Fine wine in the sunshine
As the season brings lighter evenings and outdoor dining, shoppers are on the lookout for refreshing and food-friendly wines, Donna Ahern reports
Print1 August 2025
With warmer weather encouraging outdoor gatherings and social occasions, wine is well-positioned to meet increased consumer demand.
While the wine category has been facing some challenging market conditions globally, there was some positive news for wine sales in Ireland in 2023, with sales volumes rising by nearly 7%, to more than nine million cases.
According to the most recent Wine Report from Drinks Ireland, wine remains the nations’ second most popular alcohol beverage, with only beer commanding a larger portion of the market.
Wine’s share of the overall drinks market grew by 5.9% in 2023, reaching 28.3%, following a period of stagnant sales in 2022 and a decline in 2021.
This increase in wine sales comes in contrast to decreases seen in other alcohol categories last year.
The Irish wine trade made a substantial contribution to the exchequer, generating €395 million in excise duty alone in 2023.
“The improvement in wine sales figures in 2023 is encouraging for the category, especially following some relatively poor performances in recent years,” said Cormac Healy, director, Drinks Ireland.
“Given wine’s popularity, the patterns we’re seeing in how customers enjoy the beverage speak volumes about broader trends in the Irish market. As consumer behaviour shifts, we’re noticing a distinct movement towards moderation, with a ‘less but better’ approach driving preferences.”
Healy notes that people are increasingly choosing quality over quantity, opting for premium and sustainable options. This trend is particularly strong among younger generations, such as Gen Z.
It’s an ideal setting for wine brands and suppliers to share their summer selections and for retailers to highlight their curated offerings.
Beyond the numbers, there’s also a growing cultural trend worth noting: Celebrity wines are gaining popularity in today’s market, with names like Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Ireland’s own Graham Norton and Amy Huberman leading the charge. Consumers are increasingly drawn to these wines not just for their taste, but for the connection they offer to familiar and trusted personalities. Produced in collaboration with respected winemakers these wines feel more approachable and often reflect the lifestyle or values associated with the celebrity, making them an appealing choice for a wide audience.
Their strong branding, social media reach, and local relevance have helped make celebrity wines both a fashionable and accessible option for today’s consumers.
Graham Norton
Graham Norton and Invivo Cofounders Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne
Arguably Ireland’s favourite West Cork native, Graham Norton’s wine brand is thriving as one of Ireland’s top 20 wine brands. Since 2014, Norton has partnered with New Zealand winery Invivo and its Cofounders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron to craft the award-winning GN wine and spirit’s range. Each year, Norton plays an active role in tasting and blending the new vintage of GN New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
For the New Zealand harvest this year, Norton rolled up his sleeves in the sunny Awatere Valley, getting hands-on with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality with Tim and Rob – an essential step in crafting the next, twelfth, vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.
During this visit, Norton was uniquely recognised as Marlborough’s first-ever ‘Grape Ambassador’ by the mayor of Marlborough Nadine Taylor, in acknowledgment of his long-standing advocacy for Sauvignon Blanc.
Invivo was founded by two Kiwi wine entrepreneurs Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in 2008. The long-standing partnership between Norton and Invivo began in 2014 with a single New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine and spirits portfolio, now including ten products and more than 300 accolades. Today, GN Wines is a top-selling brand and commercial success in multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, USA and Japan. Proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Norton’s range includes his best-selling (and awarded) Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand joined by a wildly popular New Zealand Rosé, Graham Norton’s Australian Shiraz and South African Sauvignon Blanc. The most recent addition to the range is an Argentinian Malbec named He-Devil after Norton’s memoirs ‘The Lives and Loves of a He-Devil’.
The standout quote from the publication states, “My He-Devil was crafted to turn heads, break hearts, and leave you craving more… and it delivers on every level.” In relation to bubbles GN Frizzante Bianco and the GN Frizzante Rosé are wildly popular in Ireland.
Moving onto Spirits – Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gins celebrates Graham’s West Cork Heritage, the beauty and flavours of his idyllic native county and his award-winning flair for blending perfection
Graham – has three Gin’s in the portfolio: Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin, Irish Pink Gin and Irish Marmalade Gin. The latest spirit addition is Graham Norton’s Own Irish Vodka – made form potatoes it is ridiculously smooth on the palate!
