Irish Master of Wine Ray O’Connor launches Le Grand Palme Provence rosé
Irish Master of Wine Ray O’Connor has launched Le Grand Palme, his first Provence rosé, bringing together more than two decades of international wine expertise with a deeply personal story of resilience, craftsmanship and passion.
Ray O Connor MW Rosé
Available exclusively through O’Briens Wine, Le Grand Palme is a premium Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence rosé that reflects both the elegance of southern France and the perseverance behind its creation.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the international wine industry, Le Grand Palme reflects O’Connor’s commitment to quality, balance and regional authenticity.
Throughout his career, he has worked with leading names including Decanter World Wine Awards, the International Wine Challenge and Naked Wines, while also serving as a long-standing ambassador for the wines of Provence.
Produced using classic Provençal winemaking techniques and a carefully selected blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle, Le Grand Palme embodies the fresh, dry and elegant style that has made Provence the global benchmark for rosé.
His passion for wine was sparked while working at Diep le Shaker in Dublin, where mentors encouraged him to pursue formal wine education.
Determined to succeed, O’Connor completed the prestigious WSET Diploma in just one year, receiving the award for the highest blind tasting paper in Ireland.
He later worked as a sommelier with Jamie Oliver before joining Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred Maze restaurant in London.
His pursuit of the coveted Master of Wine qualification spanned more than 10 years, demanding extraordinary perseverance through multiple examination attempts, personal sacrifice and unwavering determination.
Today, he is one of Ireland’s few Masters of Wine and is bringing that expertise to his own wine brand.
Speaking about the launch, Ray O’Connor MW said: “Le Grand Palme is much more than a wine to me – it’s the culmination of a lifelong journey and a philosophy I believe in.
“Provence has always inspired me, not just for its extraordinary beauty, but for the resilience that lies beneath it.
“It’s a place that has endured centuries of challenge and renewal, and I see a strong connection with Ireland, where our own history has shaped a culture of warmth, hospitality and optimism.
“The palm tree became the perfect symbol for the brand because it bends in the wind rather than breaking.
“That idea of resilience has been central to my own journey too, from starting out in hospitality to spending more than 10 years earning the Master of Wine qualification.
“I wanted to create a Provence rosé that celebrates not only elegance and craftsmanship, but also the strength, perseverance and character that make both Provence and Ireland so special.”
At the heart of Le Grand Palme is the palm tree – a symbol of resilience, strength and elegance.
While Provence is celebrated for its beauty, it is also a region shaped by the Mistral wind, drought and challenging limestone soils.
The palm tree reflects the enduring spirit of Provence and the belief that beauty is often forged through resilience.
Crafted in the renowned Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, Le Grand Palme is harvested at night to preserve freshness before gentle pressing and cool fermentation, with regular bâtonnage adding texture and elegance.
The result is a classic Provence rosé with a delicate peach-pink hue, aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry, vibrant pink grapefruit freshness and an elegant mineral finish.
Le Grand Palme Rosé is available now exclusively through O’Briens Wine stores nationwide and online.
The recommended retail price is €21, with a special summer promotional price of €15.74 available for most of the summer.
