About

Maureen O’Hara

Premier Wine Training’s principal lecturer is myself,  Maureen O’Hara.

Industry experience:  I have significant experience in the Irish wine trade, having worked as marketing manager for twenty years in Findlaters and Gilbeys, two of Ireland’s eminent wine importers. I count myself lucky to have worked alongside some of the best wine people in Ireland, and the world.  Early on, I started studying WSET wine courses, gained qualifications, and have been giving wine courses since 1998.

In 2010 I decided on a more varied career, and established my own wine training business, Premier Wine Training. As well as working as a consultant (specialising in wine sales training, marketing, sourcing wines, wine lists), I also write a weekly wine column for a national newspaper.  My love of cooking, food and flavours is indulged when I give courses at Dublin Cookery School.  In 2014 I had the honour of representing Ireland as a wine judge at VinItaly, one of Europe’s largest wine competitions.

Qualifications: I graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Management, specialising in Marketing.  Some years later I became captivated by wine, studied WSET courses, and was awarded the WSET Wine Diploma. I am a WSET Certified Wine Educator, certified Sherry Educator, French Wine Society Instructor. I am also a FETAC Certified Trainer, which creates a real point of difference in my customised wine training by creating programmes which fulfil business needs, are relevant, reinforce workplace skills, and deliver measurable results.

Premier Wine Training is a WSET Approved Programme Provider, and has recently been accredited as CPD Training Provider.

Presentation Style: I’ve been told that I am very easy to listen to (!).  I believe that no question is a silly question, and encourage interaction within courses.  I like to tease out flavours and textures, and use the Nez du Vin Master tasting kit to help identify aromas.  I like to pepper my talks with food matches, and anecdotes from regions visited, and winemakers I’ve met.  Feel free to read some testimonials.

Choose from:

• Wine appreciation courses
• WSET wine courses
• French Wine Scholar programme
• Customised wine training for those involved in wine trade or hospitality sector
• Wine talks & wine tastings – ‘fun with learning thrown in.’

Premier Wine Training also has a pool of experienced lecturers and speakers, with specific areas of expertise, from Champagne to Sherry.   Please contact us with your specific requirements at [email protected]

PS: I am often in a position to recommend students for roles which come up within the industry.  Please let me know if this of benefit to you!