Graham Norton’s wine and spirits are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam
McGuigan
McGuigan ZERO Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc
McGuigan wines continue to outperform the market as the number 1 Australian Wine brand in Ireland.
The Black Label range comprises of a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rosé and Malbec. McGuigan show their innovation having introduced McGuigan Frizzante to the market this is a light style of sparkling full of lively yet delicate bubbles that give a crisp and refreshing sparkle.
The latest addition to the McGuigan Portfolio is McGuigan ZERO. A true trailblazer
Delivering an unrivalled taste with zero alcohol, McGuigan Wines pledges to make great quality wine accessible to everyone around the world for every occasion. The company has subsequently been named IWSC International Winemaker of the Year a record breaking four times and its commitment to alcohol free wines is no different. McGuigan Zero is a trailblazer in its category.
The range offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate. Currently 4 lines in the range; Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product. The fruit has been sourced and selected specially for McGuigan Zero from premium vineyards in Southeastern Australia. The quality of the fruit and its adaptability to the alcohol removal process ensures that customers are drinking the best possible alcohol-free wines.
McGuigan Wines, Ireland’s number one Australian wine brand, proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Villa Maria
Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon Blanc
Villa Maria, New Zealand’s premier wine brand, has achieved significant success in Ireland, becoming the country’s leading New Zealand wine label. 2024, was a record year for sales. With Sauvignon Blanc leading the way with Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay are also growing steadily. Its diverse and award-winning portfolio caters to a wide range of consumer preferences, from everyday wines to premium selections. Later, this year we will see vintage 2025 on shelves nationwide with a beautiful new look label across the range.
Private Bin Range
Villa Maria’s flagship line, renowned for its consistency and quality, includes:
Sauvignon Blanc: A vibrant wine with tropical fruit notes and crisp acidity.
Pinot Grigio: Light and refreshing, offering citrus and pear flavours.
Chardonnay: A balanced wine with hints of stone fruit and subtle oak.
Riesling: A zesty white with floral notes and a touch of sweetness.
Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec: A rich red blend with berry and spice flavours.
Reserve Range
Showcasing the best of Marlborough’s terroir, this premium line includes:
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc: From the Wairau Valley, featuring tropical fruit and herbaceous notes.
Cellar Selection Range
A collection of limited-edition wines with unique characteristics, such as: Cellar Selection Pinot Noir: A complex red with dark fruit and earthy undertones.
Blush Sauvignon Blanc
A unique blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Merlot, offering a pale pink hue and flavours of passionfruit and cranberry with a stunning new label. Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon Blanc delivers the taste experience of New Zealand’s favourite white wine with a beautiful pale pink twist.
Villa Maria’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous accolades, solidifying its position as a top choice among Irish consumers. Its diverse range ensures there’s a Villa Maria wine for every occasion and palate. New look for Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon Blanc from vintage 2024.
Villa Maria – Ireland’s number one New Zealand wine brand, proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Kylie Minogue Wines
Kylie Minogue holding her Frizzante Sparkling Prosecco Rosé
Kylie Minogue Wines is an elegant portfolio of bespoke wines, crafted with passion and integrity, perfect for every occasion. Launched in 2020 on Kylie’s birthday, 28 of May, the rosé quickly became one of the most successful launches in its category ever. Kylie Minogue Wines has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon.
The wine portfolio has sold nine million bottles since launch (that’s over 43 million glasses of Kylie Minogue Wine poured) and is available to purchase in 32 countries
Kylie Minogue now has five rosés in her wine portfolio – Sparkling Prosecco Spumante, Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante, Cotes des Provence, Signature Rosé and 0% Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.
This signature range comprises of two wines from France including the delicate pale-dry rosé made from Carignan, Grenache & Cinsualt grapes, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Thau.
Kylie also has a delicious Prosecco Frizzante produced in the heart of Veneto on the picturesque hills of Gambellara. This wine is fresh and fragrant with a marked aromatic character rich in floral scents of acacia and wisteria flowers.
