Wines from China 🇨🇳 have been around for a good while. Reading and learning about the regions is one thing, getting the opportunity to try a few gems sheds a different light on my expectations. Serious Chardonnay’s and Cabernet Sauvignons from high altitude regions of Ningxia and Yunnan. Silver Heights Chardonnay from high altitude vineyards of 1200m showed very lean, pur and defined. Very unexpected and a real food friendly style. As well as the bright traditional method sparkler by Emma Gao with a touch of rice wine was a favourite, refreshing and electric ⚡️ I expected the reds (based on Bordeaux varieties) to be jammy and heavily oaked. There were some very precise examples in this line up. Marselan from @silverheightsvineyard , Ningxia and the Zaxee 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Yunnan from an altitude of 2300m proofed me so wrong. China is definitely on my map and for the curious palates out there. #sommelier #wineenthusiasts #winelovers #winesofchina courtofmastersommeliers

This years International Women’s Day theme is „Give to Gain“. When we give, we gain. Together we can strengthen the path to our goals by supporting one another. My passion is bringing wine closer to people by sharing knowledge, mentoring, supporting and help growing our Sommelier and Wine Community. There was a beautiful moment this week when I met a previous WSET L3 student of mine, proudly sharing her wine journey. She had completed the Diploma and was now successfully working for a well-known Wine importer. Its simply humbling and gratifying to know that I played a role in her career in wine. When individuals, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support increase not only for women, it’s an intentional act of multiplication. When women thrive we all rise. Whether through organisations like the Irish Guild of Sommeliers, Curious Vines, Sommelier Network Ireland, Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, knowledge - sharing, resources, education, mentoring or simply time, contributing to women’s advancement strengthens a more connected, resilient and inclusive wine industry. Celebrating all those amazing women in our Wine Industry in Ireland and across the globe! @curious.vines @queenadwong @effiwine @sophievmclean @gleamconnections #CuriousVines #GivetoGaininWine #IWD2026 #collaboration #Winecommunity #womeninwine #CommunityoverCompetition

ROAD TO MS - Day 3 Another insightful Training with Stefan Neumann MS Tasting wines blind is a real challenge to get right. Theory is key and to be able to apply that knowledge adhoc during the tasting requires consistency in practice. Spirits, Liquor, Sake and any form of drinkable liquid is part of it. It’s a real pleasure to be amongst these talented bunch of women and I am most grateful to the people behind this support of our Journey to become one of the few MS in the world that have conquered this difficult Exam! @curious.vines @champagnepolroger @trivetrestaurant & @stefanthesommelier_ms @queenadwong A massive Thank you again!! #courtofmastersommeliers #sommelier #wine #sommlifestyle #sommeducation

An exciting start to the year! Thanks to the ever expanding support by Queena #curiousvines I have been awarded a place at the Road to MS support 2026! 🥳 🙏 Our first session entailed a workshop of „Performance under stress“ by the highly regarded Dr Josephine Perry. Take away: Its easy to overestimate once performance when adrenaline and cortisol rushes through our veins. Everything changes and it doesn’t matter how much we prepared for any exam, the chance to fail is much higher if we didn’t prep for our mental game! I can only encourage Sommeliers with a goal in focus to embrace such an opportunity to learn from the best and meet incredible talented fellow Somms on the way. Learning together - growing together- succeeding together = everyone wins!! It’s not a journey to walk alone!! A massive thank you to @josephineperry76 for an excellent session, it’s amazing to learn from the best in their field! This incredible opportunity of personal development in our wine community would not arise without the generous sponsorship of @armitwines 🙏 @pol_roger @queenadwong @stefanthesommelier_ms Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! #sommlife #curiousvines #courtofmastersommeliers #wineducation #wine #sommeliers #mastersommelier

Knowledge is power .... and elevates your experience ! I help build a foundation in one day to spark a good understanding & enjoy once wine even more! It was great fun yesterday, Thanks to the curious participants ! In collaboration with @dubbaracademy and @vinostito Check out upcoming courses on www.dublinbaracademy.com #wineenthusiast #winelovers🍷 #somm #sommlife #artisanwine