New inclusivity mentorship programme Drinklusive launches

Aidy Smith and The Three Drinkers have launched an inclusivity incubator and mentorship programme for aspiring drinks writers and content creators in the UK.

The programme will aim to boost the credentials, knowledge and profiles of aspiring drinks writers and content creators from diverse communities with support from the likes of Global Brands, Jancis Robinson and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Six mentees will be taken on, and will be considered from the LGBTQIA+, ethnic minority and disability diversity communities, with socio-economic statuses to be considered.

Drinklusive founder Smith, who was recently appointed managing director of The Three Drinkers, said: “Since I joined this industry a decade ago, it’s been my mission to welcome more diverse faces into it.

“Being the only TV presenter in the UK with Tourette’s Syndrome and one of the few openly LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent personalities in the drinks world has allowed me to see how much work needs to be done and I’m now in a position to influence that change.

“I’m so humbled by the support of likeminded people in the industry who want to be a part of this movement and I hope it inspired others to support where they can too.”

Mentees will be paid to create content for The Three Drinkers content hub, and will receive a guaranteed commission for The Independent. They will also be commissioned for Robinson’s wine platform, Janscisrobinson.com. The trainees will also have the chance to receive WSET Level 2 and Level 3 training for wine or spirits.

Additional training

Furthermore, each mentee will receive social media training to boost their online profiles via Drinklusive. Monthly seminars will also be offered with professionals such as Ian McLernon, Rémy Cointreau CEO – EMEA, APAC and global travel retail, and Anne Jones, partner and drinks experience manager at Waitrose.

Smith added: “This will be the biggest inclusivity programme to have been created in the drinks space with the purpose of reaching every underrepresented community that should have more presence within it.

“By harnessing the collective support of the industry, my intention is that this will be an ongoing programme, not just a one-off, so long-term change can be achieved.”

The Three Drinkers originally launched as a TV series, starring Smith, Helena Nicklin and Colin Hampden-White, but has evolved into more than a TV series over the years. Smith, as MD, will continue to lead The Three Drinkers in its new direction, with its content hub, podcast, social media presence, whisky bottlings, and the newly formed incubator programme.

Nicklin and Hampden-White will remain on the directorial board of the company, while stepping back from the day-to-day operations to pursue other projects. They will also offer support to the mentorship programme as mentors.

Equal Measures, The Drinks Trust and the OurWhisky Foundation have also been offering mentorship opportunities for drinks industry professionals in recent years.