Has climate change boosted the possibility of producing wine in Ireland?
Parts of the country have a similar terroir, or soil type, to parts of northern France.
Has climate change boosted the possibility of growing vines in Ireland? The question was asked by Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne in the Dáil after noting parts of the country have a similar terroir, or soil type, to parts of northern France.
“Indeed, just outside my hometown of Gorey, La Kav vineyard is producing some very fine wines,” he said, asking what supports were available from the Department of Agriculture and its agencies for those who choose to cultivate vines.
Pointing out several boutique vineyards are starting to produce wine in greater quantities and of higher quality, Mr Byrne said: “There is an opportunity to actively support those farmers and those involved in horticulture who want to move into the sector.”
Minister of State Noel Grealish said the department operated two schemes in the horticulture sector. These may be availed of by wine producers in the context of the grape-growing aspect of their production. A budget of €8.5m was allocated for the implementation of these schemes in 2025.
The schemes are for innovation and diversification, which supports feasibility and desk studies, and for funding capital investment in specialised plant and equipment in microenterprises and SMEs active in primary production.
Mr Grealish said the call for applications closed in February. Should these schemes re-open for applications in 2026, this will be widely advertised through the department's website, on social media, in the farming press and through stakeholders such as Teagasc and An Bord Bia.
Urging producers to engage with their local enterprise offices, he said these offices were a valuable resource to local small businesses because they could provide advice and sometimes funding. Producers may also wish to contact their local action groups in respect of the LEADER programme.
Mr Grealish said his officials participated last year in the European Commission's high-level wine group, established to develop policy recommendations to address issues in the sector.
This may present an opportunity for further expansion in the cultivation of vineyards for wine production in Ireland, he said, adding the department would continue to monitor the pace of growth in the sector and was happy to engage with producers wishing to pursue this as an agrifood business, as part of the horticultural strategy.
“I would be delighted to sit down with any producers the deputy would like to introduce to me. If there is any help, or support, we can give them, we will do so,” he said.
Welcoming the support available already, Mr Byrne said: “We also need to promote the development of Irish wines, perhaps through Bord Bia.
"As the quantities start to increase, there will be an export market for some of these wines. I am very happy that officials are actively engaged on the issue,” he said.
