WELCOME TO THE O’BRIENS WINE FESTIVAL, IRELAND’S BIGGEST WINE TASTING EVENT.
We are delighted to once again have our community of winemakers, wine lovers and colleagues together in Dublin’s historic RDS.
This year’s wine festival is set to be the biggest and best yet, with over 70 of our talented winemakers and producers in attendance and an incredible 290 wines available for tasting.
Make sure to check out the free wine talks that are taking place over the weekend (no booking required) and if you have purchased a ticket to one of our expert masterclasses, we hope you enjoy the experience.
The O’Briens team are on hand all weekend to assist and guide you through our wines. Please avail of their help as there is nothing our team enjoys more than chatting about wine!
It promises to be weekend full of fun, discovery, and of course, great wine. We are delighted to support LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice as this year’s charity partner through the proceeds of our ticket sales, so thank you for being a part of that.
Enjoy the festival,
Kevin & Grattan O'Brien
At our Wine Festival this weekend we have an extensive range to sample; still and sparkling, classic and indigenous grape varieties and a plethora of wine styles from cool crisp whites to rich powerful reds – from classic wine regions and up-andcoming discovery areas, the room is full of exceptional opportunities to taste with our winemakers and the O’Briens team.
Our winemakers and winery teams will also be delighted to help and guide you through the range of wines on offer so please take the opportunity to avail of their expert advice.
Lynne Coyle Master of Wine, Wine Director
ARGENTINA
Kuentz Bas & Domaine Duffour
Les Grand Chais de France
Champagne Veuve Clicquot & Champagne Moët & Chandon
Champagne Beaumont des Crayeres
Provence Rosé 23 Château de Caraguilhes
24 Château de Fuisse 25 Lanson Champagne
26 Domaine Langlois & Hubert Brochard 27 Ferraton Pere & Fils
Vignerons De Nature & Loron and Fils
Sophie Bertin & Eric Louis 31 Domaine Seguin-Manuel & Domaine Olivier
33 Château de Saint-Cernin & Bruno Roulot
GREECE
36 Gaia Wines
38 Cantine Su’entu 40 Guerrieri Rizzardi
41 Marotti Campi
42 Mondo del Vino
43 Montelvini
44 Musella Winery
45 Pasqua Wines
46 San Felice
47 The Wine People 37 Ascheri Wines
48 Astrolabe Wines
49 Foley Wines
50 Insight Wines
NEW ZEALAND
51 Sherwood Estate Wines
PORTUGAL
52 Boas Quintas & Quinta Picouto Cima
53 J. Portugal Ramos Vinhos 54 Symington Family Estates
Wildflower
56 Bodegas del Medievo 57 Bodegas Luzón
58 Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
59 Bodegas Paco and Lola
60 Bodegas Tandem
61 Bodegas Riojanas
62 Born Rosé Barcelona
64 De Alberto & Galicia Group
ROMANIA
SPAIN
63 Coast to Coast 65 J. Fernanado & Pazo de Señorans 66 Lagar De Costa
67 Pazo do Mar & Bodegas Trenza
SOUTH AFRICA
TOP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE O’BRIENS
WINE FESTIVAL
We want you to enjoy your experience today, as you meet fellow wine lovers, discover new wines and revisit some old favourites. Here’s our quick guide to getting the best out of the festival in a fun and safe manner.
MAKE A PLAN
There are almost 300 wines here today so take a moment to browse your brochure and plan your route around the room. Our top tip is to pick out a wine style you’re interested in - that way, you can explore lots of wines of that type.
IT IS BETTER TO SPIT
The goal is to taste, not to drink, and our wineries will only pour tasting measures. We have spittoons at every table so please don’t forget to use them – or feel awkward about doing so! Spitting will help you better enjoy the wine tasting and to taste more wines.
USE YOUR O’BRIENS CLUB WINE APP
For the best experience, download the O’Briens Club wine app. You’ll be able to learn more about the wines and the winemakers behind them and can shop via the app for home delivery too. (See our How To Buy At The Festival page for more information.)
