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.  Premier Wine Training is a WSET Approved Programme Provider, and I myself am a WSET Certified Wine Educator and certified Sherry Educator.

I have recently been authorised as an Instructor with the French Wine Society, an organisation based in Washington DC, which has developed French wine courses in association with the French Ministry of Agriculture.

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.

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!