Jean Smullen

Pictured:  David Dennison's Vineyards in Waterford Want to learn more about Irish winemaking? Then step into a magical world at Ireland’s only organic vineyard and cider orchards with Viking Irish Tours. Discover the changing beauty of the seasons, the craft behind sustainable winemaking and cider production, and the warmth of Irish hospitality. Each tour is designed to immerse you in nature, local tradition, and the vibrant life of the vineyard and orchards.

Celebrated on Sunday 26th July, 2026, Fraughan Sunday (pronounced frockin) marks the beginning of the ancient harvest festival, Lúnasa, when traditionally people would go in search of wild fraughans, (wild blueberries). 'Fraughan' comes from the Irish word for heather, fraughans like to grow where the heather grows, in acidic soil. They are the ancestor of the modern blueberry are nutritious and high in antioxidants and vitamins. At Glendalough Distillery, the tradition never really stopped.

New Zealand Winegrowers are deeply saddened by the news of Sam Neill's passing. Not only was Sam a beloved Kiwi film legend, but he was also an iconic figure in the New Zealand wine industry. Sam was a tireless advocate for New Zealand wine over many decades. After purchasing his first vineyard block in Central Otago in 1991, he established Two Paddocks in 1993.