Figures compiled by the Wine Development Board of Ireland show that the wine market is growing by approximately 4% per year, at a time when other European markets are contracting.

IRELAND is one of the fastest growing markets for wine consumption in the world and experts say the level of wine drinkers here is set to soar in the next three to five years.

THE importance of knowing the difference between a vintage wine and cheap plonk was highlighted during efforts to find the country’s finest off-licence yesterday.