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Fairy Trees Winery

Louth, Ireland, Ireland

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Phone

0860464790

Email

info@fairytrees.ie

Address

Fairy Trees Winery, Willistown, Drumcar Road, Dunleer, Co. Louth, Ireland

Location

Louth · Ireland

Grape Varieties (3)

Artaban Chardonnay Shiraz

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Fairy Trees Winery: Ireland's Largest Commercial Vineyard on the Banks of the River Dee

Set on the banks of the River Dee along Ireland's picturesque east coast in County Louth, Fairy Trees Winery is Ireland's largest commercial-scale vineyard and a true pioneer in cool-climate Irish winemaking. Combining French-Irish heritage with the patient craft of an emerging Irish wine industry, the estate produces award-winning sparkling and still wines alongside what is believed to be Ireland's first commercial Irish Grape Brandy. Visitors are welcomed each summer for guided walks, tutored tastings and a chance to understand why Ireland is on the brink of becoming a recognised cool-climate wine country.

The Location: County Louth, on the East Coast of Ireland

Fairy Trees Vineyard is located at Willistown, Drumcar Road, near the town of Dunleer in Co. Louth, on the east coast of Ireland. The vineyard's oceanic temperate climate, characterised by calm weather, ample rainfall, and just the right amount of sunshine, provides an ideal environment for growing vines and producing high-quality wines perfectly suited to the winery's vision for Irish winemaking. Nestled beside the River Dee, the property enjoys a unique setting that combines gentle maritime influence with the rolling landscape of the Louth countryside.

The Vineyard: Twenty Acres Across Two Distinct Sites

Fairy Trees currently cultivates 20 acres of land organised across two unique fields that the team calls Willistown and The Burren. Each field boasts its own orientation and distinctive characteristics, promising wines with singular tastes that truly embody their origins.

Willistown (12 acres)

Willistown is the principal site at 12 acres and forms the backbone of the estate's production.

The Burren (8 acres)

The Burren, covering 8 acres, gives the winemaking team a contrasting terroir with which to explore site-specific expressions within the wider portfolio.

Across both fields, the estate is home to 7,450 red grape plants and 18,500 white grape plants, totalling 28,000 vines, all cultivated through a permaculture-based approach. Every grape is harvested by hand, a meticulous process that ensures fruit reaches the press in pristine condition.

Why Fairy Trees is Different

Several factors set Fairy Trees Vineyard apart from the rest of the Irish industry:

  • It is the largest commercial-scale vineyard in Ireland, cultivating grape varieties specifically selected and perfectly adapted to Irish soil and climate.
  • The estate works in partnership with INRA (France's National Institute for Agricultural Research), using detailed soil analysis and climate data to ensure optimal varietal selection for Irish conditions.
  • All grapes are hand-harvested to guarantee pristine fruit at the press.
  • Vines are pruned in the Guyot Simple method, a technique that supports balance, finesse and precision in the fruit.
  • The whole estate is managed using permaculture-inspired practices that work in harmony with nature.

The Grape Varieties

The vineyard is planted with a diverse range of varieties selected for cool-climate performance, including:

  • Red varieties: Artaban, Cabernet Cortis, Syrah, Vidoc, Sevar
  • White varieties: Solaris, Floreal, Chardonnay, Bronner, Johanniter, Sauvignac, Opalor, Souvignier Gris

From bud burst in spring to harvest in early autumn, each vine is individually assessed during pruning, and hands-on canopy management techniques are employed throughout the season. The result is healthy vines and grapes of the highest standards of quality, laying the foundation for wines that reflect the care and craftsmanship behind them.

