Just recently, I penned an article highlighting the burgeoning wine sector in Ireland. It’s safe to say then that cultivating wine in Ireland is indeed a feasible endeavour. It might necessitate a touch of exertion, but grooming your very own grapevines can be both rewarding and amusing. Crafting your own vintage, however, is a tricker process.
A visit to any local garden centre will allow you to purchase grapevines. For wine-making, opt for the vitis vinifera species or a hybrid that copes well with our chilly, moisture-laden weather. A perfectly situated garden wall with maximum exposure to the sun or a hothouse would aid growth. Grapevines require an abundance of sunlight, thriving best in well-drained terrains. Pruning and guiding your grapevines along a trellis, a pergola or arches will be necessary.
However, caution is advisable. A flourishing vine can become uncontrollable faster than you’d expect. Grapevines exhibit vibrant green leaves in spring, which transition to a gorgeous golden red during autumn. Brace yourself for a wait of three to five years until the first substantial yield. During these initial years, be ready to sacrifice most of the blooms. To best nurture your vine, consider perusing online resources on the art of vine pruning and proper care. Watering might not be essential in our weather, but nutritious dressing is crucial. Manure or tomato fertiliser work best. Be wary of downy and powdery mildew – common in our weather – spraying as needed to control these pests.
Managing to collect sufficient ripe grapes for wine production will test your skills. About 1.5kg of grapes, or roughly 600-800 grapes which equate to four bunches, are necessary for a single wine bottle. This does sound daunting. An associate living in San Francisco acquires 50kg of zinfandel grapes annually, crafting full-bodied red wine. Unfortunately, such a strategy isn’t feasible in Ireland.
Once, with a couple of poorly maintained Riesling grapevines taking root in the semi-shade of my backyard in Greystones, I managed to produce half a wine bottle’s worth twice in 15 years. Although the result didn’t quite titillate the palate, it was an enjoyable experience that instilled a newfound respect for the dedicated grape cultivators globally who have mastered the art of delivering delightful wines.