Name:  Sandra Biret-Crowley

Occupation & Company:  Sommelier in Castlemartyr Resort

Tell us about your current role?

As the sommelier of Canopy Restaurant, I am also in charge of selecting the wedding wines for our future brides and grooms. I make sure the wine list is updated regularly, and that we receive the correct wines (vintages etc…). 

How did you first get into the drinks industry? 

Everything started in 2003 when I was working in a vineyard, Domaine Dhommé in Chalonnes sur Loire, as part of my apprenticeship in school. And I loved it from there. Wine became my passion and I love sharing it with my customers and clients.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

I simply love meeting guests and helping them choose their wine.  I feel like I have the ability to enhance their experience by providing my expertise.  Of course, I also love tasting gorgeous wine from all over the world, not to mention when our lovely suppliers bring us on tour to taste their offerings.

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

A glass of Crémant de Loire Rosé, it is a beautiful sparkling wine made of Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. I grew up half hour from this gorgeous wine region. 

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

Bedoba, an amazing red wine from Georgia from the Saperavi Grape. This is a grape variety that partially vinifiés in traditional Qvevri vessels (amphora). Bedoba means ‘day of Luck’. It is gorgeously rich, smooth, and full, with enough acidity to balance the mouth-coating roundness and lush blackberry, cherry, and plum fruit flavours. 

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

Ferrit and Lee in Midleton and of course if I had the opportunity I would definitely go to Terre – our own two Michelin star restaurant in the hotel because I love the fine dining and exceptional wine experiences. 

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

Argentina and South Africa for wine experiences sounds incredible! Both countries are renowned for their unique wine regions and varieties. I love trying unique wines from less common origins also, like Macedonia and Estonia.

What is the most memorable experience of your career? 

The most memorable experience of my career happened in 2007 while I was working in Co. Clare, I had the opportunity to sell two bottles of Chateau Margaux 1990, each priced at €1,500. Naturally, I couldn’t resist the chance to try it myself!

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

One thing I’d like to see more of in the drinks industry is greater representation of women. Additionally, having more educated professionals would be beneficial, as the job requires extensive knowledge and experience.

Any particular women you admire in the industry? 

Julie Dupouy and Morgan VanderKamer, whom I had the privilege to meet, are particularly admirable. Additionally, I have great respect for all the amazing women working as winemakers and oenologists.

Like Roisin Curley who is an Irish lady from Mayo who worked in a pharmaceutical company and decided a few years ago to move to Burgundy to make her own wine (Fixin, Aligoté…) 

Also, I have been reading about Amor López, who is the founder, CEO and œnologist at Erupión winery in Lanzarote. Despite climate change and other challenges, she demonstrates an amazing determination and passion for winemaking. It’s really hard, as you have to make tough decisions. She is very inspiring. 

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

Don’t be scared it’s an amazing journey where you learn every day…. Wine it’s a living thing!!!

“Wine is the most beautiful and the most hygienic of beverage.” Louis Pasteur 1822-1895.

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