Which was followed by the launch of Kylie 0% Alcohol Sparkling Blanc. This is an elegant non-alcoholic Sparkling with delicate notes of jasmine and a refined finish, offering a sophisticated and refreshing experience for any occasion.
Produced with premium European grapes and hand-picked green tea from the Liu-Da Mountains of Yunnan.
The innovative fermentation method reduces sugars by up to 30%, generates no alcohol yet delivers all the subtle flavours and characteristics of a traditionally fermented wine.’
Kylie Minogue Wines proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Savour the summer
Barefoot Wine is set to make every sunny and summer gathering an instant hit with its vibrant range of wines and effortless food pairings. Whether you’re hosting a chilled-out brunch or firing up the barbecue, discover how Barefoot Wine can elevate your summer feasts with no fuss, just fun – there’s a Barefoot for every palate and every plate.
Make the most of the brighter days with friends and family with delicious food, perfect pours and good company.
Discover Barefoot’s guide to perfect summer pairings.
The ultimate Barefoot brunch pairings
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagels with Barefoot Pinot Grigio: The crisp acidity and light citrus notes of Barefoot Pinot Grigio cut through the richness of the salmon and cream cheese beautifully, creating a refreshing and elegant pairing. Tasting notes: Green apple, pear, and a zesty finish.
Full Irish Breakfast (or a lighter fry-up!) & Barefoot Merlot: For those who enjoy a heartier brunch, the smooth, ripe fruit flavours of Barefoot Merlot, with its notes of cherry and plum, complement sausages, bacon, and black pudding without overpowering them.
Tasting notes: Blackberry, raspberry, and a touch of vanilla.
Avocado Toast with a Poached Egg & Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc: The zesty, herbaceous character of Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic match for the green goodness of avocado and the richness of a runny egg yolk.
Tasting notes: Melon, pineapple, and a crisp, grassy finish.
Spicy Chorizo and Sweet Potato Hash with Barefoot White Zinfandel: The delightful sweetness and fruity notes of strawberry and melon in Barefoot White Zinfandel provide a lovely counterpoint to the mild spice of chorizo and the sweetness of the potatoes.
Tasting notes: Ripe strawberries, melon, and a hint of citrus with a refreshing, sweet finish.
Sizzling BBQ matches with Barefoot: Classic Beef Burgers with Barefoot Malbec: The robust flavours and dark fruit notes of Barefoot Malbec stand up brilliantly to juicy grilled beef burgers, especially those with a smoky char.
Tasting notes: Dark cherry, plum, and a hint of spice.
Grilled Prawn & Vegetable Skewers with Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay: The creamy texture and notes of pineapple and vanilla in Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay enhance the sweetness of grilled prawns and charred summer vegetables.
Tasting notes: Toasted oak, baked apple, and a creamy vanilla finish.
Sweet & Sticky BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers with Barefoot White Zinfandel: The fruity sweetness of Barefoot White Zinfandel perfectly complements chicken glazed with a sweet BBQ sauce and adds a refreshing touch alongside grilled pineapple.
Tasting notes: Ripe strawberries, melon, and a hint of citrus with a refreshing, sweet finish.
Top tips for easy summer entertaining
Chill your Whites & Rosés: Ensure your Barefoot Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Buttery Chardonnay and White Zinfandel are nicely chilled for ultimate refreshment. Even reds like Merlot can benefit from a slight chill on a very warm day (around 15-20 minutes in the fridge.)
Twist and go: Barefoot’s convenient twist cap means you spend less time opening and more time enjoying. Perfect for picnics and easy garden entertaining.
Offer variety: With Barefoot’s range, you can easily offer a selection to please every guest.
Keep it simple: The best summer gatherings are relaxed. Focus on fresh, simple food, great company, and, of course, delicious, easy-to-open Barefoot wine.
Let’s raise a glass to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and fantastic food and wine. Make Barefoot your go-to for creating unforgettable memories this season. Fun, flavourful, and approachable, there is a Barefoot Wine for everyone. The range includes Barefoot Jammy Red, Barefoot Merlot, Barefoot Malbec, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc, Barefoot Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Chardonnay and Barefoot Moscato alongside Barefoot White Zinfandel, Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio and Barefoot Pink Moscato. Packed with big flavours and gorgeous aromas – there’s plenty to choose from!