Sustainability and Land Stewardship

From the very beginning, the vineyard was developed with careful consideration for the land. Starting from an open field, the team implemented key-lines to guide the planting of each vine, ensuring optimal alignment with the natural contours of the site. To enhance biodiversity, 2,400 native apple trees were planted, creating a balanced and thriving ecosystem alongside the vines. Six ponds were created to manage excess water effectively while fostering an ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

The winemaking philosophy is rooted in permaculture, inspired by the natural richness found at the edges of forests. As Ireland's largest commercial winery, Fairy Trees' mission is clear: to produce the finest Irish wines and to pave the way for Ireland to become a recognised and celebrated winemaking country in the future.

The Wines

Every Fairy Trees wine is crafted and produced at the winery in Ireland, guided by an experienced winemaking team with deep expertise in still and cool-climate styles. As the team continues to develop and expand the vineyards, they also work with carefully selected fruit that meets exacting standards, allowing them to define a distinctive house style: elegant wines shaped by freshness, balance and precision.

Irish Sparkling Wines (Charmat Method)

The sparkling wines begin life as an uncarbonated base wine. The base is then mixed with a measure of sugar and yeast (the liqueur de tirage) and placed in a large stainless-steel pressure tank. The yeast and sugar cause a second fermentation in the closed tank, held under pressure so that the CO2 from the fermentation is forced into the wine. The second fermentation takes six weeks, after which the sparkling wine is filtered and bottled.

Signature Series: DEARG and BÁN

The Signature Series represents the core expression of Fairy Trees - wines crafted and produced in Ireland with a focus on balance, precision and cool-climate elegance. Each release reflects the defined house style, shaped by freshness, structure and food-friendly versatility.

  • DEARG defines the red identity of the Signature Series - precise, structured and crafted in Ireland with restraint and focus. It displays vibrant aromas of red berries and ripe plum, layered with subtle baking spice, supple structure and a long, elegant finish. Details on DEARG.
  • BÁN expresses the white identity of the Signature Series - refined, precise, with lifted aromas of citrus, orchard fruit and delicate florals. Bright acidity and a clean, persistent finish reflect the focus on balance and clarity. Details on BÁN.

Discovery Series

The Discovery Series reflects the team's commitment to innovation, featuring wines from experimental plantings and progressive techniques. The Discovery Series Irish Rosé, a blend of Cabernet Cortis and Artaban from the 2025 harvest, will be released from March 2026 with limited availability. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed before cool fermentation in stainless-steel tanks to preserve bright red berry, tropical and zesty citrus character.

Terroir Collection: Willistown and The Burren

Terroir at Fairy Trees is the symbol of the team's grounding - wines that reflect where they come from and the character of the people who make them. The Terroir Collection will eventually include a stand-alone Willistown bottling (available from 2027) and a stand-alone The Burren bottling (available from 2028).

New Spirits: Irish Grape Brandy and Irish Wine Liqueur

A new chapter has begun at Fairy Trees Winery with the introduction of what is believed to be Ireland's first Irish Grape Brandy, distilled from wine in the team's 600-litre copper still using the traditional Charentaise double distillation method. The wine is first distilled to create the brouillis at around 32% alc., before a second distillation produces the eau-de-vie at around 78% alc. The spirit is then aged for a minimum of 18 months in traditional French oak barrels, before being finished for six months in Grand Cru casks. Once ready, it is carefully blended and reduced to 40% alc. with reverse-osmosis water, giving the brandy a smooth, fine and silky finish.

The tasting notes describe a golden-amber brandy with aromas of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak and gentle spice; the palate is smooth and rounded, with notes of baked apple, apricot, caramel, toasted almond and a soft, silky finish. It is recommended after dinner with dark chocolate, tarte Tatin, crème brûlée, roasted nuts or mature cheeses.

Alongside the brandy, the team is launching the Irish Wine Liqueur collection at 18% alc., starting with a white and followed by a red. The Irish White Wine Liqueur blends Irish grape juice with the Irish Grape Brandy to deliver notes of orchard fruit, citrus peel, white flowers and honey, with a smooth and lingering finish. Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, with cheese, pâté, smoked salmon or fruit-based desserts.

