NOTS are delighted to provide funding for a first-of-its-kind course in organic viticulture (winemaking) in-person in Waterford this coming March 2023.

Learn what’s involved organic winemaking with 2-day course taught by David Dennison of Viking Irish Drinks, one of Ireland’s leading organic winemakers. The course will take place on-farm with the trainer on March 13th and 14th.

Course Information:

• Dates: Monday March 13th & Tuesday March 14th, 2023
• Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm both days
• Venue: Ballinaboola, Halfway House, Co. Waterford, X91 R1W6
• Trainer: David Dennison of Viking Irish Drinks
• Cost:  €100 when you sign up through NOTS

Course Content – Day 1 – Monday 13th March:

1. Understanding viticulture in Ireland- what and where vines can be grown, practical demonstration of a small vineyard setup, soil preparation using organic methods. Vineyard walk.
2. Vine types that can be used in Ireland to produce wines, climate change and working organically .
3. The cycle of the vineyard, from pruning to harvest time. Systematic approach to wine tasting with food matching.
4. Questions & Answer Sessions

Course Content – Day 2 – Tuesday 14th March:

1. Training the vines,/ the methods, and identifying terroir and sites.
2. Vendange – an introduction to the basics of wine making and techniques.
3. Maturation and bottling of wines
4. Questions & Answer Sessions

Please note, places are limited to 20, so sign up ASAP to confirm your place.