thursday, July 18th from 6:30pm with Chris Mullineux of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. This is an incredible opportunity to get to know these extraordinary wines and the terroir and winemaker they represent. Tickets are available here.

Wines Direct are hiring a Business Development/Account Manager to cover the West of Ireland.

Note are hiring a General Manager. Contact hello@notedublin.com for more information.

Castlemartyr is recruiting full-time and part-time Bar Tenders who have knowledge and experience in food and beverage service with an eye for detail and take pride in delivering 5-star service.

St. Francis Kinsale is looking for Front of House staff for the busy Summer season. Please contact them on Instagram @stfranciskinsale for more information.

The Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip is looking for a full-time Food & Beverage Duty Manager.

Teamworx are looking for an Export Manager for a high-profile brewery based in Dublin, specialising in high-quality craft beer.

Are you recruiting? Email us to be included in future newsletters