Star Wine Awards take place today in Waterford, Monday 14th October. As part of Sommit, 13th – 15th October, the awards will be announced at the end of the events. While Sommit is aimed as hospitality professionals, they are hosting Sommit Enthusiast on 13th October. Aimed at those not working in drinks trade you will have the opportunity to meet sommeliers, winemakers, chefs, chocolatiers and writers, all while sampling a selection of food and wine. The event will feature a Wine Cocktail Bar, a meet-the-author book signing, a food and science demonstration.
Earlier this month the NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2024 were announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin. The Awards, which included 46 finalists, saw Molloys Liquor Store in Clondalkin awarded ‘National Off-Licence of the Year 2024’, Nolan’s of Clontarf awarded ‘Responsible Retailer of the Year 2024’ and 64 Wine, Glasthule awarded ‘Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2024’. The full list of winners can be found here.
On 31st October Art Plate, ran by Santina Kennedy & Blanca Valencia will host Plates and Palettes at the National Gallery of Ireland
Step into an immersive culinary experience with Plates & Palettes, where iconic Irish paintings from the National Gallery of Ireland come to life through food and drink. This one-of-a-kind event invites guests to journey through centuries of Irish hospitality, as depicted in four carefully selected artworks, which will be replicated as table settings..
Beginning with a guided tour through these pieces – which range from cosy cabins in Connemara to bustling scenes in Dublin – the evening will culminate in a dining experience where guests sample food and drink inspired by each painting. Featuring modern Irish artisan produce, this event offers a delicious and educational way to connect art and culture. For more information and tickets: Plates & Palettes – National Gallery.
Future dates and themes are to be announced soon.
Marimar Torres Brings California’s Finest Wines to Ireland – Invitation-Only Events
Findlater & Co. is thrilled to announce a series of exclusive events with renowned winemaker Marimar Torres. As part of her visit to Ireland, Marimar will host an invitation-only wine dinner on 6th November at Hawksmoor, Dublin, followed by an invitation-only exclusive masterclass on 7th November at 11:00 AM at Lennan’s Yard, 21a Dawson Street, Dublin.
Marimar Torres, part of the fourth generation of the famous Torres winemaking family, moved to California in 1975. There, she fulfilled her dream of establishing Marimar Estate, a vineyard in Sonoma County known for its European style and dedication to sustainable, ecological farming. Her wines, made from hand-picked, estate-grown grapes, are a true reflection of the unique terroir and her deep respect for her heritage.
WineOnline.ie is delighted to announce the return of the 2024 Rioja Wine Festival. This year’s festival will take place at The Alex Hotel in Dublin on Saturday 19th October 2024.
The event will be run over two sessions in order to provide an opportunity for ticket holders to taste as many wines as possible. Each session will last for 3 hours with ample time to attend a 45-minute Masterclass, as well as taste through all of the wines on show. Sessions will run from 1.30pm-4.30pm and 6pm – 9pm. Masterclasses will be presented by both John Wilson, Irish Times Wine Columnist and also Fergal Tynan, Master of Wine and Winemaker in more than 4 separate countries. Each will present a 45-minute Masterclass during both the afternoon and evening sessions.
Ireland’s wine podcast Wine: The Long the Short of It has been announced as a finalist at the Irish Food Writing Awards. Also nominated was Shamim deBrún for writing on Irish seafood, Aoife Carrigy was nominated for her writing on sustainability in food and drink and Sinéad Smyth for her wine blog on Substack.
Continuing on the writing theme wine specialist Brigid O’Hora published her first book “The Home Sommelier”. Have you ever stood in the supermarket struggling to pick the right bottle of wine for the evening ahead, whether you’re heading to a friend’s birthday party or having a cosy night in with a bowl of pasta? Now, wine expert Brigid O’Hora (aka @brideys_wine_chats) is here to help with entertaining knowledge and advice to help you select the perfect wine to fit every occasion, no matter your budget.
From how to tell good wine from bad and learning more about the regions and grapes you love, to tips on pairing the food you’re eating – whether it’s a special-occasion meal, everyday spaghetti Bolognese or a bag of crisps – with the perfect tipple, The Home Sommelier uncorks the secrets to getting the very best from your wine experience. Order here.