Barefoot Wine is available from all good stockists, RRP €10.50.
Ah
As we approach the middle of the Irish summer and the weather is warmer (sometimes), there’s nothing quite like a crisp, refreshing glass of wine to celebrate the season. Enter Amy Huberman’s latest creation — a beautifully bright and vibrant Spanish Sauvignon Blanc and Rose Cava that both perfectly captures the spirit of summer.
Known for her warmth, wit, and effortless style, Amy has poured that same energy into crafting a wine that feels like sunshine in a glass. Light, lively, and bursting with character, her new releases are the ultimate companion for lazy afternoons, garden parties, and sunset catch-ups with friends.
The Sauvignon Blanc Delicately balanced, with notes of juicy citrus, ripe peach, and a hint of wildflowers, each sip dances on the palate, offering a refreshing lift without ever feeling heavy. It’s the kind of wine that invites a second glass — and maybe even a third — as the conversation flows and the evening lingers.
Whether served chilled on its own or paired with fresh seafood, vibrant salads, or a simple picnic spread, Amy Huberman’s summer wine is destined to become your go-to bottle this season. Stylish yet approachable, elegant yet playful — just like Amy herself — it’s a taste of summer you’ll want to savour again and again.
This summer, raise a glass to great company, unforgettable memories, and a wine that knows exactly how to make every moment shine.
Cheers to summer, Amy-style.
Santa Rita
As summer brings longer evenings and brighter days, consumers are increasingly reaching for fresh, expressive wines that offer quality, character, and exceptional value. From the vineyards of Chile to the high-altitude plains of Argentina, Viña Santa Rita, Viña Carmen, and Doña Paula offer a dynamic and versatile range of wines ideally suited to summer enjoyment—whether dining al fresco, entertaining, or simply enjoying a refreshing glass.
Among the season’s standout offerings is the Santa Rita 120 Zero% Sauvignon Blanc, an alcohol-free option retailing at just €5 Pale straw in colour, it offers lively citrus, green apple, and herbal aromas. Crisp and zesty on the palate, with notes of grapefruit and lime, this wine is perfect for those seeking flavour and freshness with minimal alcohol.
Two popular choices also from the Santa Rita 120 range are the Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, which captures the maritime influence of Chile’s Leyda and Casablanca valleys. Bursting with citrus blossom, lime zest, and a hint of salinity, this wine is crisp, vibrant, and refreshing—an ideal partner for seafood, salads, and sunshine. Meanwhile, the Santa Rita 120 Deep Red offers something more robust without sacrificing approachability. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenère, it delivers dark fruit, spice, and herbal notes in a structured yet smooth profile—an excellent choice for barbecues and summer evening gatherings.
For those seeking wines with a story of origin, Medalla Real offers a window into Chile’s finest terroirs. Established in 1983 and internationally recognised since 1987, this range reflects decades of winemaking excellence. From crisp Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc to structured Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and elegant Apalta Carmenère, Medalla Real captures the varietal character and regional nuance that define premium Chilean wine.
At the forefront of innovation and expression of origin is Floresta, a remarkable collection from Viña Santa Rita. Part of the Colección de Origen, this ultra-premium range offers “a different look at Chile’s classic varieties”, revealing the depth and richness of unique terroirs of Chile’s best wine-producing regions. Under the guidance of winemaker Teresita Ovalle, these wines are crafted to highlight the vineyard and variety, with minimal oenological intervention. Among the standout wines in the range is Floresta Chardonnay, sourced from Limarí’s coastal oasis, offering elegance, minerality, and purity from clay-granite soils over calcareous stone. The Floresta Carmenère, hailing from an 80-year-old Apalta vineyard, shows the variety’s full potential in a savoury, early harvested, concrete-aged expression.
Finally, from across the Andes, Doña Paula’s Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc from Mendoza is a summer staple in the market. Zesty, aromatic, and brimming with tropical fruit and citrus, this high-altitude white is as bright and refreshing as the season itself. For those who prefer a well-structured red, the Doña Paula Estate Malbec Argentine Edition offers vibrant dark fruit, subtle spice, and velvety tannins—an elegant and expressive Malbec ideal for summer grills or evening sipping.
