Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming David Llewellyn, the founder of Lusca Vineyard, to Irish Wine Estates in Offaly. As one of the pioneers of modern Irish viticulture, David brought with him a wealth of knowledge, practical insights, and encouragement for our own journey.
During his visit, we exchanged ideas about:
- Adapting to Ireland’s climate – from vineyard management to canopy protection
- Grape variety choices – exploring which varietals thrive best in Irish soils and weather conditions
- The patience of winemaking – David shared his perspective on the importance of time, experimentation and resilience when developing vineyards in Ireland
For us, it was inspiring to learn directly from someone who has been at the forefront of Irish wine for over two decades. These conversations not only deepened our understanding of what it takes to succeed but also strengthened our belief that Ireland can carve out a genuine place in the global wine story.
Located in the rolling countryside of Lusk, just north of Dublin, Lusca Vineyard (producing Lusca Irish Wine) is one of the longest-standing and most notable vineyards in Ireland. Founded by David Llewellyn, this micro-boutique winery is earning a reputation for bold experimentation, high quality, and pioneering spirit.
A Brief History
- Founded in 2002, David Llewellyn planted vines and fruit trees on his farm near Lusk
- The vineyard takes its name from Lusca, the Irish (Gaelic) word for Lusk, meaning “vault” or “cave.” Its label features the historic Round Tower of Lusk, visible from the vineyard grounds
Grape Varieties & Growing Methods
Lusca Vineyard grows a carefully chosen mix of grapes that can cope with Ireland’s cool, damp climate:
- Red varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Dunkelfelder and the hardy hybrid Rondo
- White varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Schönburger
To protect delicate vines and assist ripening, David uses polythene tunnels (cloches) over many rows. This method helps shield fruit from rain, disease, and pests, while creating microclimates conducive to grape maturation.
Production Scale & Availability
- Current production is limited to aproximately 300–500 bottles a year, in some places but extra vines have been planted during 2025
- Lusca’s wines, including their red blends and newly released sparkling “Blanc de Noir” made exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon, are available via specialist merchants in Ireland, such as Celtic Whiskey Shop and Irish Drink Shop
Tasting Notes & Reception
- The Lusca Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Noir) is described as aromatic and crisp, with red berry notes reminiscent of a delicate rosé, and complexity earned through bottle ageing – an impressive achievement for an Irish producer
- Reviews highlight the winery’s bold approach and the quality of its red and sparkling offerings as genuinely noteworthy among vineyards in Ireland
Why Lusca Matters Among Vineyards in Ireland
Pioneering Spirit
As one of Ireland’s earliest modern vineyards, Lusca continues to push boundaries through innovative methods and careful variety selection.
Quality Despite Scale
Though production is small, Lusca’s wines attract attention for their craftsmanship – especially the sparkling wine, which competes impressively with boutique international offerings.
Inspiring Growth
Lusca stands as a model for other vineyards in Ireland—not just in terms of ingenuity, but also in showing how specialty growers can produce compelling wines in marginal conditions.