Dear Members,
Happy New Year! As we embrace 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on an incredible 2024, a year that brought growth, collaboration, and inspiration to our community.
To kick start the year we hosted a ‘Coffee and Connect’ session for those in the Spirits and Alcohol industry in Diageo’s innovative Masonry office space. This was an opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and Diageo leaders to talk about the alcohol industry and the future of cocktail culture in Ireland.
In 2024, we proudly launched our mentorship programme, creating an engaged and supportive network for women in the wine and spirits industry. This initiative has already brought together so many like-minded women, fostering connections and sharing opportunities to grow and thrive.
One of our highlights was the announcement of the Ayala Education Bursary, generously facilitated by Findlater & Co. This bursary aims to empower women by supporting their wine education journeys here in Ireland. It’s been heartening to see the enthusiasm and ambition in the applications, and we’re excited to follow the winner’s journey in the coming months.
In May we were thrilled to have olive oil expert Sarah Merrigan and Finca La Torre host an Olive Oil Masterclass where we took a deep dive into this fascinating world. Sarah stocks an amazing range of award-winning extra virgin olive oils. Check out the full selection here.
Wine Spirit Women embarked on a trip to Ireland’s Shed Distillery. Santina Kennedy penned a wonderful piece reminiscing on the day. We embarked on a curious journey at this innovative distillery and sampled their whiskey and gins before enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail. The Shed Distillery is a must-visit for lovers of Irish food and drink.
Wine Spirit Women and O’Briens Wine joined forces to bring a taste of Spain to Dublin in May when we hosted a premium sherry tasting led by O’Briens Wine Assistant Buyer and Master of Wine stage 2 student Antonia Dominguez. The Jerez native showcased four stunning sherries, new and exclusive to O’Briens, including Bodega Baron Xixarito Manzanilla and Xixarito Oloroso alongside Cayetano del Pino Amontillado VOS and Palo Cortado VOS.
Throughout the year, our Q&A series featured incredible women who shared their experiences, insights, and advice, enriching our community. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests, including Kathryn Meany, Aoife Curtin, Diana Dorantes, Amor López, Orla Kenny, Therese O’Toole, Alanna McKeever, Sandra Biret-Crowley, María Amezola Downes, Justine McGovern, Michelle Lawlor and Sara Crepso. Your stories have inspired and motivated us to aim higher and dream bigger.
We look forward to another year of growth, opportunities, and achievements together. Stay tuned for exciting events, collaborations, and initiatives coming your way in 2025!
Here’s to a sparkling year ahead.
Embark on a Wine Journey: Turas Fíona at Daróg Wine Bar. Daróg Wine Bar is delighted to announce the launch of Turas Fíona (the Irish for ‘Wine Journey’), a unique series of wine talks and tastings set to unfold throughout 2025. Following the success of its recent wine events, this new initiative promises to elevate the experience with six exclusive evenings featuring distinguished national and international speakers.
Turas Fíona invites guests to delve into the heart of wine through immersive evenings
hosted at Daróg Wine Bar in Galway. Each event will feature renowned wine writers,
sommeliers and industry experts, sharing their passion and insights. From exploring flavour profiles to uncovering winemaking techniques, attendees will discover the artistry, heritage and personal stories behind exceptional wines. Zsolt Lukács, Owner & Sommelier of Daróg Wine Bar, said: “Turas Fíona is not just about tasting wine, it’s about experiencing the stories, cultures, and dedication that each bottle carries. We’re thrilled to bring together wine lovers, experts, and storytellers to share this journey.”
The series begins with a special evening featuring esteemed Austrian winemaker Dorli Muhr, whose passion for wine and dedication to sustainability has inspired wine lovers worldwide.
Kilruddery House returns this year with its Seasonal Supper Clubs. Celebrating the best of spring, guests will enjoy a carefully crafted four-course menu inspired by the bounty of their farm and gardens. Upcoming dates include 15th February, 29th March, 19th April and 17th May.