Irish Wine Geese participate in “The Olympics of Wine Tasting”
Centuries after the original Irish Wine Geese fled to Bordeaux to establish some of the most renowned estates, a new generation of Wine Geese represented Ireland at the prestigious World Tasting Championship for the first time ever on Saturday, 12th October in Bordeaux, France.
The Ireland Team of four comprises the highly experienced palates of Liam Campbell, Lisa O’Doherty, Dale Gatcum and Timothée Oberlin. Ahead of the championships, Ireland Team member Liam Campbell said,
“Deciphering all the elements of a wine poured from a decanter is the greatest challenge, with no bottle label to act as a guide. Because wine is a living organism, the evolution of colours, aromas, flavours and textures all provide clues to solving the mystery identity learnt from years of study and experience. It is an honour for the team to represent Ireland and we do so with great pride. Our weekly practice sessions in the months leading up to the World Tasting Championship on Saturday, 12th October have helped us with our timing and strategy to agree on a single answer for each of the 12 global wines we will be assessing at Château Dauzac in Bordeaux.”
This is the 12th year of competition, and teams from over 50 countries and all five continents gathered to swirl, sniff, taste and assess in the beautiful setting of Château Dauzac in Margaux. Each team had 10 minutes per wine to agree on a single answer to correctly identify the country, region, grape varietal and vintage – for 12 global wines in total covering all styles: sparkling, white, red, sweet and fortified.
“This year we are delighted to welcome an Ireland Team for the first time to compete at the 12th Edition of the World Tasting Championship, and we wish them the best of luck.”, said Philippe de Cantenac, Creator of the World Tasting Championship
“Whelehan’s Wines, as a nod to the great ‘TP’, are delighted to be involved with wine-related activities that encourage learning and excellence. We are really delighted to sponsor the Ireland World Tasting Championship Team and we wish Lisa, Liam, Dale and Timothée the very best of luck.”, commented David Whelehan
All media enquiries can be directed to Liam Campbell: liamcampbell36@gmail.com 087-9192744 or Jonathan Staunton: jonathan@winelistguy.com 087-9978106
Good Food Ireland is delighted to announce the shortlist for its highly-regarded and unique cross-sector Good Food Ireland® Awards 2024, in association with FBD Insurance. The winners are due to be revealed at a high-profile, five-star dinner showcasing a wealth of Ireland’s fantastic produce taking place on Monday 11th November at The K Club Hotel, County Kildare. These awards celebrate businesses at every layer of our island’s food and drink industry. From primary producers, manufacturers, and chefs, to shops, hotels, tourism experiences, and restaurants, those businesses who make the shortlist are regarded by the judges as embodying all that makes Ireland’s food offering so standout.
For the first time this year, there was also the opportunity for all other businesses around the island of Ireland who believe they share the Good Food Ireland® philosophy, to enter a dedicated “Food Lovers Choice Award” for which the public has the opportunity to cast their votes! Online voting runs from Friday 4th October until Sunday 20th October.
For full details on the individual awards, tickets to the event, and general information about Good Food Ireland® visit goodfoodireland.ie
Wine Spirit Women are thrilled to announce the Champagne Ayala Education Bursary, made possible thanks to the generous collaboration between Champagne Ayala and Findlater & Co.
This bursary is a fantastic opportunity for our members to advance their careers and deepen their knowledge of the wine industry. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already making your mark, this funding is designed to help you take the next step in your wine education right here in Ireland. More information and application details are here.
On 18th November A Wine Idea will host a masterclass on Wine Faults in Dublin city centre. This masterclass is aimed at professionals in the trade and sommeliers, with the goal of enhancing their knowledge of wine faults, flaws and taints Unlike a session that involves smelling aromas via small vials, this masterclass will feature actual wines with the selected faults, offering a hands-on and immersive learning experience. The masterclass will cover 14 specific faults, including cork taint, oxidation, and reduction, among others. It is a comprehensive session that will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge essential for anyone working closely with wine.
