{"id":249962,"date":"2026-04-24T05:39:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T05:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/?p=249962"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:39:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:39:53","slug":"planting-for-the-future-why-were-trialling-almost-30-grape-varieties-at-irish-wine-estates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/24\/planting-for-the-future-why-were-trialling-almost-30-grape-varieties-at-irish-wine-estates\/","title":{"rendered":"Planting for the Future: Why We\u2019re Trialling almost 30 Grape Varieties at Irish Wine Estates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1db938403f823fe6c4d339b89b116050 wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to understand how vineyards in Ireland will evolve over the next decade, it starts with one thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3cc1476cdee7f9a2c3dfc5224f65abb8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Experimentation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4190e2381811277f4c885830d47f4970 wp-block-paragraph\">At Irish Wine Estates, we are not just planting a vineyard we are actively testing what is possible for wine in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-785020606a0d0afbcbe629f2db764ec1 wp-block-paragraph\">This year, we are planting 3,300 vines across 30 different grape varieties (allowing for different rootstocks), combining proven performers with cutting-edge cold-climate Piwi varieties from leading European nurseries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two Strategies: Confidence vs Experimentation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dc18f6527f8a282d68a65f2a182fbe54 wp-block-paragraph\">Our planting strategy is deliberate and split into two clear categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b32fc482f22f3d6ce0398ef98de59e49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Core Varieties (High Confidence)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9fb7427872cb07900188c4569bb0c134 wp-block-paragraph\">These are varieties where we have reasonable confidence that they can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c8ae4fc88750799ce0755af6d2f39067\">Survive Irish conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0f5e82d176496a35f24143d4603d0421\">Ripen reliably<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44492b6f78a9915ae7fe08253a56013c\">Produce quality fruit suitable for Irish sparkling wine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2a0a5bcb2a1d226c3cda1a0c7d28d4e2 wp-block-paragraph\">These make up the majority of our planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ac00cf961d1ea846fe5a532228b76c6 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1500f50e19cae946d17739802644a0a2 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Experimental Varieties (High Potential, High Risk)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f9314d1672199bbfc6104c5f3a97f1b4 wp-block-paragraph\">The smaller plantings are where things get interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e477fb3128ecfffe9f30591e3e491d70 wp-block-paragraph\">These include new-generation Piwi (fungus-resistant) varieties, selected in collaboration with European nurseries who believe they might work in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-be69beba266007718b651f3b201594e5 wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s be clear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1fba17da969ba41380a9d01a15add02c wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We expect most of these to fail.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-efab09c7797de35f056a669cc9d2a591 wp-block-paragraph\">But if even a handful succeed, the upside is significant, not just for us, but for the entire future of Irish viticulture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Irish-Wine-Estates-blog-images-4-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-249963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Irish-Wine-Estates-blog-images-4-1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Irish-Wine-Estates-blog-images-4-1-480x240.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our 2026 Planting Mix (By Volume)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36efb76fe2c614f913af249bbf92db54 wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s exactly what we are putting into the ground this year, in descending order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4c83b1488f29f625e1414e6dae68dc36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Core Plantings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9d74e2fcd702fac06a85c3c29723ae76\">Solaris(1,650 vines)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c2c4abf1eb2416e09d971a9b9a25e51a\">Madeleine Angevine(400 vines)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3e5fcdb98791e2b1e464fbb88dfbe981\">Phoenix(200 vines)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-358b100cae8e3731e0ac0a046b9b733e\">Seyval Blanc(200 vines)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32f8cbea2abf7723b4c8ecbb3af7319a\">Pinotin(100 vines)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c61303c7a84cdd14a50c264f4df23e36\">Cabernet Noir(125 vines)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8917051a7dfbca32af59fdff3d0e9c71 wp-block-paragraph\">These form the backbone of our vineyard and our early production strategy for wine in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Experimental &amp; Piwi Varieties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9534c69a44bed525e06e4f1b9011f287 wp-block-paragraph\">Each of the following is planted in small quantities, typically 20\u201350 vines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9f0cf89c99e3ca0540cf703d86efa6a9\">Muscaris(50)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-687cf8f467eba5409b5c9bb60080168c\">Cabernet Cortis(25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8ea3eb610bd74987c1765c2520aece06\">Souvignier Gris(25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1675adbb5f2c6496d8e77bbb2254c754\">Marechal Foch(25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85eeccc395da18b8e4dbc8f0ba92c6dd\">Leon Millot(25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d7a3ac0141af26c6f6fcbac580f55638\">VB 32-7(25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5e8eff25572fa895322a7be33b1b04a6\">Cabernet