# Rising heat turns Ireland into surprise wine country with 42 vineyards

2026-08-13T16:19:13+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

As a heatwave scorches southern Europe and fuels wildfires, Ireland is emerging as an unlikely wine destination. The island now has five fully-licensed commercial vineyards and 37 smaller operations, with growers expecting bumper harvests in the summer of 2026. Bertrand Laclie, founder of Ireland’s largest vineyard in Co Louth, told The Times he saw climate change predictions as a commercial opportunity and now sells wines at Dublin Airport. David Dennison of Viking Irish Drinks in Co Waterford said this year’s crop could be his biggest yet. Foreign investors, including a French winemaker and a Californian, have been inquiring about setting up vineyards.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ireland-is-becoming-an-unlikely-wine-country-as-temperatures-rise-the-island-now-has-42-vineyards-with-growers-reporting-bumper-2026-crops/articleshow/133207833.cms>

Tags: climate change, European agriculture, heatwave, Ireland, vineyards, wine
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