SMALL & SUSTAINABLE AN IRISH CRAFT VERMOUTH
Valentia Island Vermouth remains steadfast in its sustainability efforts with the support of the Irish Food Board’s Origin Green programme.
Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll are the wife and wife team making Ireland’s first vermouth off the southwest coast of Ireland. “Valentia Island Vermouth was born right here on our kitchen table” from 20 different botanicals all found on Valentia Island". Anna from Bristol and Orla from Greystones in Co. Wicklow moved to the region in 2018, where the epic landscape inspired the birth of their golden, consciously produced, and artisanal vermouth.
At its core, Valentia Island Vermouth combines Rueda Valley Verdejo from Madrid with local botanicals such as gorse, blended with deep dark caramel. Orla, drawing inspiration from her beekeeping father's insights into regional plants, ensures a deeply personal, artisanal, and inherently sustainable approach, prioritising the support of regional flora and fauna.
“ONLY PICK WHEN THE PLANT IS IN BLOSSOM OR ABUNDANT AND ONLY PICK 10% OF WHAT’S THERE, TO LEAVE THE REST FOR THE ECOLOGY, BEES, PLANTS AND INSECTS”
When picking botanicals they employ the rules of sustainable foraging. A practice that might only be possible for those who remain committed to producing small, artisanal batches.
IN DESIGNING THEIR LABEL THEY MADE SURE TO USE PAPER ENSURING THERE WAS NO PLASTIC ON THEIR BOTTLE, AT ALL.
Valentia Island Vermouth is currently enrolled in the 5-year sustainable program Origin Green, led by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board. Origin Green is the world’s sole national food and drink sustainability initiative, empowering the industry to establish and achieve measurable sustainability targets that benefit the environment and local communities. As part of this partnership, the company has implemented a comprehensive five-year sustainability plan aligned with the Origin Green Charters, focusing on Manufacturing, Retail, and Foodservice sectors.
They also contributed to the circular economy by donating waste botanicals to local businesses. Valentia Island Vermouth's commitment to social sustainability is evident through initiatives such as prioritising employee well-being, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating employment opportunities for the local community in their remote Irish location. This dedication ensures a positive impact on the environment, society, and overall community well-being.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Anna and Orla are open to the possibility of sourcing a suitable wine from Ireland itself for their Vermouth production – which has proven tricky owing to Ireland’s low levels of wine production. Sometime in the future, they hope to transition their Vermouth to 100% Ireland-made.
