Tell us about your current role?

I work at the Spanish Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain. My primary responsibility is to promote Spanish products, including foods and wines, among Irish trade and consumers. We also assist Spanish companies from other sectors in finding opportunities in the Irish market.

How did you first get into the food/drink industry?.

Years ago, I worked as an account manager at a PR and communication agency in Madrid. My first client was Schweppes, which was a fantastic experience as I worked on everything from product launches to crisis communication. This exposure to the drinks industry sparked my interest. Later, I joined the Spanish Commercial Office and began promoting Spanish wines in Ireland, which has become a true passion of mine. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished in recent years.

What is your favourite part of working in the industry?

The people. I’ve met amazing individuals who are passionate about Spanish wines and foods and have been incredibly supportive. I love connecting people and organizing events like the Eat Spain Drink Spain campaign that is running now in October. One of my most memorable experiences is collaborating with Sinéad Smyth, Lynda Coogan and Blanca Valencia on the ESDS 2024. Their enthusiasm and dedication are inspiring.

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

I’d start with a glass of Albariño or Verdejo. Given that we’re likely to have more than one glass, I’d follow with a Ribera del Duero or Bierzo. If you’re looking for something a bit special, I’d recommend trying a Cava or a white wine from Lanzarote, they are so good.

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

Apart from water, it would be wine. I love a good glass of wine, it could be red or white.

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

I’m not too picky as I love all types of food. However, I do have a soft spot for high-quality Japanese restaurants. I particularly enjoy the kind of fusion cuisine you find in Spain, like at Kyoshi Las Cortes which I visited recently in Madrid. But I’m also happy sharing tapas with friends in a wine bar like Cellar 22 in Dublin or enjoying a good Irish beef at an asador restaurant.

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

Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Rioja. It’s unforgivable, I know, and I’d love to go. Recently, I visited Jerez and toured the González Byass bodegas, which was a fantastic experience. Just the smell of the sherry wines there is intoxicating in the best possible way. I’m also eager to go to Galicia to visit the Ribeira Sacra, an area I’ve heard so much about.

What is the most memorable experience of your career?

Creating the Spanish Wine Week in Ireland, now rebranded as Eat Spain Drink Spain, is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of my career. I’m incredibly proud of the visibility we’ve given to Spanish wines among Irish consumers and of building a brand that has become so well-recognized in Ireland.

I love the collaborative spirit that the campaign fosters, bringing together Spanish producers, media, distributors, and consumers to showcase the best of Spanish wines. It’s particularly rewarding to see how Irish consumers are now much more familiar with wine regions from Spain beyond Rioja and Rias Baixas, especially considering Ireland’s position as the third-largest market for Albariños from Rias Baixas. Additionally, I’m delighted to see a growing number of premium Spanish foods on the shelves of Irish gourmet shops

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

I’d like to see more focus on sustainability practices throughout the industry.

Any particular women you admire in the industry? 

I admire so many people in the Irish drinks industry. The level of expertise, professionalism, enthusiasm, cooperation, and spirit among women here is truly admirable. An example is the Wine Spirit Women association. All the members I know are truly remarkable and an example for me for their passion and commitment.

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

I think it’s important to stay grounded, work hard, respect everyone, and have a collaborative spirit rather than a competitive one. Always be kind, listen, learn from the best, and try to find your own unique style. One piece of advice I would give is to network as much as possible. Building relationships with people in the industry can be invaluable. I also recommend taking advantage of opportunities to learn about different aspects of the industry, such as attending industry events or taking courses