“You’re nuts!” This was Brett Stephenson’s response to his wife’s suggestion that they open a winery. It’s a starting thought that we here from many Irish producers when they think about the early days before taking the brave step to start their business.

The Stephenson family founded the Wicklow Way Winery having spent time in California and discovering their grá for berry wines there. Their wines have now graced the menus of Chapter One, Aniar, MacNean House, Ashford Castle & Adare Manor.

At Blas the awards are based on blind tasting, our judges review solely on the food they are tasting, they don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However, once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers just like Brett & Pamela from Wicklow Way Wines
 

When & why did you start your business? 
Living in America for many years, we (founders and husband and wife team, Brett and Pamela), took a keen interest in the food world and discovered many different tastes and cultural experiences, and it was in California that we tasted our first berry wine. We loved the fresh taste and wonderful aroma that was intriguingly different to any wine we’d tasted before, yet simultaneously familiar. We learned a little about winemaking, and after returning to Ireland we set about making our own wine from the wild elderberries and blackberries growing in the meadows of the Wicklow Mountains where we live. 

We’re not afraid to do things differently, or to take the path less travelled. So for us, it was a big step, but also a natural step to create our own wines, not from grapes like most wines, but from berries grown in Irish soils, and to make them as sustainable as possible. Our passion to create an excellent Irish wine continued to grow and we carried on experimenting with different berries until we felt we understood how to achieve consistent quality while letting the character of the berries come through. This passion resulted in the proud launch of our very first wine, our Strawberry Wine, at Bord Bia Bloom in 2016. Since then, we have gone on to successfully launch our now award-winning Blackberry and Raspberry Wines. But years before we got to the point we’re at now, Pam turned to Brett, and confidently suggested “we should open a winery”, to which Brett replied, “you’re nuts”. The rest is history. 

Who is your food inspiration? 
Our favourite Irish chefs are the ones who actively take risks, push the boundaries, and make meals from the incredible Irish produce readily available on this amazing island. JP McMahon and Ross Lewis have led the way, and actively include Irish drinks onto their incredible menus. Passionate, purpose driven Wicklow-based chefs include Tadgh Byrne and Paul Smith, who create stunning meals from our local produce. 

What do you love about your job? 
Running our cheese and chocolate paired Wine Tasting & Winery Tours, every weekend. The experience allows us to meet people who are already totally interested and invested in what we do. They’ve already bought into the idea and are so eager to learn more, taste, smell, and experience the world of Móinéir. We’re so lucky to consistently have bookings scheduled months in advance, as the only winery in Ireland to run such an experience. 

What is your typical day? 
There is absolutely nothing typical about our day, which can be stressful, but also liberating and gives us a lot of freedom. Our winemaking is seasonal, based upon when the berries are available, so for about half the year, our lives are insanely busy. At other points in the year, there are moments of calmness where we can focus on our labelling, bottling, paperwork etc. Our weekends are jam packed welcoming guests in for Tours & Tastings, which is probably the only predictable aspect of our week! 

What was your best day since you started your business? 
There are a few best days that stick out. Is that allowed? 

Winning Gold at the Blas Awards was an incredible moment for us. It never gets old being recognised for our hard work and keeps our fire burning so bright. Our features in Vogue, on Nationwide, The Late Late Show, Neven’s Irish Food Trails, The Independent (we’re so lucky to say that the list goes on and on), have all made our respective days, weeks, and months!
 
The very first restaurant who featured our wine on their menu was Michelin Star Chapter One – talk about a pinch me moment. It set such a high bar, which had a knock-on effect with other luxury locations, such as Ashford Castle and Adare Manor (who may or may not have been familiar with berry wines). We’re so grateful that they all took a chance on us at the very start. 

Where do your ingredients come from? 
All our fruit is sourced in Ireland, predominantly from Clarke’s Fresh Fruit in Stamullen. We source our blackcurrants from Mr Jeffares in Wexford, and source a small number of berries from James Malone in Carlow. Why would we ever look outside of Ireland when Irish produce is just so good, you know? 

Tell us about the people you work with? 
We are a family business through and through. Sometimes we wonder how we do it all ourselves, but somehow, we make it work! Brett is our co-founder and winemaker, Pamela is our other co-founder and MD, and Celina, our daughter, is our General Manager. 

