Wine Spirit Women are thrilled to announce the launch of our annual spirits scholarship in collaboration with Vinspire Academy. Each year we will award one Wine Spirit Women member a free scholarship to study WSET 1 in Spirits with Vinspire Academy.

W.S.E.T Level 1 Award in Spirits course is a beginner-level introduction to spirits for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in spirits.

For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits. You’ll explore the main styles and types of spirits through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas. Please apply through this form.

Scholarship applications close on 18th May.

Vinspire Academy have kindly offered all Wine Spirit Women members a generous 50% off their upcoming WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits course taking place on Monday 9th June, from 10am – 5pm. Closing date for registration is 19th May. To avail of this discount please email winespiritwomen@gmail.com. *Please note the scholarship and discount are only available to Wine Spirit Women members.

About Vinspire Academy

Founder and Head of Education at Vinspire Wine and Spirit Academy Philip Dunne is one of Irelands most awarded sommeliers and wine & spirit experts in the luxury hospitality sector in Ireland. 

Previously Head Sommelier in Ashford Castle in Mayo, Head Sommelier of The Westbury in Dublin, & currently the Global Group Sommelier of The Doyle Collection, Philip has a vast level of experience in wine list design, and expert result-driven wine and spirit education. 

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Dublin food and wine lovers rejoice each Wednesday as Sea Shanty teams up with Polish Wine Fest for a weekly celebration of bold pairings from 6-9pm. Upcoming dates are 14 May, 21 May and 28 May.

On 15th May, Sinéad Smyth & Wine Shop Lanzarote will host a volcanic wine tasting at The Corkscrew in Dublin. Join for an evening dedicated to the bold, sun-soaked wines of Lanzarote. We’ll pour five exceptional selections from some of the island’s most iconic producers: Bodega Bermejo, Bodegas El Grifo, Bodega Rubicón, and the brand new Bodega Olivina.

Alongside the wine, enjoy a curated cheeseboard and a virtual tour of Lanzarote’s volcanic vineyards. Whether you joined us last time or are new to the magic of volcanic wine, this is your chance to sip, learn, and connect. Come taste the island! Tickets on sale now – get yours here.

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The Diploma in Food and Wine Synergy is coming to Dublin this June. Last year saw the first edition of brand-new food and wine course launch in Ireland.  The curriculum, was developed by wine and food educator Trish Rogers who devised it while living in the United States.  The Diploma in Food & Wine Synergy has been completed by students at Linfield University Oregon; Johnson & Wales University, North Carolina; Miami Institute of Wine & Food, Florida; American Institute of Wine & Food, Washington DC and in the United Kingdom in the Hampshire Wine School.  The course has a CEH Accreditation from the American Culinary Federation. 

Trish Rogers has worked for many years in the wine and food industry.  Her career path has included managing restaurants before moving on to work as an importer and distributor of wine.  Trish was also the co-owner of a winery in Oregon so has many years practical experience working in the wine business.  

For more information or to book your place email Trish at irishguildsomm@gmail.com

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Ara Esparza from The Wine Snug has a new post live on our website, exploring Argentine wines. Here Ara recommends three of her top wines for your next sip. Read here.

Sinéad McCarthey and her partner Paul Gartland have embarked on a new adventure with the official opening of Fíon Elie in Phibsboro Dublin. To celebrate their new neighbourhood’s “Phizz Fest” they’ll be offering a free glass of fizz to the first 100 people through the doors on 10th May – a nice way to whet your whistle while you wine shop.

Anna and Dave, two former Boeing 737 pilots, are excited to announce the launch of their new drink: Hytropics! It’s a sparkling electrolyte beverage with added B vitamins and ginseng. It comes in sleek 330ml cans and three delicious flavours: Salty Raspberry & Elderflower, Salty Lime & Grapefruit and Salty Mango & Pineapple. Refreshing, functional and unlike anything you have tried before.

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Wine importer JN will host portfolio tastings in Belfast (12 May) and Dublin (13 May) for  the trade. Evening sessions open to the public will follow each night – more information can be found here.

Dundalk Food and Drink Society will host a Rioja wine tasting on 28th May. Each wine will showcase the quality of fruit and the wine makers skills. Enjoy a tapas platter and immerse yourself in this Iconic Spanish Region.

Mine Bennett will host a tasting in Belfast, focusing on what happens in the winery.  Do you ever wonder why some wines are so different from others? Some are very fruity and some are more spicy or even earthy. Join Mine for the May Wine Tasting which will take place at Roam Restaurant Belfast. This month will focus on different winemaking techniques and their  impacts on the wines. So you can understand the terms such as fruity, barrel aged or matured in bottle in a better sense. Guests will explore wines from different regions with little nibbles and chat about different styles of wines and also how we can successfully pair our food and wine.

