Some days on a farm carry more weight than others. This was one of them.
Today, the plough left the yard for the last time. It was loaded onto the back of the New Holland T6 180 and taken to Hennessys Auctions in Portlaoise, the very place where we bought it just last year to plough our own land.
As it turned out, we achieved the same price for the plough as we paid for it. From a practical point of view, that is a good result. But emotionally, the day was never really about the money.
More Than a Piece of Machinery
Anyone who farms will understand this. Certain machines become tied to memories, seasons, and stages of life on the land. This plough turned the soil of our farm. It marked long days, and quiet satisfaction when a field was finished and the job was done properly. Letting it go brings with it a sense of finality, but also clarity. Farming is about knowing when a tool still fits the system you are running, and when it no longer does.
Changing How We Work the Land
As Irish Wine Estates develops, the way we manage our land is evolving. Traditional ploughing has played an important role in Irish farming for generations, and it always will. But as we prepare ground for one of the next generations of vineyards in Ireland, our priorities are shifting. We are now thinking more about soil structure, drainage, biology, and long term resilience. Vineyards are not short term enterprises. Once planted, vines may remain in the ground for decades. The decisions made before planting matter enormously. Letting the plough go is symbolic of that change. It reflects a move away from routine deep cultivation and towards a more deliberate approach suited to the future of wine in Ireland.
Respecting the Past While Moving Forward
Progress does not mean forgetting what came before. This plough represents a chapter in the history of the farm, and it deserves respect. Knowing that it has gone on to a new owner, and will continue doing useful work elsewhere, makes the decision easier. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is discarded lightly. This is simply the farm adapting, as it always has, to new ideas and new opportunities.
Preparing for the Future of Irish Wine
Every decision we make now is guided by the long term vision for Irish Wine Estates. That includes producing high quality still wines and, in time, premium Irish sparkling wine that reflects Irish soil and climate. It also includes creating a place where people can connect directly with farming and viticulture through wine tasting Ireland experiences and meaningful wine tours Ireland. Those experiences will be built on land that has been cared for properly, thoughtfully, and with patience.
A Quiet but Important Day
There was no big announcement today. No ceremony. Just a tractor leaving the yard with a familiar piece of equipment behind it. Some changes arrive quietly, but they still matter. This was one of them. The plough has done its job here. Now the land moves into its next phase, shaped by the past, but focused firmly on the future.
Watch the Video
You can watch the full video our little manual hedge cutting experience here.
Follow the Journey
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.