Prior to our winery days, Brett was a professional audio engineer, working on films and commercials, and with a diverse array of major musical performers such as U2, Van Morrison, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton and the San Francisco Opera. With that in mind, you’re probably not surprised to learn that he adores recording music, playing stringed instruments, and performing live. Pamela has a background in engineering, and was a senior executive with Airtricity, building wind farms to help in the fight against climate change. She adores gardening and growing an incredible array of her own fruits and veggies. Celina graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in Business and Management and runs the behind the scenes of our business. We’d be lost without her. She loves keeping fit, cooking yummy food, and travelling the world. 

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business? 
Disruptive, Passionate, Sustainable 

What do you think is the key to success? 
You must show up and do the hard work, think outside the box, and take chances (within your means). Be purpose driven and find your passion (it helps you power through the stressful times). 

Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business? 
When we launched at Bord Bia Bloom, we didn’t even know if we had a business on our hands, as most people hadn’t even heard of berry wines as a concept. It’s safe to say that it was one of the scariest moments of our careers, with everything on the line. The response from 110,000 people was absolutely incredible, and made us so excited for the future of our business and this new path we were embarking on. 

Buy Wine: Shop — Wicklow Way Wines (Winery) 
Book a Tour & Tasting: Winery Tour Booking Page — Wicklow Way Wines (Winery) 

Claire from Second Street Bakeshop was a first time entrant, finalist and winner in 2022 with the deliciously moreish sea salt toffee brittle and also the winner of Best Start Up, supported by Bank of Ireland. Although Claire’s sweet treats are new to our shores she spent 13 years running a successful baker business in San Francisco, Clairesquares, whose flavours were so popular that Haagen-Daz even chose one of her cookies as a flavour inspiration for an ice-cream in 2015.

At Blas the awards are based on blind tasting, our judges review solely on the food they are tasting, they don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However, once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers just like Claire from Second Street Bakeshop

When & why did you start your business?  
I launched the business in September 2021 because I missed being around confectionery and seeing people’s faces light up when I would share sweet treats with them. 

Who is your food inspiration? 
Martha Stewart 

What do you love about your job? 
Making candy! I still feel like a kid. 

What is your typical day? 
30 minutes of personal time first thing in the morning, either meditating or yoga, then breakfast, check emails and get going on the day. That can mean attending class at the New Frontiers Program or heading to the kitchen.  

What was your best day since you started your business? 
Winning 2 Blas awards in Dingle! 

Where do your ingredients come from? 
Butter from North Cork Creamery, Chocolate from Belgium, Sea Salt from Achill Island.  

Tell us about the people you work with? 
Currently, I’m on the New Frontiers Program and I share a lot of the day-to-day with other entrepreneurs from varied backgrounds. It keeps things in perspective and breaks up the narrow narrative I sometimes fall into.  

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business?  
3 words that describe the business would be sweet, unique, tasty. 

What do you think is the key to success? 
Never give up. 

Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business? 
I suppose the death of my father a few days before the Blas festival helped me keep things in perspective. Like not getting too stressed out about stuff I have no control over.   

Ann Marie from Annies Delights
Like so many producers we meet Ann Marie is, in her own words, a one woman show! Since making the move from her 9-5 in 2019 she has become the CEO, Product developer, marketing team, accountant and chief in charge of everything at Annie’s Delights!

What we at Blas have also seen is that she also does what is critical to the success of small producers, she works with other producers! We have met her alongside fellow producers at markets, sharing deliveries, insights and support.

At Blas the awards are based on blind tasting, our judges review solely on the food they are tasting, they don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However, once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers just like Ann Marie from Annie’s Delights

When & why did you start your business? 

Like a lot of artisan businesses Annie’s Delights started as a hobby about 7 years ago. A love of cooking and baking meant everyone got a homemade Christmas present initially in the form of a Christmas Cake and then I added Jars of Jam and Chutney and made up hampers and people started to ask me for them and as they say the rest is history. I finally gave up my job in 2019 to do Annie’s Delights full time. 

Who is your food inspiration? 
I do like James Martin, I have watched him from his early days of ready steady cook to the present and had the pleasure of meeting him in 2019 when he was filming, he was very down to earth.  

What do you love about your job? 
I don’t classify it as a “job”.  They say you never work a day in your life when you enjoy what you do.  

What is your typical day? 
It varies from day to day as I make 23 different varieties of Jam and Chutney as well as 5 bakes but typically I make Jam/Chutney everyday during the week whilst I bake most weekends.  

What was your best day since you started your business? 
Gosh that’s a hard one! If I had to pick one it would be getting listed with The National Trust.  

