The Wine Spirit Women Mentorship Programme is a new initiative designed to empower and connect women in the wine and spirits industry. Through this program, experienced industry leaders—our mentors—are paired with rising stars—our mentees—to foster growth, share knowledge, and cultivate the next generation of female talent. In this blog post, we are excited to introduce you to the incredible mentors and mentees who are shaping the future of wine and spirits. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence are driving this community forward, one inspiring connection at a time.
Let us introduce you to our mentees.
Tanit Thorne
Although born and raised in Canada, Tanit has been living in Ireland since 2008 (except for that one time she lived in Italy). She has worn many hats over the years and has built up a variety of experiences and interests. In 2019, she completed WSET 2 which turned her long-time appreciation of wine into a full-blown desire to become involved in the industry. She went on to complete two sommelier courses with the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) while living in Italy during Covid and WSET 3 upon her return to Ireland in 2022. Her passion for wine (especially the bubbly kind) is matched only by her enthusiasm for good food, increased sustainability and the future of our planet.
She currently works part-time at two off-licences in Dublin and is eager to expand her knowledge and practical experience within the industry and build a long-term career path within the industry.
Ara Esparza, Marketing Leader, Writer & Digital Creator
Made in Mexico and also Irish by choice. She founded and manages THE WINE SNUG a website dedicated to sharing her passion and knowledge of wine. Through its creation, design, and launch, she has cultivated a network of contacts within the Irish wine industry. Ara has successfully connected with professionals and enthusiasts alike, showcasing digital proficiency and building meaningful connections in the dynamic wine landscape of Ireland. Her professional qualifications include:
- WSET Level 3 with Merit
- Masters in Business Administration of Multimedia Companies
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication
- Diverse Certifications in Marketing
- Languages: Italian (Intermediate), fluent English & native Spanish.
Tania Miller
Hi! I’m Tania Miller, originally born in the USA, but having been Dublin based since 2019.
During my professional career as a Registered Nurse, I struck up an interest in wine and spirits, after meeting my future husband in San Francisco CA. After we relocated here to Ireland I began making contacts and exploring the wine and spirits industry. I am currently pouring tastings at a local wine shop in South County Dublin, spending my time expanding my formal wine education and networking with various multinational women’s clubs here in Europe.
Aoife Carrigy, Journalist, Editior and Author
Aoife Carrigy is an experienced and award-winning journalist, cookbook author, editor and copywriter specialising in food, drinks, travel and culture. She is a regular contributor to The Irish Independent, where she is the wine and drinks columnist for Weekend Magazine, and has published in The Guardian, The Irish Times, Business Post, Image Interiors and Food&Wine Ireland, where she was Deputy Editor (2005-2010).
She is also an experienced public speaker, MC, moderator, commentator and presenter, drawing from a hands-on background in hospitality, restaurants, events and theatre.
Niamh Kennedy, Brand Manager & Ambassador Powerscourt Distillery
I am the Brand Manager and Ambassador for Powerscourt Distillery. Having completed my BSc in Social Justice and Sociology in UCD, I joined the team in late 2022 as a tour guide to improve on my self-confidence and public speaking. In the last year I have quickly moved through the ranks, becoming head tour guide, assisting with digital media, assistant manager of the Visitor Centre and I am currently the brand manager and ambassador. I have received a Distinction in WSET level 2 in Spirits and have completed a 6-month mentorship with OurWhiskey Foundation in 2023.
Emma Sarah Largey: Social Media & Website Communication
I have created an Instagram page called “winenot_with_em” on Instagram since the 1st of January this year. I am a wine enthusiast and am studying for my WSET Exams and have started wine-tasting events locally in Belfast, N. Ireland where I am from. I have achieved my Level 1 & 2 WSET Exams and am currently awaiting my result for WSET Level 3. My passion for wine began in 2010 when I enrolled at my local tech to attend “wine appreciation” courses with my teacher, Frank Mc Greevey who worked as a Wine Manager (Import & Sales) with Diaego. My full-time job as a Special Educational Needs Teacher. I have lived in London, Australia, Canada & the United Arab Emirates.
In Australia when I was there I undertook regional work for 3 months to obtain a 2nd year visa. I had the opportunity to work at the legendary ‘Clonakilla’ Winery and was able to experience first-hand the entire winemaking process from harvest time with pruning, to picking the grapes and through to the bottling at the final stage. I moved back to Ireland nearly 3 years ago when I wanted to pursue my passion and interest in this field by undertaking my exams. I also have acquired my Level 1 Associate Exam from the Academy of Cheese.
Amy Mudzamiri, Sustainability Manager for Diageo Southern Africa and Indian Ocean
My name is Amy Mudzamiri and am the Sustainability Manager for Diageo Southern Africa and Indian Ocean. I find fulfilment in making a positive difference in communities and improving the lives of others through sharing knowledge and experiences. Integrity, Courtesy and Effort have been my lifelong values. I love to connect with people and leave a positive impact. I also enjoy reading, storytelling and taking long walks in the park .I live by this quote from Nelson Mandela, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 