KEEP YOUR GLASS WITH YOU
Your complimentary Tipperary Crystal glass is yours to use throughout the day and to take home afterwards. Use the rinsing station and water jugs to rinse your glass in between wines and to stay hydrated. We’ll provide a bag at the end for you to bring it home safely.
DON’T FORGET TO EAT!
If you have not eaten before you arrive at the RDS, there are a number of eateries nearby. If you need to slip out for food, we can provide a pass for you to re-enter the festival. Please note, food and snacks are not permitted inside the venue.
Finally, our team are here to help! Don’t hesitate to approach any member of the O’Briens team for assistance at any stage.
HOW TO BUY AT THE FESTIVAL
We hope you’ve enjoyed your time at our Wine Festival and have discovered some wine you’d like to experience again at home.
There are a few ways you can order your bottles of choice but before you do, make sure to sign up to the O’Briens Club wine app to avail of an EXTRA 10% DISCOUNT*. Already have the app? Great! Check your app for your SPECIAL 10% OFF CODE . The Wine Festival discount code is valid from Thursday 10thMonday 14th October. Ts&Cs apply.
Use Your Phone
Scan this QR code with your phone or use your O’Briens Club wine app to access all the wines on tasting today and place an order for home delivery.
Pop Into Your Local O’Briens
Our team at your local store would be delighted to help you with your purchases.
For Home Delivery
As well as the special 10% discount, you can also avail of free delivery on any order over €100. Deliveries will be within 2-3 working days (Monday to Friday) of you placing the order.
*This 10% off offer is contingent upon signing up to the O’Briens Club wine app. The Wine Festival discount code is valid from Thursday 10th – Monday 14th October. Ts&Cs apply.
We are delighted to support LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, as this year’s charity partner.
AMAZING QUALITY
RIPE PLUMMY FRUITS
BodegaNorton
Bodega Norton
ARGENTINA
Famous for the Tango, amazing quality beef and great music, Argentina is also home to one of the most trendy grape varieties on the planet – Malbec.
It’s not hard to see why Malbec is so popular - Bright rich red in colour, ripe plummy fruits with soft and silky tannins can be found in a “drink me now” or “tuck me away for a rainy day” style, making it a very desirable and diverse wine. Bright rich red in colour, ripe plummy fruits with soft and silky tannins can be found in a “drink me now” or “tuck me away for a rainy day” style, making it a very desirable and diverse wine.
Mendoza is the most well-known region and quality of the wines from Argentina is undeniable. Make sure to visit the tables and run through our wines; a quick taste will highlight both the diversity and inherent quality of the Malbec grape.
R G E N
Casa de Uco
Casa de Uco is a 320-hectare estate in the Uco Valley sub-region of Mendoza on Argentina’s western border. It is owned by father and son, Alberto and Juan Tonconogy. Malbec is the dominant grape on the estate and the winery prioritises sustainability.
Bodega Norton
Based in Mendoza, Bodega Norton are one of the most important wineries in Argentina with an international reputation for their wines. Malbec lovers should make sure to check out Norton’s Porteño Malbec and the stunning Privada Malbec.
A R G E N T I N A
AUSTRALIA
Whilst Australia continues to be home to some of the biggest wineries in the world, it is also at the forefront of some of the world’s most exciting and innovative developments in grape growing & winemaking.
The regions are diverse in terms of climate, soil and grape varieties - from the cool Adelaide Hills to the warmth of Barossa, there are unique wine styles to suit all tastes and budgets.
This diversity, coupled with small, familyowned vineyards and wineries sets modern Australian wines apart in their individuality and quality. Not only are the traditional, international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay available but there are also off the beaten track options.
Start your investigations regionally working your way from Adelaide to Victoria and everything in between.
DIVERSECLIMATE, SOIL&GRAPE VARITIES
LongviewVineyard
The team at Bethany Wines
Bethany Wines
Bethany Wines was founded by fifth generation grape growers, Geoff and Robert Schrapel in 1981. The family’s 38-hectare estate is located across five vineyards in south Australia’s Barossa Valley and benefits from cooling sea breezes in summer.
