Congratulations to Annette Kearne, MD, Brims & Programme Director at Irish Drinks Forum, who was chosen as the recipient of the Vinspire X Wine Spirit Women Scholarship. You can read more about this annual scholarship here. For those looking to find a new hobby or professionals who want to upskill, Vinspire Academy offers internationally recognised wine and spirit qualifications across Ireland. Visit their website for more information.
Save the date – our upcoming event will take place on Tuesday, 12th August 3pm – 5pm. To celebrate National Women’s Day in South Africa, we will be collaborating with the South African Embassy in Dublin for a wine masterclass with journalist Matthew Nugent.
Spaces for this FREE event are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please reserve your spot here ASAP to avoid disappointment. Once all spaces are filled, we will operate a cancellation list. If you are no longer able to attend, please contact Wine Spirit Women ASAP so we can allocate your ticket to someone else.
We’re opening this event to friends, family and the wider trade industry. If you’d like to bring a plus one or a colleague, the more the merrier.
Taste Spain Invites Ireland’s Wine and Food Trade to Taste Local Produce
Members of Ireland’s food and wine trade are invited to Taste Spain 2025 on 23rd June at RIU Plaza The Gresham Hotel, Dublin 1. Register here. Here you can meet Spanish food and wine producers looking to enter the Irish market. At 11.30am, Master of Wine Harriet Tindal will host a DO Rueda masterclass featuring wines not yet available in Ireland. Fidel Antón from Iberian Ham Sensations will offer live jamón carving demonstrations and tastings, and Finbar Deert, Head of Retail at Sheridans will host tastings of Spain’s award winning cheeses.
Master of Wine Launches Canary Island Report
Master of Wine Tim Atkin released his inaugural Canary Island Report. This landmark report features over 250 wines scoring 94 points or higher and includes insights on volcanic‑terroir winemaking, as exemplified by the likes of Malvasía Aromática and Listán Blanco. It highlights the region’s rich history, diverse varietals, and modern quality renaissance. On July 14th, Atkin will host “Best of Canary Islands” in Lanzarote. During this event, more than 60 selected wineries from all the islands will showcase over 100 wines rated 94 points or higher (a total of more than 250 wines), brought together in a single venue and available to industry professionals and wine lovers. Get your tickets here.
Midleton Distillery Wins Big at San Francisco
Midleton Distillery continued its award-winning streak at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, taking home 21 Double Gold medals, nearly twice as many as its nearest rival. From Jameson to the ultra-premium Midleton Very Rare, this decisive success underscores Ireland’s ongoing excellence in high-quality whiskey production. It’s a proud moment for Irish distilling and a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Sazerac Rebrands Lough Gill as Hawk’s Rock Distillery
The Sazerac Company has officially renamed its County Sligo site from Lough Gill Distillery to Hawk’s Rock Distillery ahead of planned whiskey releases in June 2025. Situated amidst the Ox Mountains and inspired by Yeats’s “At the Hawk’s Well,” the rebrand reflects Sazerac’s ambition to turn the site into a global destination for Irish whiskey. Under the leadership of master blender Helen Mulholland, the distillery is scaling up production and dreaming of a vibrant visitor experience in the near future.
Copeland Launches 5‑Year‑Old Single Malt ‘25.1’
Copeland Distillery is marking late May and early June with the launch of its first 5‑year‑old single malt of 2025, known as ‘25.1’. A limited batch of 1,115 bottles, comprising 805 at 46% ABV and 210 at cask strength (58.6%), showcases innovative cask finishes, including American bourbon, virgin oak, and Oloroso. The release marks a milestone in Copeland’s young but ambitious journey, spotlighting its commitment to bold flavours and Irish whisky craftsmanship.
EU Agrees Fresh Wine Sector Measures
On 19 June 2025, EU agriculture ministers approved a package of new measures to boost competitiveness and resilience in the wine sector. These include tools to prevent surplus, such as vine grubbing and green harvesting, more flexible vineyard planting rights, simplified labelling, and enhanced rural development through wine tourism. The legislation is designed to help European producers navigate evolving consumer habits, climate challenges, and global market trends.
Moët Hennessy Faces €1.5bn Cash Burn
Moët Hennessy, the luxury wine and spirits arm of LVMH, reported a staggering €1.5 billion cash burn in 2024, attributed to declining demand in China, macroeconomic pressures, and strategic missteps. The group is now implementing a wide-ranging turnaround strategy, slashing costs, rethinking acquisitions, and exploring non-alcoholic beverages. With Alexandre Arnault and the CFO driving reform, this pivot highlights the urgent need for adaptation even within the premium segment.
In conversation with Andrea Kissane, CEO and Co-Founder of The Muckross Wild Irish Spirits Co Ltd.
Meet the women behind this award-winning premium Irish craft gin, hot off the heels of being crowned Ireland’s Gin of the Year 2025 at the Berlin International Spirits Competition
Set sail with Polish Wine Fest’s Pink Splash on 5th July. For their third legendary annual wine tasting aboard St.Bridget guests will be celebrating all kinds of rosé wines. Departure from Dún Laoghaire East Pier with Dublin Bay Cruises.
This August, Dublin’s Wigwam will play host to Tequila Town 2025. Expect 2 for 1 Margaritas, taco specials, churros, music, fun and dancing all weekend long. Tickets on sale now.
Taste of Kildare takes place on 16th & 17th August. From traditional fare to Asian inspired dishes and everything in between, attendees can expect a diverse and vibrant blend of flavours. Rachel Allen returns to the demo stage, joined by an outstanding line-up of local chefs including: Gary O’Hanlon from The K Club, Philip Gleeson from Killashee, Barry Hayden from Lily & Wild, Adam Nevin from Carton House and many more. Visitors can enjoy live music from Morning Glory, an Oasis tribute band and the Newbridge Gospel Choir, along with children’s activities, a vibrant Producers’ Market, and more.
The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival returns September 26 – 28th.
Have an upcoming event?
Email winespiritwomen@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to include it in our newsletter.
Ireland
Rye River Brewing Co. is recruiting a Customer Service & Accounts Receivable Assistant (part-time). Key tasks include processing sale orders & booking deliveries, managing customer accounts and price files, general admin and liaising with the warehouse and hauliers, to name a few. Full job spec and application here.
In Donegal, Olde Glen Bar is hiring seasonal food and beverage staff. Drop into the bar directly or email your CV to hello@oldeglen.ie.
Row Wines is hiring a full-time bartender. Drop by Row Wines on Coppinger Row, Dublin, with your CV or send it via email to peter@rowwines.com
Mae restaurant is looking for a waiter to join the team. Email in confidence to info@maerestaurant.ie with your CV or for more information.
In Galway, Fawn is hiring front-of-house staff. Apply via email to fawnwinebar@gmail.com
Also in Galway, Blackthorn seek an experienced assistant restaurant manager. Email your CV to blackthorngalway@gmail.com
Magees Wine and Spirit Grocer is hiring a part-time sales assistant. Email CVs to rosalyn@mageeswine.com
Hinch Distillery is hiring a Brand Home Guide. Flexible part-time hours available. Send your CV to Distillery Manager William Stafford william.stafford@hinchdistillery.com.
Global
Alliance Wine are looking for a dynamic Buyer/Portfolio Manager for Spain, Portugal and the Americas. Click here for more details. To apply, send your CV to Jean Wareing MW at jeanwareing@alliancewine.com. Deadline: 30 June 2025
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