Hamish Smith chats to Aidy Smith of The Three Drinkers about his Inclusivity Mentorship & Incubator Program, Drinklusive.
The drinks industry's thrives on attracting diverse talent from all walks of life. What role are you playing here with your programme Drinklusive?
This is exactly why I created Drinklusive. Unlike other mentorship programs, Drinklusive is open to all underrepresented groups, providing not just skills and experience, but also access to an invaluable network of mentors. By supporting individuals from underrepresented ethnicities, disability/neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ communities, we are bridging a long-standing gap in the industry.
Drinklusive is the most comprehensive mentorship of its kind, offering WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications, paid commissions in leading wine and spirits publications, monthly seminars with industry leaders, and access to a network of over 60 top professionals. Our mentees also gain paid work experience at London Wine Fair and receive targeted ad campaigns to boost their public profiles.
For too long, underrepresented communities have been made to feel like outsiders in this industry —whether intentionally or not. But with the industry in decline, mentorship has never been more crucial. By empowering underrepresented talent with skills, experience, and connections, we’re not just opening doors—we’re ensuring the industry evolves, thrives, and remains relevant for future generations. True inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the future of our industry.
You’ve built a career in media while championing neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ representation. How does your own journey shape the way you mentor others?
Having Tourette’s since the age of seven, I’ve spent most of my life being the odd one out and my entry into the drinks industry was no exception. For the first five years of writing about wine and spirits, I often felt isolated, like I didn’t belong in what seemed like an exclusive, closed circle. As humans, we thrive when we have a tribe – a community where we feel seen and valued. That’s the kind of drinks industry I want to create and exactly what I aim to achieve through this mentorship.
My own experiences of exclusion have driven me to ensure that no one else feels they have to fight alone. I am strongly of the belief that talent isn’t defined by disability, appearance, or identity, and I work to give others the confidence, support, and opportunities they need to turn their passion into a career.
The mentorship roster is packed with big industry names. What makes a great mentor, and how do you match them with the right mentees?
At Drinklusive, our mentors come from all walks of life but they share a common belief: the drinks industry can only thrive if everyone is truly welcome. A great mentor isn’t just knowledgeable—they’re open, willing to listen, and committed to being part of this change.
When it comes to matching mentors with mentees, we take a thoughtful, personalised approach. We work closely with our mentors to understand their key skills, expertise, and passions. At the same time, having onboarded our mentees we explore their goals, interests, and what they hope to gain from the program. Using this insight, we create pairings that will not only benefit mentees during the mentorship but also support their long-term growth in the industry.
What do you think hospitality can do better when it comes to diversity and inclusion—not just in words, but in action?
You’ve hit the nail on the head with the word action. I’ve had countless brands praise Drinklusive, saying they’d love to be involved—yet 90% of them disappear when it’s time to follow through. I get that people are busy, especially in a struggling industry, but real change comes from commitment, not just words. Any action, no matter how small, signals real intent—and that’s what we need more of.
One clear issue is that inclusivity initiatives often rely on individuals from underrepresented backgrounds or those with a personal connection, like a child with a disability, to push them forward. That needs to change. Hospitality must move beyond performative gestures and embed inclusivity into its core—hiring more diverse talent at leadership levels, creating structured mentorship programs, offering paid opportunities for marginalised voices, and ensuring accessibility isn’t an afterthought.
With the current global climate, we’re likely to face more challenges before things improve, but I remain hopeful. The brands and individuals who have stepped up to support Drinklusive are proving that meaningful change is possible—and I’m incredibly grateful for them.
There's still time to apply (with applications open until Wednesday 9th, 11.59pm). What do you look for in a standout candidate?
Applying is simple—our website has a straightforward application process that helps us get to know the person behind the submission and understand their passion for joining the Drinklusive journey.
What makes a standout candidate? It’s not about perfect grammar or polished CVs—it’s about passion, energy, and a genuine love for what Drinklusive represents. As someone with multiple forms of neurodivergence, including dyslexia, I can tell when someone’s application has heart. It’s in the way they express their excitement, their drive to make a difference, and their commitment to learning and growing in this industry. If I can feel that spark through the page, you have my attention.