Longview Vineyard
Longview is a family-owned Australian vineyard just outside the historic township of Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills. Set on undulating slopes, it has quickly established itself as one of the most awarded vineyards since its 2001 inaugural vintage.
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
AUSTRIA GROOVY GRUNER
While there are over forty winemaking grape varieties grown in Austria, the single most important grape, which has helped to raise the profile of Austria internationally, is Grüner Veltliner.
For years, the Austrians kept the fabulous Grüner to themselves but since the 1990s its appeal and fame have spread far and wide. Evidence suggests that us Celts may have enjoyed Austrian wine in the past too, as 5th century Celtic bronze wine flagons have been discovered in the Austrian city of Salzburg.
Either way, today we can all enjoy this delightful wine with or without food. “Clean”, “crisp” and “refreshing” are the hallmark attributes of Grüner, but it can also be oaked or unoaked and some styles are rich concentrated and ripe.
Weingut Rabl
The Rabl family have been growing grapes in the Kamptal region of north-east Austria for over 300 years and in 1946 began bottling their own wines. Today father-and-son team, Rudolf and Rudi run the estate, using only the best quality grapes in their wine.
Weingut Zull
Weingut Zull is a boutique, family-run estate in Austria’s cool climate Weinviertel region. The Zull family farm their compact 18 hectares of vineyards sustainably and combine tradition with an open-minded approach to new concepts and innovations.
CENTRAL VALLEY
PACIFIC OCEAN
TERROIR DIVERSITY
VineyardsatVinaLeyda
CHILE
There are two key geographical features that define the wines of Chile - the Andes mountain range, the longest continental mountain range in the world, and the Pacific Ocean, the largest and deepest ocean in the world.
These features influence soil, temperature, altitude, wind, mist and rainfall thus ensuring that Chile is extremely multifaceted in terms of which grapes can grow successfully.
Because of this terroir diversity, there are well defined wine growing regions within the country that excel in growing specific grapes. Chile therefore is successfully making a wide array of wines that are typically pure, fruit driven examples of all the international classic grape varieties.
Everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir offering great value every day drinking wines to multi-layered, stylish, world beating quality, cult status wines are available from Chile.
Leyda Wines
Viña Leyda in Chile’s Leyda Valley is influenced by the cool Pacific Ocean breezes and excels in growing aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and crisp Chardonnay. Pinot Noir also loves the climate here and the single vineyard Las Brisas is well worth checking out.
San Antonio
FRANCE
Winemaking in France can be traced back to 6th century B.C., so they are well on top of their game at this stage. Home to all of the classic grape varieties, the French wine regions have long been the touchstone for the wines made from these same grapes across the winemaking world.
Used to being benchmarked, judged, compared and envied French vignerons continue to press on with their own agenda of striving for excellence and bettering quality in both their vineyard and cellar activities.
With such an extensive range of wines available to taste from across France at the festival, it is the perfect opportunity to experiment and compare Bordeaux with Burgundy, the Loire with the Languedoc and the less well-known regions such as Gascony. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir with Sauvignon Blanc in between it is all here this weekend for your journey through France.
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
PASSIONATE
Manual harvest at Château de Paraza - Languedoc, France
INNOVATIVE
Bordeaux Châteaux
A glorious representation of some of our favourite Bordeaux Châteaux including Château Fourcas Hosten & our important Irish Wine Geese, Châteaux Kirwan, de Fieuzal & Phélan Ségur.
Cazes Family Selection
As well as owning the famous Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, the other estates from this important wine family are viewed as high-quality examples from their specific regions. This table represents a great opportunity to taste their award-winning range.
R A N C E
Champagne Bollinger & Champagne Ayala
Two famous houses, Champagne Ayala was founded in 1860 and is known for elegant, refined wines with a unique style. Champagne Bollinger, with vineyards in Grand Cru and Premier Cru locations, has been making powerful and complex wines since 1829.
Champagne
Ayala Brut Majeur NV
€69.00
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
Bollinger Special Cuvée NV
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
Cave de Lugny
One of the top Cave co-operatives in France, Cave de Lugny make the wines for over 90% of the Lugny appellation - so they know what they are about. Their delicious Crémant made from the same grapes as Champagne is worth trying.