The Shaw & Eatyard host its annual Harvest Day Fest, to celebrate its Bodytonic Farmyard campaign, by creating sustainable gardens for our venues to utilise in our food & drink. Multiple events will take place throughout the day, just sign up here to take part.
Discover the joy of cooking alongside your child at Airfield’s delightful Parent & Child Cooking Workshops. Strengthen your bond while empowering your young chef to be kitchen-savvy in this hands-on culinary adventure. Together, you’ll embark on a journey of flavours and fun, creating delectable dishes that will leave lasting memories. Each ticket is for one parent and one child, ages 5 and up. The first workshop begins on 18th January.
The Irish Whiskey Association recently announced that Helen Mulholland, master blender with Sazerac Ireland, is now to lead the representative body for the all-island Irish whiskey industry. Ms Mulholland has served as the Association’s vice-chair since 2022 and succeeds former chair James Doherty, managing director of Sliabh Liag Distillers.
This Valentine’s Day join Dundalk Food and Drink Society for a Loire Valley Wine Tasting. Indulge in a selection of reds, whites, and sparkling carefully curated to delight your taste buds. Resident wine expert, Sarah Jane Carville-McGrath will be on hand to guide you through the tasting experience, offering insights and answering any questions you may have.
Preparing for the Level 3 Award in Wines theory exam? WSET School London will run an online workshop on Tuesday, 14 January to refine your technique for completing the short written answer questions. This session will include practice questions, model answers, and expert guidance to help you feel fully prepared. Sign up here.
In conversation with Gina Miltiadou, Director VinoProd.
South African native Gina is a familiar face in Ireland’s culinary scene, having founded Easy Food magazine.
Today she is embarking on a new adventure with her business VinoProd. Bringing an exciting new product to Ireland, Gina speaks to us about Vino Logs, a new innovation.
Join Bullhouse East in Belfast this Tuesday 14th January for an evening of delicious pairings at their Beer and Cheese Night. Their nights are a must for food and drink lovers, offering an intimate tasting experience for just 25 guests. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting led by Stephen from Indie Fude, where you’ll explore the flavours of five exceptional local cheeses, each perfectly paired with a selection of craft beers. The lineup features a mix of their own Bullhouse brews and other local favourites on tap.
Uncork some of France’s best-kept secrets & revisit your French favourites at VIN 2025 at the Hyatt Regency London this 16th January.
On Thursday 23rd January in the Alex Hotel, Dublin representatives from 33 wineries will arrive in Ireland to take part in the 2025 Borsa Vini Italiani. The event will showcase an impressive line-up of wines with producers travelling from Abruzzo, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Lombardia, Piemonte, Puglia, Sicilia, Toscana, Umbria and Veneto. The majority are seeking representation in the Irish market. A list of participating wineries is available on request To register contact: Jean Smullen e: jean@jeansmullen.com Trade & press only
Known for their knack for curating the rarest and finest whiskies, Dram is where whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike go to dive deep into whiskeys from across the globe. Join their whisky experts as they take you on a bold flavour journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic drams on 26th January. Set against the backdrop of Dublin’s BAR 1661’s unmistakable vibe, it’s the ultimate way to raise a glass to tradition, craft, and a damn good dram. Tickets are priced at €30 pp, each guest will receive a Dram cocktail on arrival + 5 Scotch Drams.
Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers have teamed up to run their 2025 trade tasting together in Dublin, on Monday 27th January 2025. The first New Zealand Winegrowers’ annual trade tasting took place in Dublin in 1997, and Wine Australia has been active in this market since 1992. This will be the first time both national associations have collaborated for a trade tasting in Ireland. RSVP or enquiries to jean@jeansmullen.com Trade & press only
Also on 27th of January is the Australia & New Zealand Consumer Wine Fair. Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to taste over 300 wines from 23 regions across Australia and New Zealand; from the famous Barossa Valley and Marlborough to the lesser-known Heathcote and North Canterbury. Explore All wine samples are included in the ticket price (€20 pp). The evening event will take place in the Alex Hotel in Dublin 2, from 18:30 – 20:30.
