Talks, workshops, tastings, are the goal of SommiT 23, a gathering of international experts & professionals who will discuss an array of topics, all pertinent to those working in today’s hospitality industry in Ireland.

SommIT 23 is open to everyone involved in or working within the wine, food, retail, restaurant, resort, and hotel industry in Ireland. On Monday 9th October 2023, for the first time the Star Wine List will announce the Irish winners of the best wine lists and the teams behind them at an award ceremony that will take place that day.

The line-up includes:

SommiT 23 – Let’s Talk Riesling…& All the Reasons

The rise of Riesling: a wine rainbow of expression, explore the diversity of Riesling in place, style; and the grape’s rise to cult popularity especially for wine enthusiasts.

Table Host: Jacques Savary de Beauregarde of Dede

Riesling Panel: Justin Trimbach, Alsace; Theresa Breuer of Rheingau; Michael TischlerZimmerman, Austrian Wine; Elizabeth Cooper, Fess Parker Winery, California; David Paterson, Tantalus Wines, BC Canada and Reinhard Lowenstein, Mosel, Germany.

SommiT 23 – Grenache/Garnacha – All the Styles…the HAND or the LAND?

The hand or the land. To blend, or to bottle alone, that is the question. A look at styles of Grenache from different regions, including rosé/rosado and how they emerged. Table Host: Mick O’Connell M.W.

Grenache/Garnacha Panel: David Gleave M.W. Willunga 100, Australia; Elizabeth Cooper Fess Parker Winery CA, USA; Brian Lynch, Marietta Cellars CA, USA; Mark le Roux, Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch, S.Africa; Marta Rovira, Finca Mas d’en Gill, Priorat; Simon Tyrrell, Les Deux Cols, Rhône; Cesc Frisach, Cellar Frisach, Terra Alta, Spain

SommiT 23 – Wine Speak – The GOOD, the BAD and WHAT DID THAT MEAN?

“Tell me about it “… the language of wine. On labels, shelf talkers, reviews, descriptors on wine LISTS. How the descriptors have evolved through technology and generational changes…do we need a new lexicon?

Table Host: Morgan Vanderkamer, Union Waterford;

Wine Speak Panel: Julie Dupouy Young, Star Wine List Judge; Krister Bengtsson, Star Wine List; Judith Boyle Lecturer TU Grangegorman; Richie Brady, author of ‘Is the language of wine broken?’ and Eamonn Fitzgerald, Wine Spark.

SommiT 23 – Tomorrow, Tomorrow & Tomorrow … for Food, Wine People

A discussion about sustainability and the future of our industry by assessing the intrinsic elements involved: food, wine (beverages) and people.

Table Host: Aoife Carrigy, Wine Journalist

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, & Tomorrow Panel: Miguel Torres Snr, Familia Torres, Spain; Mollie Battenhouse MW, Education Director, Jackson Family Wineries USA; Barry Walsh, Killahora, Cork; JJ Healy, Lecturer, MTU, Cork.

Look out too for The ZiNG! Thing – Food and Wine Synergy Workshop. An experiential workshop exploring food and wine together using biochemistry and instinct in action.

The Style Council – a novel food and wine feature, SommiT 23 will introduce guest Chef & Sommelier teams who will each interpret TWO wines, with a focus on style, and a food pairing.

Tickets for SommiT PRO are now on sale price €249.00 (+booking fee)

To purchase a ticket, click here