Château de Paraza
Located in the Minervois, Château de Paraza has been owned by the Danglas family since 2005. The whole family gets involved in the winery and the estate has evolved greatly over the years with sustainable agriculture, new grape varieties and more.
Champagne Piper & Champagne Charles Heidsieck
The Charles Heidsieck Cellar Masters have been awarded “Best Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” at the International Wine Challenge no less than 12 times in 20 years. Piper Heidsieck were recently certified sustainable for their extensive vineyard and cellar work.
Champagne
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée
Use the coupon at the back of your
Charles
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
Piper Heidsieck Rosé
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
R A N C
R A N C E
€85.00
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
Domaine Bougrier
The family-owned Domaine Bougrier in the Loire is renowned for growing and making excellent quality Sauvignon Blanc. This winery, now run by the sixth generation, is an O’Briens customer favourite and the wine style perfectly represents the region.
A N C
Famille Bougrier
Gérard Bertrand
The renowned Gérard Bertrand has forged an international reputation for the wine growing estates and wines of the Languedoc region. Passionate about the local grape varieties and culture of the region of his birth, his wines are familiar to many wine lovers.
Domaine Henri Bourgeois
The Bourgeois family are making some of the best wines in the Loire Valley. The grapes are grown on a combination of chalk, clay and limestone soils, which are the perfect terroir for these elegant mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs. Make sure to try their Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc too, which comes from Marlborough.
Kuentz-Bas was founded in the Alsatian town of Husserenles-Châteaux in 1795 and is now owned by 14th generation winemaker, Jean-Baptiste Adam. Owned and run by the Duffour family, Domaine Duffour farms 70 hectares in the Gascony region in the south-west of France.
Les Grand Chais de France
Founded over 40 years ago, the family owned Les Grands Chais de France has forged partnerships with winegrowers in all the top regions in France and beyond. This is a fine chance to discover quality wines from the Loire Valley, the Languedoc, Bordeaux and more.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Lionel Osmin
Lionel Osmin is a sustainably run cooperative winery located in the southwest of France. They are focused on modern winemaking techniques using traditional native grapes and are also considered Malbec specialists.
Champagne Veuve Clicquot & Champagne
Owned by the luxury fashion house LVMH, these are two of the top Grande Marques. Recognised the world over, Champagnes Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot Champagne have a reputation for wines of high quality and consistency year after year.
the
R A N C
Champagne Beaumont des Crayeres
Beaumont des Crayères was founded in 1955 by a group of quality-focused growers near Épernay in Champagne. The co-operative sustainably farms plots in the Marne Valley, growing the region’s three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Champagne
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
Provence Rosé
Domaine Marchand is a family-run winery established in 1650 on the right bank of the Loire River in Tracy-surLoire. After working for O’Briens, Alban set up his own business, bringing together a portfolio of small wineries focused on Provence.
Château de Caraguilhes
Château de Caraguilhes is one of France’s oldest and best organic estates. Organic since 1987, its 135 hectares of vines are surrounded by over 500 hectares of wild ‘garrigue’ vegetation, which results in a rich and unique ecosystem.
Château de Fuisse
Located across some of the best terroir of southern Burgundy and Beaujolais, Château-Fuissé was founded in 1862. It remains in the hands of Famille Vincent to this day and fifth generation, Antoine Vincent, is winemaker and general manager.
Lanson Champagne
Founded in 1760, Champagne Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne houses. Now under the watchful eye of cellar master Hervé Dantan, it is known for its elegant and fresh style, defined by notes of green apple, flowers and bright acidity.
R A N C
Domaine Langlois & Hubert Brochard
Domaine Hubert Brochard’s story begins in 1900, with Aimée and Hubert Brochard who farmed their vineyards by hand. Over five generations of the family have been involved in crafting wines and in 2022, Hubert-Brochard became part of the Bollinger group.
- Crémant
Ferraton Pere & Fils
Founded by Jean Orëns Ferraton in 1946, Ferraton Père & Fils in France’s Rhône Valley was a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking. Today it is owned by Rhône legend, Chapoutier and their attention to detail certainly shines through.
