After an incredible 44-year journey at Ampersand, our esteemed Wine Buyer and Manager, Willie Dardis, is bidding farewell to his role at Ampersand as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
Willie is an unparalleled source of knowledge, a true connoisseur of wine. Throughout his years at Ampersand, formerly TDL Distributors and Tobacco Distributors, Willie has left a memorable mark on everyone he worked alongside, including customers, producers, and colleagues alike – with his contagious and infectious love for wine. Willie’s passion for wine and the industry, along with his exceptional connections and cherished friendships, extends far beyond the borders of Ireland, reaching every corner of the globe.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Willie for his unwavering dedication to Ampersand and for meticulously curating our award-winning wine portfolio, which has been a significant factor in driving Ampersand's success within the Irish wine industry.
Willie shared his wisdom with us right up until the last moment, presenting the new wines he has added to our portfolio in our Q3 Sales Meeting (pictured below with the Sales Team).
We celebrated Willie that night in Hedigans, "The Brian Boru" pub, with a meal and drinks. Several speeches highlighted Willie's achievements and contributions over the years, including a poem composed and read out by members of staff.
It's the end of an era here in Ampersand, and we couldn't have wished for a better send-off for Willie. We wish him all the best for his retirement. He'll be incredibly missed in the office, but we look forward to hearing all about his new adventures. Here's to Willie Dardis!