Visit the Vineyard: Tours and Tastings

Fairy Trees Winery offers an exclusive, intimate vineyard experience in the heart of Ireland, where craftsmanship, landscape and hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Guests stroll through vines overlooking the east coast, hear the story behind the award-winning wines, and enjoy a carefully curated tasting experience designed to delight the senses.

What's Included

  • A guided vineyard walk with the winemaker or host.
  • Insights into sustainable growing and production methods.
  • A premium tasting flight of award-winning wines.
  • Elegant presentation in a relaxed countryside setting.
  • Personalised recommendations and purchase options.

Tour Details

  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Age restriction: visitors must be 18 years or older.
  • Format: small-group and intimate, shaped by French winemaking know-how and the welcoming heart of the Irish countryside.
  • Season: tours run each year from 15 May to 15 October, when the vineyard is at its most vibrant.
  • Booking: spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.

Each tour is ticketed individually, with a 10:00 to 12:00 morning tour and a 14:00 to 16:00 afternoon tour offered on the same day. Weekend and weekday slots run through to 31 August 2026. Examples of current dates include:

Buy the Wines and Spirits Online

Wines can be ordered directly from the Fairy Trees shop, currently shipping to Ireland (North and South). Orders are fulfilled by Crafted Spirits Limited from their head office in Dunleer, Co. Louth, with delivery estimated at 1 to 5 business days. Delivery is free on all orders over €100 to one delivery address. Current listings include:

All prices are inclusive of VAT and duty. When ordering, customers are asked to provide a mobile contact number and a valid Eircode to keep delivery running smoothly. Damaged goods and cancellations are handled by the team via email at info@fairytrees.ie. Full terms are set out under the Terms & Conditions and Delivery information.

Recognition and Awards

Fairy Trees Winery's portfolio has earned recognition at international competitions, including gold and bronze medals at the IWSC and Challenge competitions. The estate is a member of the wider cool-climate winemaking community and is committed to pushing Irish wine forward on the global stage.

Visit, Contact and Practical Information

The winery is based at Willistown, Drumcar Road, Dunleer, Co. Louth, on Ireland's east coast. Visitors are welcomed during the public tour season from mid-May to mid-October.

Stay Connected

Whether arriving for a guided vineyard walk, a tutored tasting of three signature wines, or to taste the very first Irish Grape Brandy, a visit to Fairy Trees offers a chance to discover why Ireland's largest commercial vineyard is helping write a new chapter in the story of cool-climate wine.

Wines & Products (8)

Irish Sparkling Brut · wine EUR 45
Irish Sparkling Rosé · wine EUR 45
Fairy Trees Winery Gift Voucher · other EUR 60
Fairy Trees Signature BÁN – White – Box of 6 x 750ml · wine EUR 96
Fairy Trees Signature Dearg – Red – Box of 6 x 750ml · wine EUR 96
Signature Series Mix case of 6 · wine EUR 96
Irish Grape Brandy · other -
Irish White Wine Liqueur · other -

Shop wines ↗

Tours & Experiences (2)

Guided tour and tasting (10.00-12.00) · 2 hours -
Guided tour and tasting (14.00-16.00) · 2 hours -

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Events (44)

2026-08-06 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-06 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-07 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-07 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-08 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-08 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-10 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-10 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-11 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-11 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-12 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-12 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-13 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-13 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-14 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-14 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-15 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-15 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-17 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-17 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-18 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-18 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-19 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-19 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-20 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-20 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-21 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-21 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-22 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-22 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-24 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-24 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-25 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-25 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-26 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-26 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-27 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-27 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-28 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-28 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-29 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-29 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-31 Guided tour and tasting – 10.00-12.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 10.00-12.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.
2026-08-31 Guided tour and tasting – 14.00-16.00
Guided vineyard and winery tour. Tutored tasting of 3 signature wines. Tours last 2 hours, will start at 14.00-16.00. All visitors must be over 18 years of age.

See all events ↗

Location

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