Côtes Du Rhône
Northern Rhône - Crozes Hermitage
Raymond & Boisset Vineyards
Boisset is a family-owned collection of more than 28 historic and prestigious wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including the Rhône & Napa. Each has its own unique history and style and produces fine terroirdriven wines.
Southern Rhône - Cotes du Rhône
- Gigondas
Vignerons De Nature & Loron and Fils
Located in the village of Fleurie in the heart of the Crus Beaujolais region, Château de Fleurie is recognised as one of the region’s top estates. Château Les Croisille is a family-owned organic winery in the southern French region of Cahors crafting elegant, modern wines.
Beaujolais - Fleurie
Sophie Bertin & Eric Louis
Domains Sophie Bertin & Eric Louis are family-owned and run estates in Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley. The main wines made are Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and MenetouSalon, with the Sauvignon Blanc for the Sancerre growing on flinty and chalky, clay-based soils.
F R A N C E
Domaine Seguin-Manuel & Domaine Olivier
Founded in 1821, Seguin-Manuel is now owned by Thibaut Marion, a 10th generation wine grower who farms organically. Domaine Olivier is run by Antoine Oliver & his daughter, who are passionate about saving old vineyards & making Santenay wines.
Taittinger Champagne
The Taittinger family have managed Champagne Taittinger for almost a century. The renowned Brut Réserve is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with wines from over 35 different vineyards.
Champagne
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
Use the coupon at the back of your brochure to taste a sample of this wine.
F R A N C E
Château de SaintCernin’s Petit Cernin & Bruno Roulot
Established in 1962, the independent family-run Champagne Bruno Roulot make their own grower Champagne in the Marne Valley. The bottle for Château de Saint-Cernin’s Petit Cernin is enclosed in linen fibre and we were delighted to launch this innovative project with them globally.
GERMANY
Germany is perhaps most famous for the noble Riesling grape but it is also home to other interesting varieties such as the red Dornfelder grape .
Some vineyard sites are so densely planted or located in such precarious locations, that gentle hand harvesting of the grapes into small traditional baskets is the only option for the growers.
The benefit of this is that the grapes arrive at the winery in near perfect condition ready for long cool fermentations which concentrate flavours and aromas. German wines are one of the best kept secrets in the wine trade.
Don’t be misled by the fluted bottle shape, the whites range from crisp bone dry styles to unctuous and rich, the reds are elegant, well balanced and pure. German wines age well and so are perfect for tucking away for a few years.
DORNFELDER
Georg&KarlLingenfelder
DORNFELDER
Lingenfelder Estate
A regular now at our wine fairs, this is a great opportunity to experiment with the Lingenfelder family’s amazing Riesling and other aromatic whites. Located in the Pfalz region of Germany since 1520, this historic winery practices sustainable grape farming.
Weingut Robert Weil
Robert Weil are a family-run winery based in the Rheingau. They have 90ha of their own sustainably managed vineyards, solely planted with the Riesling grape variety. These delicious wines represent the family’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.
€26.95
E R M A
ASSYRTIKO
4,000 YEARS OF WINEMAKING EXCITING WINE STYLES
GREECE
Wine has been embedded in Greek culture for over 4,000 years and the ancient Greeks were known for pioneering new methods of viticulture and winemaking. Today, there is a drive towards high quality wine grapes being grown, not only on the Greek mainland but also on the beautiful Greek islands such as the stunning volcanic island of Santorini.
While Assyrtiko is considered the top white grape, there are around 300 indigenous grapes grown in Greece, and this has resulted in a vast array of wine styles to choose from.
In recent years, innovative teams of winemakers have established exciting new wineries across the country and Greek wines continue to grow in popularity.
R E E C
Gaia Wines
One of the most respected wineries in Greece, with 30 years of experience, Gaia make high quality red and white wines. The indigenous Assyrtiko Wild Ferment is defined by its mineral profile as the grapes are grown on the volcanic Santorini soils.
ITALY
From north to south including the Island of Sicily, Italy has an incredible array of wines on offer from both local and international grape varieties.