With everything from mindful drinking options to terroir-driven expressions and award-winning classics, this summer’s South American selection offers something for every palate and every occasion.
Summer selections from the Andes: A taste of Chile and Argentina
As longer evenings and warmer days arrive, consumers seek wines that combine freshness, character, and value. From Chile’s coastal vineyards to Argentina’s high-altitude plains, Viña Santa Rita and Doña Paula present a versatile portfolio ideal for summer occasions—whether al fresco dining, entertaining, or unwinding with a glass.
A standout this season is Santa Rita 120 Zero% Sauvignon Blanc, an alcohol-free option retailing at €5.00. Pale straw in colour, it delivers crisp citrus, green apple, and herbal notes—ideal for those seeking flavour with minimal alcohol.
Two popular wines from the Santa Rita 120 range include the Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, which showcases Chile’s Leyda and Casablanca valleys with notes of citrus blossom, lime zest, and refreshing salinity—perfect for pairing with seafood and salads. For fuller-bodied enjoyment, 120 Deep Red blends Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenère, offering rich fruit, spice, and smooth structure—an ideal match for your BBQ.
For those seeking regional expression, Medalla Real showcases Chile’s premium terroirs—from crisp Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc to elegant Apalta Carmenère—each wine carefully crafted over decades of winemaking excellence.
At the ultra-premium level, Floresta—crafted by winemaker Teresita Ovalle—offers a terroir-driven view of Chile’s classic varieties, including a mineral, elegant Chardonnay from Limarí and a savoury, concrete-aged Carmenère from 80-year-old Apalta vines.
Across the Andes, Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc is a zesty, high-altitude white bursting with tropical fruit. For red wine enthusiasts, the Estate Malbec Argentine Edition offers vibrant fruit, spice, and velvety tannins—an elegant accompaniment for summer evenings.
This season, South America offers something for every palate and occasion.
Vina Sol
The story began in 1962 when Miguel Torres produced a small quantity of Parellada grapes, the traditional white variety of Alt Penedès, which gives the wine its signature fresh and fruity aroma.
In 2022, Viña Sol redesigned its bottles to highlight its most important symbol—the sun. Born close to the Mediterranean, the sun is part of Viña Sol’s DNA. It accompanies the wine through every stage of its journey. Today, the winery is powered by 100% solar energy from its own panels, ensuring that from vineyard to cellar, everything is crafted with the sun. This connection gives Viña Sol its enduring brightness and unique character.
In 2023, Findlater proudly introduced Viña Sol Sauvignon Blanc to the Irish market, supporting the brand’s ambition to grow its presence globally in the white wine category.
Following the success of the 2024 Summer Edition, this year we’re excited to launch the Viña Sol Summer Edition 2025 : Chill & See—a new take on a seasonal favourite that continues to celebrate the sun-soaked spirit of Viña Sol. Designed to capture the joy of Mediterranean living, this edition brings the story full circle: from the vineyard to the glass, once again made with the sun.
Cono Sur
Cono Sur is present in seven of Chile’s most important wine valleys, crafting expressive wines that capture the diversity of the land.
Since its foundation, Cono Sur has been deeply committed to sustainability. This unwavering dedication has earned the winery B Corp certification, meeting the highest global standards in social and environmental performance, transparency, and corporate responsibility.
In 2012, Cono Sur introduced the now iconic bicycle label as a tribute to the vineyard workers who cycle through the vines each day. The bicycle quickly became a symbol of the winery’s values: simplicity, respect for nature, and a forward thinking approach to winemaking.
Last year, the entire Cono Sur Bicicleta range was refreshed with a new look, while preserving the same great taste that consumers know and love. The new label retains the bicycle symbol at its heart but presents it through a more contemporary, premium and shelf friendly design, reflecting the brand’s ongoing evolution.
This year, we are welcoming the Cono Sur Bicicleta Red Blend to the Irish market.
You can now discover the new Bicicleta label across major retailers nationwide, making it easier than ever to enjoy Cono Sur’s sustainably crafted wines with a fresh new face. Whether you’re picking up a classic Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, look out for the new label on shelves near you
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