For a small artisan producer like myself it was a great recognition to provide my Jams and Chutneys to the National Trust, It makes all the hard work and long hours worth it. 

Where do your ingredients come from? 
I grow a lot of my own fruit and vegetables for my Jam and Chutneys and living in the countryside I also forage for the likes of blackberries and crab apples. You cannot beat walking to the garden and picking what you need to cook with. Outside of that I source ingredients from small local producers and growers. 

Tell us about the people you work with? 
Well that’s easy!! It’s just myself, a one woman show.  

I do all the making of the products but I couldn’t do my markets without the help of my parents. You will find them at most of my regular markets. 

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business?  
Relaxed – I don’t like to get stressed out over things, doesn’t get you anywhere or achieve anything. I just take things as they come. Flexible – you need to be able to adapt and change with the times. 

Hard working – I always strive to produce the best that I can. Quality over quantity everyday. 

What do you think is the key to success? 
Hardwork and determination. I’ve never worked harder than I do now but when you enjoy it that is all that matters. 

Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business? 
After minor ill health at the start of 2019 I decided to drop the 9-5 “rat-race” for something I loved. Annie’s Delights became my fulltime career in September 2019 and I’ve never looked back. If you don’t give these things a try then you will never know. 

Felix from Mór Taste
A first time entrant, finalist and winner in 2022 Felix from Mór Taste (The Jam People) has brought a unique perspective to his business. An experienced career in large food manufacturing as well as time spent as a food buyer coupled with a personal need for a reduced sugar jam. Passion and personal interest had been focused by research and experience has proven a successful start for this young business.

At Blas the awards are based on blind tasting, our judges review solely on the food they are tasting, they don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However, once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers and in many cases getting to meet new producers when they visit the awards for the first time! Just like Felix from Mór Taste

When & why did you start your business? 
My doctor told me to cut back on sugar some years ago. I went back home, had a look into my pantry and I’ve seen that all the jams were more than 50% sugar. Also in supermarkets I couldn’t find anything suitable, even products labelled ‘no added sugar’ were high in sugar as they use concentrated fruit juice, other products used loads of artificial sweeteners. That was when I started looking into making low sugar jams and spreads myself, without artificial sweeteners, but with a very high actual fruit content and less sugar. I made them for many years for personal consumption without even thinking about starting a business.  

Only when more and more people asked if I could sell the products to them and if I could do more varieties in 2021, I started looking into the opportunity and the category. And as I wasn’t happy anymore in my job at a large food manufacturer, I left my job and started the business.  

Who is your food inspiration? 
Nature and other countries and cultures.  When I was younger I didn’t really care about food, it had to be cheap and edible. It was a journey to get away from ultra-processed food that’s loaded with sugar and fat, back to more natural products. But it also opened my eyes. Nature provides everything we need, we just need to appreciate what’s out there. At the same time I find it very inspiring to eat myself through other countries and see and learn how other people in other countries cook and eat.  

What do you love about your job? 
I really believe that the products I’m making are not only tasty but they’re also better for you as they’re so much reduced in sugar and completely natural. It makes me very proud looking at a fresh batch, knowing that these are products that I can absolutely stand behind.  

But what I love most is scraping the last bits of jam out of the pot after making a fresh batch. The jam is still warm, and I don’t need to feel guilty as it’s so little sugar. It tastes sweet and tart at the same time and very fruity – it just makes me smile.  

What is your typical day? 
Well, there’s no typical day really as the business is relatively new. There are so many things to take care of so every day is a little different. I tend to do things that are a little more routine (such as labelling) early in the morning as I’m not a morning person and everything else later in the day.  

What was your best day since you started your business? 
That was when we learnt we had won the Blas na hÉireann Gold Award. I actually didn’t even want to put the products forward and take part, I thought there’s no chance we could even get into the final as I’m limiting myself so much on the recipe with the sugar reduction. My wife convinced me to try anyway and we even celebrated to be in the final. I still didn’t believe we would have any chance to win a medal, but we said we need to go to Dingle and just enjoy the time there and have a bit of fun. Hearing about the gold medal was just amazing. It means so much to us as it’s a confirmation that we’re on the right track – you don’t need a lot of sugar to make a tasty jam.  

Where do your ingredients come from? 

I try to use as many ingredients as possible from local suppliers. This works especially well with strawberries here in Wexford. Other fruits are simply not growing in Ireland so I have to use imported fruit, but I always try to stay as local/European as possible.  