From elegant dry whites from Soave and sparkling wines of Prosecco to rich Primitivo from Puglia, there is truly a lifetime of discovery and experimentation.
Along with diverse grape varieties, contrasting climates, varied terroir, and regional winemaking know how, Italy also has the food!
Delicious Italian cuisine is truly the best way to experience and enjoy the aromas, flavours through the vast choice of wine available from Italy.
SANGIOVESE
Ascheri Wines
Matteo Ascheri’s wines have a grace and charm that showcase a fruit-forward style. Minimal intervention is the practice here and Matteo believes strongly in letting the grapes and the soil speak for themselves. The outstanding results are acoustic “unplugged” wines.
Cantine Su’entu
Su’entu is a family-run winery on the Italian island of Sardinia. The hot Mediterranean summers are tempered by cooling sea breezes (Su’entu means ‘wind’ in the local dialect), which help to retain a freshness in the sustainably farmed grapes.
Sardinia
Guerrieri Rizzardi
Our ever-popular friends from the Veneto are attending our Wine Festival once again. Their wines are both amazingly diverse and interesting and are well worth investigating. Everything from Prosecco through to rich concentrated Amarone are on show.
Marotti Campi
Marotti Campi is a family-run winery which can trace its beginnings to the mid-1800s. In the early 1990s, Giovanni Marotti Campi began a project to modernise the vineyards, specialising in two native grape varieties. The estate is now run by his son Lorenzo, who is attending today.
Marotti Campi Albiano Verdicchio dei Castelli
Marotti Campi Orgiolo Lacrima Di Morra D’Alba
Mondo del Vino
Growing grapes and making wines in multiple locations across Italy, the styles are fruit-driven with modern winemaking at the heart of Mondo del Vino and the business also flies the flag for some interesting, lesserknown wine regions.
Montelvini
Prosecco specialists since 1881, generations of Italy’s Serena family have dedicated themselves to crafting wines in the regions of Asolo and Montello DOCG. The group’s premium Montelvini brand features some of our most popular Italian sparklers.
Musella Winery
One of the leading Amarone families, Musella is owned by Emilio Pasqua who bought this ancient estate on the outskirts of Verona a number of years ago. His daughter Maddalena and nephew Enrico Raber are now making the wine & managing the vineyards.
Originally from Puglia and now based in Verona, the Pasqua family wine business started in 1925. Today, it is best known for making a range of exciting wines with everything from the popular Appassimento styles, made with semi-dried grapes, through to Prosecco.
San Felice
With origins dating back to the 17th century, San Felice’s search for quality has resulted in new initiatives, from the replanting of its vineyards to technological innovation. The wines are true expressions of the Tuscan landscape from which they come.
The Wine People
This progressive family business specialises in organic Sicilian wines but offers a comprehensive range from around Italy. This is a fantastic opportunity to try their beautiful Proseccos.
NEW ZEALAND
Home of the heroic “All Blacks” rugby team, this small country also seriously punches above its weight in wine. Dominated by Marlborough and Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand has taken on the wine world with its exuberant, zesty, exotic take on Sauvignon Blanc. We are delighted to have some many fine examples available for tasting here today.
However, if you are a fan of New Zealand don’t stop at Sauvignon. Seek out other aromatic white grape varieties that they do well – Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer – and on the reds, Pinot Noir is the hot ticket.
Moving further north and therefore slightly warmer, in terms of climatethink about Waiheke Island, which offers complex Chardonnays and structured, powerful reds from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
COOL CLIMATE
Vineyards at Astrolabe
CHARDONNAY
Astrolabe
Owned by the Waghorn family, Astrolabe Wines is located in Marlborough, New Zealand. The climate offers ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, while the Waghorns’ winemaking skill make the most of the unique terroir.
E A L A N D
Foley Wines
Foley Wines was founded in 1985 by Bill Foley and today it has a presence in some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine regions. Winemaker Stu Marfell uses a minimal intervention ethos to create beautiful wines that express the land from which they come.
E A L A N D
We’re delighted to have Fleur McCree of Insight Vineyard with us, showing one of our favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. The other wines, namely Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, from this family-run, sustainably farmed estate are also worth trying.
