When people think of vineyards in Ireland, most imagine green fields, rain, and rolling hills not rows of vines.
But here at Irish Wine Estates, we’re proving that Ireland has the potential to become one of the world’s most exciting cool-climate wine regions.
In our latest YouTube episode, “How We Chose Our Vineyard Site in Ireland,” we share the thinking and planning behind our decision to plant vines right here in County Offaly.
It’s part of our mission to show how thoughtful site selection, from soil and slope to shelter and sunlight, can make wine in Ireland not only possible but exceptional.
🌱 Farming Meets Winemaking
For us, vines are just another crop, but one with incredible potential to add value to Irish farming.
This vineyard began as a diversification project, focused on creating something that connects directly with the people who enjoy it. Instead of selling raw produce into a commodity market, we’re building a brand that can grow, produce, and sell its own wines directly, keeping every part of the story rooted here in Ireland.
Our first still wines will arrive later in the decade, followed by Irish sparkling wine that reflects our cool, slow-growing climate. It’s early days, but every decision we make now from soil health to vineyard orientation lays the foundation for the future of Irish wine.
☀️ Cool-Climate Precision
In cool climates, every detail matters. Our Offaly site was chosen for its gentle slope, natural shelter, and well-drained soils. These characteristics help reduce frost risk, maximise sunlight, and protect the vines from Ireland’s westerly winds.
As Stephen Skelton’s cool-climate vineyard planning principles remind us: “you can’t change the weather, but you can choose how exposed you are to it.”
That’s exactly what we’re doing here, combining practical farming knowledge with the best of viticultural science to craft a sustainable, low-impact vineyard system designed for Irish conditions.
🍷 Watch the Full Story
You can watch the full episode now on our YouTube channel:
🎥 How We Chose Our Vineyard Site in Ireland
In the video, we explore:
- Why location still matters in Ireland
- How soil and drainage influence vine health
- The “Irish Trinity” altitude, aspect, and shelter
- How we turned vineyard theory into a real farm diversification plan
If you’re interested in the future of wine in Ireland, it’s a must-watch.
🍇 Looking Ahead: Wine Tours and Tastings in Ireland
Over the coming years, we’ll continue documenting every stage of our journey from vineyard planting to our first harvests and the creation of Irish sparkling wine. And when the time comes, we look forward to welcoming visitors for wine tasting in Ireland and wine tours right here at Irish Wine Estates.
We’re building not just a vineyard, but a new chapter in Irish agriculture, one rooted in sustainability, innovation, and connection.
📺 Watch the Video
👉 How We Chose Our Vineyard Site in Ireland on YouTube
🌐 Follow the Journey
Follow us on Instagram for more updates as we build Ireland’s first great wine estate.