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business?  
Accurate. Healthier. Efficient (I’m still German ;-)) 

What do you think is the key to success? 
Research, research, research. I had made similar products for personal consumption for a long time. But before producing the first jar for sale, I spent a very long time looking into consumers, their preferences and wishes. And of course, I was looking into their taste preferences. I made loads of products that went into tastings. Limiting myself on the recipe reducing sugar, I had to make sure that a positive taste experience is still there, and I adjusted the recipe slightly. You can’t overestimate the importance of research and insights in a time when the markets are as saturated as today.  

Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business? 
Even after starting the business, I still wasn’t sure if there’s a real opportunity for our products. I still was questioning the products and the concept, and if people would actually like and appreciate the products. But very early stage when people knocked at our door asking if they can buy some jars, I knew that people actually do like them, and that’s when I was reassured to be on the right track.  

Do you also look into Sustainability with your business? 
Focusing on sustainability is very difficult at early stages. But having production at home makes things a little easier. We recently installed solar panels, and the electricity generated should be enough to cover all production, what brings our products as close to 0 net emissions as possible.  

Cliona & Piero, Pizza da Piero are no strangers to Blas and have collected awards for their handmade, stonebaked pizza bases a number of times since 2014. Before sharing their Meet the Maker we took a little look back through their own social channels as we were picking a photo to use with this piece and it was something really special to see not just Cliona and Piero but their girls with Dingle in the background (Lots of memories of Blas but also plenty of the aquarium and the Dingle seaside too!)

One we really had to share was an impromptu interview Gillian Nelis hosted back in 2017 in the Blas Backyard with the youngest of the Piero team!

At Blas the awards are based on blind tasting, our judges review solely on the food they are tasting, they don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However, once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers and we will be sharing this in our Meet the Maker Series, many of whom are family businesses just like Pizza da Piero

When & why did you start your business? 
In 2006 and 2007 Piero had tried using sourdough starter methods for creating the most delicious pizza bases, for which, we realised, there was a large gap in the market.  

As an artisan baker of bread growing up and training in bakeries in Italy, Piero knew how to work the sourdough starter to bring out the best flavours. All we needed to begin was the production space. While we were on honeymoon in Portugal in June 2007, we got a call that a small kitchen had come up at Spade Enterprise Centre and so he quit his day job and we began. 

Who is your food inspiration? 
The home cooking and baking that Piero grew up with in Treviso, Italy is probably what inspires him most. His mother was an amazingly talented cook, originally from Slovenia, so he has a great love of food from both cultures – the risottos and pastas as well as the goulash. She also baked plenty of sweet as well as savoury breads and Piero often brings home offcuts of dough and works them into more fresh bread at home, such as black olive focaccia or cinnamon and raisin bread rolls. Our girls are very happy to come home from school to these smells in the kitchen! 

What do you love about your job? 
Every day is different. Running your own small business means we are always pushing to improve, to grow and to create efficiencies. It allows for creativity and along the way you get to meet some of the most interesting people. It is certainly never boring! 

What is your typical day? 
Piero: I wake early in the night, usually about 1am, drive to the bakery, ensure the earlier tasks have been completed and the oven is on. We start the first mixes, combining starters with more flour, water and extra virgin olive oil to create the perfect pizza dough, I will check all the steps of the process to make sure that the pizzas coming through the oven are perfect.  

I always check the starters for the following day and make sure they are bubbling in just the right way. By then our whole staff has arrived so I chat to our teams to make sure everyone is happy and ready to go. I check in with our office manager, signing any paperwork that may be needed. I usually come home mid-morning to sleep but often get a few calls or emails to respond to along the way. In the fternoon, I collect my kids from school and bring the dog for a walk before dinner. I’m usually asleep by 7 so that I can get up easily the next morning.  

What was your best day since you started your business? 
Possibly the day we were able to purchase our own premises in Rathcoole in 2014. This felt like a really exciting investment in our business and a stepping stone to being able to continue re-investing as we grew, which we have done, year after year. We believed in the strength of our product from day 1 and always knew re investment supports the growth of the business into the future. 

Where do your ingredients come from? 
Everything we use comes from Italy, from our extra virgjn olive oil, to our specialist flour and sea salt. Piero carefully chooses each one as he knows what is needed for our artisan product to be made to perfection. 

Standing by our core values of using only quality ingredients, no artificial preservatives, sugars or flavourings has stood to us as our customers recognise our commitment to quality and authenticity. 

Tell us about the people you work with? 
We have built a really strong core team over the years who are not only reliable and trustworthy, but excited about our product and enjoy eating it regularly too!! 