Z E A L A N D
Sherwood Estate Wines
Sherwood Estate in New Zealand’s Waipara region is a real success story. It has grown from a small husband-and-wife business to one of the largest independent wineries in the country, thanks to Dayne and Jill Sherwood’s skill and attention to detail.
LISBOA
DOURO PORTS
PORTUGAL
The great fortified and table wines of the Douro continue to stand proudly on the world’s wine stage. However, Portugal is poised to really take off driven by the nonclassic areas which are offering modern stylish wine at very accessible prices.
Portugal has plenty of interesting native grapes to offer, the sun to ripen these grapes and in some regions cooling sea breezes which are so important for grape aromas and therefore wine aromas.
The winemaking is innovative and modern, the wine styles are international but are nuanced with local textures and flavours. We are certainly going to be hearing more about and drinking more Portuguese wines over the next few years – watch this space...
COOLING
Boas Quintas & Quinta Picouto Cima
Established in 1991, Boas Quintas is located in the Dão region of Portugal. The estate works with native grape varieties and showcases the quality of modern Portuguese winemaking. Quinta Picouto Cima is a charming family estate which specialises in making Vinho Verde on a boutique scale.
J. Portugal Ramos Vinhos
When João Portugal Ramos began his career as a winemaker, the Alentejo region was still widely unknown. Today, it’s fair to say that nobody has done as much for the region’s promotion and reputation as he has, and his wines are both popular and well made.
Symington Family Estates
With a history dating back five generations, Symington Family Estates are the leading makers of premium ports, accounting for over a third of all quality port sold throughout the world. They are also responsible for some of the Douro Valley’s finest wines.
ROMANIA
Romania has a long and storied history of winemaking going back to Roman times, and today it is one of the world’s largest winemaking countries.
Its reputation for quality, good value wines has grown hugely in recent years and key grape varieties like Fetească Albă and Merlot thrive alongside imported French varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
There are some very exciting wines coming from Romania’s top producers like the Cramele Recaș Estate, and we are delighted that they are represented here today.
Cramele Recas
EXCITING WINES
Wildflower
Careful vineyard practices and modern winemaking techniques are at the heart of the wines made by Philip Cox and his wife Elvira. They’re based in the Viile Timisului region of Romania, a country with a long winemaking history.
MarquésdeMurrieta
THE WORLD FAMOUS RIOJA
SPAIN
Cemented on the vinous map by Rioja, modern Spain has much to offer; crisp, dry whites from Galicia made from the Albariño grape to rich robust red wines from Priorat.
There are a vast array of styles, grapes and wines available with new upcoming regions emerging. Many wineries are family-owned and have been in the same family for generations so the same passion, knowledge and experience seen in France can also be experienced in Spain.
Innovation is also at the forefront of Spain’s wine agenda both in the vineyard and in the wineries, all of which is focused towards improving overall wine quality, and whilst Spain offers great value it also offers stylish high-end wines that are worth investing in.
Bodegas del Medievo
Bodegas del Medievo is a collaboration between four historic family-owned and run wineries, located by the Sierra de Yerga hills in La Rioja Oriental. The bodega crafts classic styles of Rioja wines, blending traditional techniques with modern winemaking.
Bodegas Luzón
Founded in 1841, Bodgeas Luzón is one of the most cuttingedge producers in Spain’s Jumilla region. Benefiting from a continental climate and located close to the Mediterranean coast, the focus of this modern winery is on rich, full-bodied red wines.
S P A I N
Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
Showcasing their Marqués de Murrieta single vineyard Reserva, Marqués de Murrieta are one of the most historic and iconic producers in Rioja. A modern winemaking philosophy, along with a healthy respect for tradition, is evident across a stunning range of wines.
S P A I N
Bodegas Paco Y Lola
Founded in 2005, Paco y Lola is the largest cooperative in Galicia’s Rías Baixas region. It now has over 430 members across the Salnés Valley sub-region. Head winemaker, Cayetano Otero is widely regarded as one of the top winemakers in Rías Baixas.