Volos(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c4d202988fab448e1ab4c092660e79d3\">Fleurtai(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e32c456b5dba0d71645e4678c9d49466\">Kersus(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6c31ffecb74ccf80312229f5c557f8a5\">Merlot Kanthus(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3752fc49986945cc8dc1a976daa70f2d\">Merlot Khorus(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c244751eb09284559a422f69860105c8\">Sauvignon Kretos(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c5c9d549462db0ca9476fd846b651fbf\">Soreli(20)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8cdfb173d018b19b56709b29e54e648e\">Pinot Skra(20)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82a62e58e2b638739e9e332008e2430d wp-block-paragraph\">These are at the frontier of modern viticulture, bred for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9addf39c84c6ed172cd149032a672902\">Cold tolerance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c05e158350438566972cc1cd03b43c46\">Disease resistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b4c3f3a7e61f80c58dc5d99add87b33b\">Earlier ripening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4bb63d44a690b4f392db2fcc4faffdcd wp-block-paragraph\">All critical traits for vineyards in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Matters for Irish Viticulture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b36b160acf8e1077c2b8ba1a6fc71f41 wp-block-paragraph\">Ireland is still an emerging wine region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24777d2ef4558e8a6aebc57416d706e2 wp-block-paragraph\">That means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dff4cfc7264b47f2001f195112c605eb\">There is limited historical data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7782abcae86a3ac7066b6a768e17d3b3\">Climate suitability is still being tested<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-252e64dd380b4a14e9bd0603b51967ee\">Variety selection is not yet fully understood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-810711b324a762741b0ce6299b6eecf4 wp-block-paragraph\">By planting this range, we are effectively running a live field trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77be26954cb0a6d05809b7f67f2e2b75 wp-block-paragraph\">Over the next 3\u20135 years, we will track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20c3551ebacfa1f77b7f9f94444f2ae4\">Budburst timing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c05e158350438566972cc1cd03b43c46\">Disease resistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-db0ba2e6ccd38cb102b3477cfed2943d\">Yield consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32107fb7c1cdadd165dbc8fb03b2a026\">Ripening success<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b69ca5acdf842610131ed91309293e1\">Wine quality potential<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2140d342329de143af26839dd6700360 wp-block-paragraph\">This is the kind of dataset that simply doesn\u2019t exist at scale for wine in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expect Failure, That\u2019s the Point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2b82a3d28e1acbd1a060f863f0c7ad05 wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to be realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74fb9fdca356157dbbc7f846991ebf8c wp-block-paragraph\">Most of these experimental varieties will likely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3c0fbcdd5f5c3ab54c9bd1a86e1373e9\">Struggle to ripen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69c7c4752bdd701aba74eeb892c26c8a\">Underperform in Irish conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5d1c00c11ba71c16a2fa0e7f53af4c7\">Be removed over time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5f7cc050835c870fbeaec5e6d975acde wp-block-paragraph\">But that\u2019s not wasted effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0a46e086f98dedce59845c816f642e6f wp-block-paragraph\">Because if even:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7489de6038880c9fa99ab6f0d75e4440\">2 or 3 varieties perform exceptionally well<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a129229f85a38a1c78685267f8178ac5 wp-block-paragraph\">that could represent a major breakthrough for Irish sparkling wine and still wine production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Knowledge for the Future of Wine in Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17a407db8d877ae5edbdb3995ef1dd73 wp-block-paragraph\">For those interested in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e13c2847fb4f0b44c21e362cfa269d80\">Wine tasting Ireland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2e40c4ce493af65f61b60ec9b4e419d9\">Visiting vineyards in Ireland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-832c82a2d664492d544f74a276ba01da\">Understanding the future of Irish sparkling wine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2e3c2ebefaace8eeea78bd7066d2db52 wp-block-paragraph\">This is where the real work happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e76524871f710da1c00c390e6f7df064 wp-block-paragraph\">Not in the tasting room, but in the field, testing what works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Long-Term View<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-577ea7d4857b43cebd7d08bbfe916d8e wp-block-paragraph\">This planting strategy reflects how we think about Irish Wine Estates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5410215c878291320620fb29c546d37e\">Short term \u2192 establish a working vineyard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e398283f7b822f1ef9014ba359c23185\">Medium term \u2192 identify top-performing varieties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61d1a4589f43b0bdb6639384fcdd1c2c\">Long term \u2192 refine and scale what works best<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-495aa33348e8e470d5033c134eded0a4 wp-block-paragraph\">We are not trying to get everything right immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d9a0d8856a4cb281a10c5800ec5c1e6 wp-block-paragraph\">We are trying to learn faster than anyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Follow the Journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f58ee5197eb3d480e5950edbb5198d1d wp-block-paragraph\">Over the coming seasons, we will share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1ee3182e368c5ef6c0d9b9077cfa88e0\">Which varieties thrive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fd2adbb4e50387c485a899016dbf6d42\">Which