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business?  
Authentic, Italian, Artisan 

What do you think is the key to success? 
Never give up! 

 
Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business? 
Our business exploded during the early months of covid in 2020.  When we began in 2007 we felt that more and more Irish people had travelled to Italy and so knew what good pizza should taste like, and we thought that would help Irish people to recognise the quality of our product.  

But now, especially since people were locked down in their homes during covid, more and more customers have a pizza oven in their back garden, an ooni on their table top, or a pizza stone in their oven. Irish people know that they can have an Italian pizza experience with their whole family in their homes.

Last year we were so excited to return to in person events and of course the highlight of the awards is always the announcement of Supreme Champion. In 2022 this honour went to Arán Bakery in Kilkenny, it is always exciting to make that announcement but for those present in Dingle on the day we got to see the announcement made twice! Once by Artie as part of the ceremony and a second time as the winner Bart rang his wife live on stage and told her the news!

Nicole and Bart’s bakery story started on honeymoon in Ireland as they looked for somewhere to start their business and now run the bakery & café in the heart of Kilkenny with a team of people passionate about food whose previous lives include skydive instructor, welder, sound engineer, DJ, law and politics, designer and interior designer! That is a team that we want to know more about behind the scenes.

At Blas the awards are based on blind tasting, our judges review solely on the food they are tasting, they don’t know who has made it or where it is coming from. This blind element is a key part of our judging to allow a level playing field for all. However, once the judging is done we love nothing more than learning all about the producers and we will be sharing this in our Meet the Maker Series, starting with our 2022 Supreme Champion Arán Bakery

When & why did you start your business?
Nicole and I started Arán in 2019. We always wanted to open our own restaurant or a cafe. After living in Denmark for 6 years, we decided that it was time.  So on our honeymoon, we visited Ireland. We drove all around Dublin and Kilkenny. Nicole liked it and because I was raised here we decided to open a cafe with a small bakery in Kilkenny.

Who is your food inspiration?
Bart: I was raised over here so its Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal, Anthony Bourdain, even Jamie Oliver. When I was growing up, I learned how to cook from TV. And of course, mom is a huge food inspiration. Mom is very important.

What do you love about your job?
What’s not to love, you know. We love our job because we have the drive and passion for it… the smell of the fresh bread in the morning…. Working with local food suppliers and being in a position to support that community.

What is your typical day?
Checking where am I needed most determines what my day looks like.

We have 4 different types of day….

I can be in the Bakery
I can be in the Restaurant
I can be doing Brunch
I can be in the Office. 

Depending on the type of day I have, if it’s the bakery I wake up very early or work late at night or even work through the whole night. If it’s an office and delivery day then I drive around, pay bills and take care of administration. If it’s a restaurant day, then we prep for the restaurant and evening service. 

Some days maybe I am a plumber! Yesterday my dad and I were fixing everything.

What was your best day since you started your business?
Definitely winning Blas na hÉireann Supreme Champion. That was definitely one of the best days ever, in my life, not just in business. It was massive.

Where do your ingredients come from?
We source locally as much as we can. They come from all over Ireland. We try to be as responsible as we can be while running a business and all that that entails, and also aiming to have as many local suppliers as we can.

Tell us about the people you work with?
The people we work with are great! They are taken from every aspect of life. We work with Sharon who used to be a skydive instructor. We work with Matty-now he’s a baker who use to be a welder. Andy, a baker now, who used to be a sound engineer. Callum has a law and politics degree from Australia. We had Chloe, who used to be a designer. Miheal is a DJ and makes music. We have many people on our team who are with us for their passion for food – Dauma, Micheal, me, Nicole. Although I used to be an interior designer. Tracey has been in food since forever. Sigita and Natalia have always been in the restaurant business. Sarah is a business student. So it’s a fun bunch of people to work with. It really is.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself/your business?
It’s not 3 words, but – ‘One team, one dream.’

What do you think is the key to success?
I don’t think we are successful yet. I think we are going to be successful. We are popular, we are on the right track, but I believe success takes time. The fact that we won the Supreme Champion of the Blas na hÉireann Awards is helping us to achieve that goal. Success in bread and the bakery is passion and hard work. It’s the drive, determination, hard work, persistence that are the key to success, and I think we are on the way to success.

Has there been one single moment which has changed how you look at your business?
Yes – the winning of Supreme Champion of the Blas na hÉireann Awards. It was amazing.

Watch highlights of the 2022 awards