In Co.Cork Bibendum will host their portfolio tasting at the Maryborough Hotel & Spa on the 27th. Trade & press only
Millésime Bio, the World Fair for Organic Wines and Alcoholic Beverages, takes place from 27 to 29th January in Montpellier, France. Discover the largest organic wine cellar in the world! Come and talk with the 1500 wine, beer, cider and spirits exhibitors and discover their 100% organic range. Register here.
On the 28th of January join Mackenway Wines for their portfolio tasting at Fade Street Social in Dublin. Trade & press only
Spirits & Cheese Tasting with Echlinville Distillery x Indie Füde at the Errigle Inn. On 30th January guests will enjoy a guided talk on local cheeses paired with award-winning premium Irish spirits from one of the best local distilleries, Echlinville Distillery.
The Irish Whiskey Society’s first tasting of 2025 will be held on Jan 30th at Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin 1 and it’s a night no whiskey enthusiast will want to miss! Join Matt The Whiskey Nerd and Alex Suciu, two passionate and knowledgeable guides, as they take you on a journey through an extraordinary tasting lineup. This is your chance to taste history, craftsmanship, and the very essence of Irish whiskey at its finest. Tickets are available for IWS members from Jan 13th on their website.
Findlater & Co will host their portfolio tasting on 4th February at The College Green Hotel, Dublin. Trade & press only
Tindal Wine Merchants turn 21 this year, a coming of age. Join them on February 4th, at the Anatara Marker Hotel, Dublin for their 2025 portfolio tasting. It will include an eclectic bunch of producers from around the world both renowned and lesser known. Contact events@tindalwine.com to register. Masterclasses by invitation. Trade & press only
This February 5th Classic Drink’s will host their annual portfolio tasting at The Westbury, Balfe St. in Dublin. Prepare to explore stunning new vintages of old favourites, along with some exquisite new additions to their range. By invite only, please contact marketing@classicdrinks.com to register your interest. Trade & press only
In Dublin, Michelin star Bastible is hiring both part-time and full-time front of house required for a January start. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of hospitality experience and possess excellent service skills. Please send emails with a CV in confidence to careers@bastible.com
Le Petit Renard Wine Bar is looking for an experienced manager. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and passionate to assist with various projects including planning tastings, wine clubs, online sales, and managing staff. For more information and to send CVs email bonjour@bonvivant.ie
Gregans Castle Hotel is hiring a senior waiter. Email CVs to eannahassett@gregans.ie
Michelin-starred Terre restaurant is hiring for a number of roles including restaurant director, restaurant manager and sommelier. For more information email recruit@castlemartyrresort.ie
Scéal bakery café is hiring a general manager, lead barista and waiting staff. Application forms can be found here.
Titanic Distillers are looking to hire a Distiller. The Distiller will be producing Irish single malt and pot still whiskey. The Distiller will be required to carry out mashing, fermentation, and distilling activities, working under the guidance of and reporting to the Head Distiller. The Distiller will have a strong focus on health and safety, attention to detail, and operate in an efficient manner to achieve distillery targets, goals, and objectives.
Both part-time and full-time positions are available at Jameson Distillery Bow Street.
Reggie’s pizzeria in Dublin is hiring a restaurant manager. Email hello@reggies.ie.
McHugh’s in Dublin is looking for a part-time sales assistant to join the team. Send CVs to kilbarrack@mchughs.ie.
Sheen Falls Lodge, a prestigious 5-star Relais & Châteaux property with 2 Michelin Keys in Ireland, is seeking a talented Director of Food & Beverage.
The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas is hiring an Examination Operations Specialist to join their team. In this key role, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring our sommelier certification exams run smoothly, maintaining accuracy and upholding the highest standards of excellence. From coordinating exam logistics to supporting Master Sommeliers and candidates, your work will have a meaningful impact every step of the way.
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WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 