Ireland and Wine
Brett and Pamela’s life adventures began in different countries – Pamela’s in Ireland and Brett’s in the USA, where they first met, and have continued life together since. Prior to the launch of Wicklow Way Wines, Brett was a professional audio engineer, working on films and commercials, alongside a diverse array of major musical performers such as U2 and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Pamela, on the other hand, with a background in engineering, was a senior executive with Airtricity, building wind farms to help in the fight against climate change.
Living in America for many years, they discovered many different tastes and cultural experiences, first trying berry wines in California. The fresh tastes and wonderful aromas were intriguingly different to any wine they’d tasted before, yet simultaneously familiar. From there, they learned a little about winemaking, and after returning to Ireland, set about making their own wine from the wild berries growing in the meadows of the Wicklow Mountains. Grapes are relatively new to Ireland, but berries grow freely around the country and are an integral and important part of Irish food culture; having helped sustain the Irish people through the centuries. So, for Brett and Pamela, creating Móinéir Irish Wines from berries, though challenging, has been very rewarding, and feels right.