The VINTA project officially launched with an in-person kick-off meeting held in September 2025 in Athenry, County Galway. Project partners from across Europe came together for two days of discussion, planning and exchange, marking the start of this new European cooperation project focused on women’s progression and leadership in brewing, distilling and winemaking.
The meeting was hosted by BIA Innovator Campus CLG, at their campus in Athenry. BIA Innovator Campus provided an ideal setting for the first face-to-face gathering, offering both practical meeting space and direct insight into Ireland’s food and drinks innovation ecosystem.
Day one: project launch and shared understanding
The first day focused on setting a strong foundation for the project. Partners were welcomed by the BIA Innovator team and introduced their organisations and roles within VINTA. This was followed by a detailed overview of the project aims, structure and planned activities, ensuring a shared understanding of priorities and timelines.
Key areas of discussion included the Eye Opener Research & Sharing Actions, which will explore gender gaps and good practice across the drinks sector, and the project’s approach to communication, dissemination and long-term impact. The group also had the opportunity to tour the BIA Innovator Campus, gaining insight into its facilities, training activity and links with the brewing, distilling and winemaking sectors.
The day concluded with informal networking in Galway city, allowing partners to continue conversations and strengthen working relationships.
Day two: connecting with industry at the Irish Drinks Forum
The second day was organised around the Irish Drinks Forum, providing partners with valuable exposure to industry perspectives, current challenges and emerging trends across the drinks sector. Aligning the kick-off meeting with the forum created space for meaningful exchange between project partners and industry stakeholders, reinforcing the project’s commitment to practical, industry-relevant outcomes.
For VINTA, this link with the Irish Drinks Forum underlined the importance of collaboration between education, research and industry from the very beginning of the project.
Looking ahead
The Galway meeting marked an important milestone for VINTA, bringing partners together in person to align on vision, responsibilities and next steps. With a strong partnership in place and close connections to industry, the project now moves forward into its research, learning and engagement activities across Europe.
More updates will follow as VINTA develops its learning resources, digital tools and employer supports over the coming months.