Baixas
Ophalum Albariño
Follas Novas Albariño
S P A I N
Bodega Tandem
This small family-owned winery from Navarra are making some of the most exciting wine in Spain today. Tandem have adopted a minimal intervention philosophy in the vineyard and winery, allowing the wines to reflect the region.
Navarra
Bodegas Riojanas
Based in Cenicero Rioja, Monte Real farms 300 hectares of Tempranillo vineyards and makes modern, fruit driven Rioja. With a heritage that dates back over 100 years, it combines its rich history with the innovation of a modern winery.
Rías Baixas
S P A I N
Born Rosé Barcelona
Born Rosé was founded by Barcelona-based entrepreneur Jana Robles and this exciting, modern wine company manages to combine style and substance. Its rosés have picked up many international awards since it launched just a few years ago.
S P A I N
Coast to Coast
Coast To Coast Wines is dedicated to sourcing hidden gems from Spain. Owned by Patrick Webb and John Small, they represent independent family wineries across the Iberian Peninsula, each one producing fantastic wines that speak of their time and place.
De Alberto & Galicia Group
Combining tradition and innovation, the Gutiérrez family have been producing wines in Spain’s Rueda DO for five generations. Bodegas De Alberto is housed in a stunning 350-year-old winery, complete with a kilometre of subterranean ageing cellars.
J. Fernanado & Pazo de Señorans
J. Fernando’s vineyards are located in Spain’s Rueda region and winemaker Jose Fernando harvests the grapes at night to retain their freshness in his wines. One of the finest estates in Rías Baixas, the family-owned Pazo de Señorans specialises in the Albariño grape variety.
La Mancha
Lagar De Costa
This boutique family winery in the Salnés Valley of Spain is run by the third generation of the Costa family. The estate solely grows the local Albariño grape variety and combines the traditional and the modern to create wines full of unique character.
Pazo do Mar & Bodegas Trenza
Pazo do Mar is an innovative family winery based in Monterrei, a small region on the Portuguese border, making high-quality Galician wines. Founded by Danish brothers, David and Jonas Tofterup, Bodegas Trenza in Alicante is where the brothers make the wine & manage the vineyards.
South Africa is a great option for good value red and white wines as well as more premium single estate wines. Modern Shiraz and Pinotage are supple, fruit-driven and not overly tannic.
Whilst for the whites, originally from the Loire Valley, the Chenin Blanc grape offers fresh, crisp refreshing wines with a rich, creamy midpalate. Also look out for Sauvignon which is made in a style we love.
For the reds, although laden with ripe fruit, the winemaking style is European-facing and makes an interesting change.
For lovers of fruit but with the elegant definition of acidity as well-integrated tannins South Africa has it all.
CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA
ESTATE WINES
We are proud to have been working with Delheim Wines’ Sperling family for many years. This farm is one of the most innovative in Stellenbosch, producing top quality wines while prioritising community projects and an extensive biodiversity programme.
Rust En Vrede
Established in 1694, Rust en Vrede is a family-run estate in Stellenbosch. With a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it creates quality, full bodied wines. Its Rust en Vrede Estate is considered to be one of South Africa’s top red wines.
U.S.
Diverse in climate, terroir and grape varieties, some of the finest wines in the world can be found in the U.S.
Whilst some regions are warm and perfect for making juicy, fruity everyday drinking wines, other regions are growing classic grape varieties in top quality vineyards that produce world class wines.
Wineries range from tiny boutique/garage wineries to the large scale. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are well worth seeking out on the tasting table particularly from the cooler regions where elegance and balance are important components in defining the style of these wines.
DIVERSE CLIMATE
Jackson Family Wines
Teac Mor
A family business with a strong Irish heritage, Teac Mor operates with a philosophy of balance and simplicity. Their stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made from their own biodynamically farmed vineyards in California’s Russian River Valley.
California
NOTES
OUR STORES
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Bray (Quinsboro Road) (01) 286 3732 Bray (Vevay Road) (01) 286 8776
Carlow (059) 913 9814 Carrickmines (01) 295 9939
(091) 564 035
(01) 830 9593
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(01) 845 1237
(045) 901 038
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Head Office (01) 269 3139