struggle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9f8c43fb65d539836186a99f3fcc6bf2\">What surprises us<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0f5924655ac829aceba9965f7eedb50f wp-block-paragraph\">Because if we get this right, it won\u2019t just shape our vineyard, it could help define the future of wine tours Ireland and Irish viticulture more broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26f041943b57eda84aee34642d0fb301 wp-block-paragraph\">To follow our progress as we build one of the most ambitious vineyard projects in the country:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80f62a5b06eefb38a029f025a52e9e1f\">Website: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/irishwineestates.com\/\" title=\"\">https:\/\/irishwineestates.com<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77b1f63b36f28c7d134cdfad910bc6ce\">Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/irishwineestates\" title=\"\"><strong>https:\/\/instagram.com\/irishwineestates<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b657080c03781de2095a4cbaa613c737\">YouTube: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@IrishWineEstates\" title=\"\">@irishwineestates<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ac00cf961d1ea846fe5a532228b76c6 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f628c1fe7c403781f93cf55f20175eb wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Irish Wine Estates, our insane journey to build an Irish Wine Estate, one cold morning at a time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ac00cf961d1ea846fe5a532228b76c6 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ac00cf961d1ea846fe5a532228b76c6 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 3,300 vines across 30 different grape varieties [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":249964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">When people think of vineyards in Ireland, most imagine green fields, rain, and rolling hills not rows of vines.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>But here at Irish Wine Estates, we\u2019re proving that Ireland has the potential to become one of the world\u2019s most exciting cool-climate wine regions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In our latest YouTube episode, \u201cHow We Chose Our Vineyard Site in Ireland,\u201d we share the thinking and planning behind our decision to plant vines right here in County Offaly.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Wine Tours in Ireland Are Growing<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">The rise of wine tours in Ireland is being shaped by:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Cool Climate Wines <\/strong>- Irish vineyards focus on fresh, crisp, mineral-driven wines that are increasingly popular worldwide<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Heritage<\/strong> <strong>and Hospitality <\/strong>- Ireland\u2019s culture of storytelling and warm welcomes blends perfectly with wine tourism<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Curiosity and Adventure <\/strong>- Travellers want authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences - and wine tours in Ireland deliver exactly that<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">For many, the idea of discovering vineyards alongside castles, green hills, and coastal drives is a uniquely Irish combination.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":249840,\"sizeSlug\":\"medium\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled-design-4-min-300x300.png\" alt=\"wine tours ireland\" class=\"wp-image-249840\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wine Tours at Irish Wine Estates<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">While our first wines are still a few years away, we are building Irish Wine Estates with tourism in mind. When our vines mature, we plan to offer wine lovers a complete tasting experience, including:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Guided Vineyard Walks <\/strong>- Explore the vines in Offaly and see how our terroir shapes the wines<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Cellar Experiences <\/strong>- Learn about traditional winemaking methods, from grape to glass<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Wine Tastings <\/strong>- Sample still wines (available from 2029) and sparkling wines (from 2032)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><strong>Cultural Connection <\/strong>- Our tours will blend wine with Irish hospitality, heritage, and storytelling<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond Our Estate: Wine Tourism Across Ireland<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">Irish wine tourism is not just about one estate. Visitors can also explore other pioneering vineyards in Cork, Wicklow, and Waterford, making wine tours in Ireland an exciting addition to any travel itinerary. Pairing a vineyard visit with Ireland\u2019s rich food culture creates a memorable journey that goes beyond the usual whiskey or brewery tour.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Future of Wine Tours in Ireland<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">Though still young, Ireland\u2019s wine tourism industry has extraordinary potential. Over the next decade, wine tours in Ireland will become a natural part of the country\u2019s tourism offering - offering travellers a chance to experience Irish land and culture in a new way.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|black\"}}}},\"textColor\":\"black\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\">At Irish Wine Estates, we\u2019re committed to being part of this story. When the time comes, our tours will welcome visitors to taste not just wine, but Ireland itself - in every glass.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-249962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/249962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=249962"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/249962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":249966,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/249962\/revisions\/249966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/249964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=249962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=249962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irishwineestates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=249962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}