As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many may reach for a pint of beer to celebrate, but for those looking to truly honor the holiday, a glass of fine wine from Ireland’s 'wine geese' is a fitting tribute. The wine geese were a group of Irish businessmen who fled Ireland in the late 1600s due to political unrest, ultimately establishing themselves in wine-producing regions across Europe.
These enterprising individuals, facing hostile conditions in their homeland, played a significant role in shaping the global wine industry. Many of them settled in France, where they founded renowned wineries and distilleries, including iconic brands like Hennessy Cognac.
One notable figure among the wine geese is Thomas Barton, who left Ireland in 1722 and became a prominent wine merchant in Bordeaux. The Barton family's legacy lives on through prestigious estates like Château Lynch-Bages and Leoville Barton, known for producing exceptional Bordeaux wines.
Irish influence in the wine world extends beyond France, with examples like Edward Gleeson, who established the Clare Valley wine region in Australia in 1842. Today, Irish winemakers continue to make their mark, producing high-quality wines that reflect their heritage.
The Pembroke restaurant at The Dupont Circle Hotel pays homage to the wine geese year-round, offering a curated wine list featuring Irish heritage brands and contemporary selections from Irish winemakers. This celebration of Irish culture and winemaking tradition underscores the enduring legacy of the wine geese and their contributions to the world of wine.
Whether enjoying a glass of Bordeaux or a bottle of Cognac, raising a toast to the wine geese is a nod to the resilience and creativity of these Irish expatriates. Their story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of wine to bring joy and connection across borders and generations.