A Wine Idea is offering one Wine Spirit Women member a complimentary space in this class. If you would like to apply for this space please fill out this form.
In conversation with Sara Crespo, Marketing Director Foods and Wines from Spain in Ireland.
A familiar face to Spanish food and wine lovers in Ireland, Sara is responsible for creating Spanish Wine Week in Ireland, now re-branded as Eat Spain Drink Spain.
There will be a Burgundy Masterclass with Master Sommelier and Burgundy expert Gearóid Devaney of Silex Wines on Wednesday 16th October. For more details please contact austin@silexwines.ie
Bordeaux Fine Wine w/ Mick O’Connell MW is up next on Thursday 17th October in Neighbourhood Wine, Baggot Street. Mick will guide you through tasting 1st to 5th growths to get a great understanding of the 1855 classification. This event will be a rare opportunity to experience some of the most sought-after Bordeaux wines—ones you’ve always wanted to taste but couldn’t quite justify splurging on. Tickets are available here.
Neighbourhood Wine’s Portuguese Wine Fair will take place on Sunday, October 20th at their Leeson Street location. They will have over 30 wines available to try at a relaxed walk-around tasting. Each time slot will be allocated 90 minutes to work your way through the range of wines. There will also be some Portuguese snacks and finger food, think Portuguese olives, pastéis de nata (custard tart), bolinhos de bacalhau and much more. The staff will be on hand to advise on wine and food pairings. Tickets are €40 per person, available here.
The SPIT team of Wine Mason, VinosTito, GrapeCircus and Nomad are back in action on Monday 21st October, in the Chocolate Factory, King’s Inn Street. Trade only, more details can be found here.
The French Commercial Office is organising 2024 Tasting France to take place on Tuesday 22nd October, 2024 in Smock Alley Theatre. For more information, please contact Pandora Mistry at pandora.mistry@businessfrance.fr
Savour Kilkenny is back for the bank holiday weekend on 24th – 28th October 2024 for its 16th year. This vibrant celebration of food and culinary excellence, in one of Ireland’s most historic cities, boasts an impressive line-up of international and local culinary stars. Entry to the Savour Market, cookery demos and talks are free. Dining events and special events are individually priced. For the full schedule of events and dining event tickets, see www.savourkilkenny.com or @savourkilkenny on Instagram.
Polish Wine Fest returns for an unforgettable evening where guests will swirl, sip and score the best Polish wines. Your taste buds and honesty are exactly what’s needed to crown the champions of Polish vino. This is a laid-back, fun event for everyone—whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned sipper. If you love wine, you’re already qualified! Join them on 26th October from 7-8:30pm @ The Fumbally Stables. Tickets are still available here.
On November 14th, JN Wines will be hosting a Seasonal Selection Tasting at Waterman House, Belfast featuring a hand-picked selection of red, white, champagne & sparkling, Port and dessert wines. At the tasting will be Filipe Teixeira Pinto from Herdade do Soboroso and Mark Bingley MW showing Louis Roederer, Marques de Murrieta & Ramos Pinto. The trade event (by invitation only) runs from 2-5pm while the consumer event takes place in two sessions that same evening. Tickets are available here.
On Monday, November 18th, A Wine Idea will be hosting a special masterclass – Exploring Wine Faults. This will be an incredible opportunity to deep dive into different types of wine faults and how to recognise them.
Pete’s Provisions will be holding tastings on the 14th and 28th of November. Tastings run from 7:15pm to 8:45pm, and include wines, a selection of meats, cheeses and dips along with a discount of 10% off wine purchased on the night. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit their Instagram @petes.provisions.
Blacks Brewing and Distilling Kinsale is looking to hire an Assistant Brewer. To apply, please send your CV to maud@blacksbrewingdistilling.com
Bord Bia is looking to hire a Web Content Executive. The position is full-time and based in Dublin. Apply via this link.
The Corkscrew Wine Merchants is looking for an experienced individual to take over their spirits department. For more information, please email spirits@thecorkscrew.ie
Celtic Whiskey Shop & Wines on the Green is looking for a Whiskey Sales Specialist. Click here for more details.
Are you recruiting? Email us to be included in future newsletters
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 