Ballymaloe Festival of Food, Ireland’s premier food festival returns to the picturesque grounds of Ballymaloe House and Grainstore from 16th – 18th May. Attendees can look forward to live cooking demonstrations by culinary luminaries such as Tom Parker Bowles, Tim Hayward, and Fadi Kattan. The festival also features workshops, artisan markets, and engaging talks, all celebrating the journey of exceptional cuisine from soil and sea to plate.

Join Rebeccca O’Flynn and Ciara Huges for a one of a kind Yoga & Wine Tasting experience in the beautiful Hidden Acres- Malahide Escapes. This unique half day retreat is your chance to restore & rebalance with a blend of two deeply restorative yoga practices designed to release tension & reconnect with your body. You’ll also experience a mindful wine tasting (informal) with light bites & great conversation. Come relax, sip & savour the moment with us. DM or email yogawineretreats@gmail.com to book.

Whiskey Live returns this month! Whiskey aficionados will gather in Dublin for this esteemed event, offering tastings of premium Irish whiskeys, masterclasses, and insights from industry experts. It’s an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and innovation within Ireland’s whiskey scene.

On 22nd May Dublin’s Blackrock Cellar will invite Ryan Hancock from Vasse Felix to celebration International Chardonnay Day. Guests will sample different expressions of Chardonnay, from fruit forward from unoaked wines to deep, age-worthy single vineyards.

Experience the rich culinary heritage of the West at the Galway Food Festival. This five-day event showcases the best of Irish food and drink, with local chefs, food producers, and artisans coming together to create a gastronomic feast. Enjoy food markets, cooking demonstrations, tasting events, and workshops in the heart of Galway. The festival also features a variety of family-friendly activities, live music, and opportunities to explore the region’s vibrant food scene.

Join the Tralee Food Festival from 24th – 26th May, a vibrant celebration of local cuisine, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Experience the best of Kerry’s food scene with over 100 food stalls and trucks offering a mix of local and international flavours. Enjoy artisan food markets, chef demonstrations, and tasting events, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tralee’s unique coastal charm.

Celebrate the maritime heritage of the beautiful North Antrim Coast at the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, May 23 – June 1. The festival features sailing regattas, traditional currach racing, tall ships, and Viking ships. Back on shore, enjoy a variety of food offerings that cater to all tastes, making it a perfect event for both seafarers and foodies alike.

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Ireland

Jameson Distillery Bow St. is hiring a passionate Events Sales Executive to join our fast-paced Business Development team at the World’s Leading Distillery Tour right in the heart of Dublin 7. This role is perfect for someone with a flair for coordinating events, building relationships, a sales aptitude and a love for creating standout experiences that connect our guests to the Jameson Story of culture, craft, and community. If you’re experienced in hospitality, tourism sales or events, and you’re ready to be part of something iconic, apply here https://lnkd.in/ewTSrk7V

Cullen’s at the Cottage is currently looking for a Restaurant Manager to join the team at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. 

Michelin star restaurant The Morrison Room at Carton House is hiring a sommelier and a chef de rang. Email your CV to anastasiya.lazareva@fairmont.com.

Valeo Foods Ireland is hiring a Channel Specialist (Wine). Findlater & Co. are looking for an experienced B2B Sales Specialist to join its dynamic team as a Channel Specialist Wine (Business Developer), based in Dublin and reporting to the Head of Sales.

37 Dawson Street are on the hunt for a passionate, driven, and experienced Bar Manager ready to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced, electric atmosphere.

Tindal Wine Merchants is hiring a full-time Sales Office Administrator. This hybrid role combines admin support with light warehouse responsibilities. For more details and to apply, email sales@tindalwine.com with “Wine Trade” in the subject line.

The Big Romance in Dublin is hiring full-time and part-time bar staff. This could be your new gig if you love music, great service and tasty cocktails. Candidates should have 2 years of experience in hospitality. Email CVs to jobs@thebigromance.ie

Global

Ayala is recruiting a hospitality host & boutique sales Assistant (M/F) – Saturdays only
Fixed-term contract from June 7, 2025 (duration flexible). Based in Aÿ, in Champagne. Please send your application with the reference “Hôte d’accueil” to hospitality@champagne-ayala.fr.

Chair – Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated. The Chair will ensure the Board’s effectiveness in setting and implementing strategy and direction with a focus on oversight and good governance. The role involves developing and implementing grape and wine sector policy, position and strategy and undertaking a leadership role in developing effective relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, departmental and agency officers and directors, media and other industry associations.

• Visit agw.org.au for more information.
• Confidential enquiries are welcome to Andrew Reed on (08) 8100 8827.
• Visit henderconsulting.com.au to submit your application, which should include a cover letter and CV uploaded as one PDF document.