People are always curious about how I got into the wine industry.
The old saying, ‘I just fell into it,’ is what I usually voice in response to the question. Looking back on when I began my career in the wine industry and now offering advice and mentorship to those starting out, there are many more ways to achieve success and prosperity quickly.
There’s much to appreciate, comprehend, and grow from within the wine industry with a supportive community of professionals here in Ireland. Possibilities of employment are available as a sommelier (a professional in wine at a restaurant or hotel), sales for an importing company (Tindal, Liberty Wines, Findlaters are a few of them), working in a wine shop (O’Briens, The Corkscrew, Jus de Vine, for instance), a wine author, or even follow the admirable example of David Dennison of Viking Irish Drinks in Waterford and produce Irish wines!
The foundation of working in any industry is expanding your understanding and confidence in the subject. If you plan to get into the wine industry, having a solid foundation of knowledge and a certificate to go along with it will significantly benefit you and any employer.
In my company, Vinspire Wine and Spirit Academy (www.vinspireacademy.com), I’m delighted to offer the world-renowned WSET (Wine Spirit Education Trust) Courses here in Ireland, which is a global standard of wine and spirit education. Wine industry leaders highly recommend the WSET courses, and most of those working in the wine industry in Ireland have at least one of these WSET qualifications to their name. Several levels of wine courses are on offer, from the one-day Level 1 introductory course to a two-year diploma which will give you a wide breadth of education about wine. Other great educational platforms to explore are the Court of Master Sommeliers (www.courtofmastersommeliers.org), ASI Sommelier courses (www.asi.info), GuildSomm (www.guildsomm.com), and the wine education app developed by our Ireland-based award-winning sommelier Julie Dupouy, ‘Somm Ninja’ (www.sommninja.com).
Pick up some wine-focused magazines such as Decanter and my favourite, Noble Rot, for more casual reading. An international online magazine like The Drinks Business (www.thedrinksbusiness.com) is also worth checking out. Online readers can also keep up to date on wine and industry-related news through our website here at TheTaste.ie.
Once you’ve developed a base of wine education, it’s a good idea to get involved with the community in the industry here in Ireland. There are lots of supportive groups and societies that you could join as an opportunity to network, learn more, and evolve your skills.
Wine Spirit Women (www.winespiritwomen.com), set up in 2018 and now chaired by Sinéad Smyth, is one of our wine industry’s most progressive and exciting organisations. Individual membership costs just €40 a year and includes regular members-only wine events, workshops, and tastings, lots of discounts for wine-related partners, and access to all social media and messaging groups to network and meet with your other group professionals.
The Irish Guild of Sommeliers (www.irishguildofsommeliers.ie), a longstanding organisation in Ireland since 1958, is now run by the leadership and presidency of Morgan Vanderkamer. Keep an eye on their Twitter @IrishGuildSomm for the latest information on events, competitions, and news they have popping up. A fabulous resource for most in the industry here in Ireland is the ‘Wine Diary’ of Jean Smullen (www.jeansmullen.com). Since beginning her wine career in 1991, Jean has been one of Ireland’s highly accomplished and celebrated wine professionals for years. Besides consulting for businesses and presenting on the ‘Movies and Booze’ segment on Newstalk FM, Jean plans and organises extensive wine events and tastings throughout Ireland. Her wine diary features almost all upcoming calendar events for both the industry’s off-trade (retail) and on-trade (hospitality) sides. These events can also be the perfect opportunity for you to network and meet other professionals in the industry. Who knows what door it might open for you by attending one?
Finally, besides studying from a textbook or drinking some silky Burgundy Pinot Noir at an event, the best way to learn is on the job.
For a young sommelier in the early stages of their career, I recommend you apply for somewhere with a team of sommeliers in place (start as a ‘Junior’ or ‘Commis’ sommelier) rather than you joining to be the only sommelier in the business. The support and sharing of knowledge you receive and give from your fellow sommeliers is invaluable. With extensive wine cellars (of a few hundred wines or more), you’ll learn and taste an array of wine styles and quality levels. High-end hotel resorts In Ireland are the perfect fit to develop and grow your knowledge and skill set.
It’s always a good idea to have a mentor who can advise you on everything from career to information you might need relating to wine or the industry day to day. You’ll find no shortage of supportive professionals in Ireland who will support you along the way.
Should you ever want to begin a career in wine, and have questions, I’d be more than happy to help. Find me on Instagram @somm_philip, Twitter @somm_philip, or at Philip.dunne@vinspireacademy.com
Philip Dunne is the group wine consultant for The Doyle Collection and the owner of Vinspire Wine and Spirit Academy. Vinspire Wine and Spirit Academy is a leading wine and spirit education provider that offers the world renowned WSET qualifications to drinks enthusiasts, and those employed in the hospitality and retail industry here in Ireland. For more information on the courses, please visit www.vinspireacademy.com.
Starting a career in the wine industry in Ireland – A guide and top tips by Philip Dunne
