If you want to understand how vineyards in Ireland will evolve over the next decade, it starts with one thing:
Experimentation.
At Irish Wine Estates, we are not just planting a vineyard we are actively testing what is possible for wine in Ireland.
This year, we are planting 3,874 vines across 26 different grape varieties, set out as 35 separate variety-and-rootstock combinations, combining proven performers with cutting-edge cold-climate Piwi varieties from leading European nurseries.
Two Strategies: Confidence vs Experimentation
Our planting strategy is deliberate and split into two clear categories:
Core Varieties (High Confidence)
These are varieties where we have reasonable confidence that they can:
- Survive Irish conditions
- Ripen reliably
- Produce quality fruit suitable for Irish sparkling wine
These make up the majority of our planting.
Experimental Varieties (High Potential, High Risk)
The smaller plantings are where things get interesting.
These include new-generation Piwi (fungus-resistant) varieties, selected in collaboration with European nurseries who believe they might work in Ireland.
Let’s be clear:
We expect most of these to fail.
But if even a handful succeed, the upside is significant, not just for us, but for the entire future of Irish viticulture.
Our 2026 Planting Mix (By Volume)
Here’s exactly what we are putting into the ground this year, in descending order:
The lists below show the largest plantings rather than every variety. Pinotin and Cabaret Noir are trial plantings rather than core ones. The full breakdown is on Our Vineyard.
Core Plantings
- Solaris (1,660 vines)
- Madeleine Angevine (500 vines)
- Phoenix (200 vines)
- Seyval Blanc (575 vines)
- Pinotin (120 vines)
- Cabaret Noir (120 vines)
These form the backbone of our vineyard and our early production strategy for wine in Ireland.
Experimental & Piwi Varieties
Each of the following is planted in small quantities, typically 20–50 vines:
- Muscaris (25)
- Cabernet Cortis (15)
- Souvignier Gris (20)
- Marechal Foch (20)
- Leon Millot (20)
- VB 32-7 (20)
- Cabernet Volos (20)
- Fleurtai (40)
- Kersus (20)
- Merlot Kanthus (20)
- Merlot Khorus (21)
- Sauvignon Kretos (20)
- Soreli (40)
- Pinot Iskra (20)
These are at the frontier of modern viticulture, bred for:
- Cold tolerance
- Disease resistance
- Earlier ripening
All critical traits for vineyards in Ireland.
Why This Matters for Irish Viticulture
Ireland is still an emerging wine region.
That means:
- There is limited historical data
- Climate suitability is still being tested
- Variety selection is not yet fully understood
By planting this range, we are effectively running a live field trial.
Over the next 3–5 years, we will track:
- Budburst timing
- Disease resistance
- Yield consistency
- Ripening success
- Wine quality potential
This is the kind of dataset that simply doesn’t exist at scale for wine in Ireland.
Expect Failure, That’s the Point
It’s important to be realistic.
Most of these experimental varieties will likely:
- Struggle to ripen
- Underperform in Irish conditions
- Be removed over time
But that’s not wasted effort.
Because if even:
- 2 or 3 varieties perform exceptionally well
that could represent a major breakthrough for Irish sparkling wine and still wine production.
Building Knowledge for the Future of Wine in Ireland
For those interested in:
- Wine tasting Ireland
- Visiting vineyards in Ireland
- Understanding the future of Irish sparkling wine
This is where the real work happens.
Not in the tasting room, but in the field, testing what works.
A Long-Term View
This planting strategy reflects how we think about Irish Wine Estates:
- Short term → establish a working vineyard
- Medium term → identify top-performing varieties
- Long term → refine and scale what works best
We are not trying to get everything right immediately.
We are trying to learn faster than anyone else.
Follow the Journey
Over the coming seasons, we will share:
- Which varieties thrive
- Which struggle
- What surprises us
Because if we get this right, it won’t just shape our vineyard, it could help define the future of wine tours Ireland and Irish viticulture more broadly.
To follow our progress as we build one of the most ambitious vineyard projects in the country:
- Website: https://irishwineestates.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/irishwineestates
- YouTube: @irishwineestates
Irish Wine Estates, our insane journey to build an Irish Wine Estate, one cold morning at a time.
