For one weekend only, here’s where you can immerse yourself in a world of international wine

Let’s be honest with ourselves here — January lasted approximately 84 years. Thankfully, we’ve finally seen the back of it, and I, for one, believe that’s cause for celebration.

So, if you want to mark the end of Dry January, celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend in style, or fancy getting all loved up a little bit early this Valentine’s, now’s the time to book a sensational escape.

Taking place this weekend, Friday 3 to Sunday 5 February, Ashford Castle is hosting a weekend dedicated to combining outstanding world wines with exceptional Irish produce. ‘Wine and Dine with the Modern Wild Irish Geese’ is a Meet the Makers event that features a rare opportunity to meet and learn from some of Ireland’s leading winemakers, all of whom are first generation Irish Wine Geese.

On Friday evening, guests will enjoy a sparkling wine reception from Dermot Sugrue, who hails from near Limerick and is now one of the most influential and prolific winemakers on the English sparkling wine scene. This is then followed by a four-course meal at Cullen’s at the Cottage on the Ashford Estate. The meal will feature ingredients from local and Irish producers — including from the Estate — and will be complemented by wines from the renowned group of Irish winemakers.

These Irish winemakers include Roísín Curley: Burgundy, Dermot and Ana Sugrue: Sugrue Wines, and Liam and Sinead Cabot: Roka Wines, Slovenia.

On Saturday, guests will join the Wild Geese winemakers for a masterclass and tasting, and will meet in the Castle’s wine cellar that evening to enjoy a reception featuring Dermot Sugrue’s award-winning sparkling wine.

A private, six-course wine dinner will follow, featuring Chateau de Fieuzal from the Bordeaux region with yet another Irish connection. In 2001, well-known businessman Lochlainn Quinn purchased the Chateau de Fieuzal property, which is in the Graves region, on the left bank of the Garonne River.

The menu will be devised by Ashford Castle’s new Executive Head Chef, Liam Finnegan, to complement the perfectly balanced Chateau de Fieuzal wines.

Priced from €1,040 per person sharing, guests will dine alongside leading winemakers as they enjoy their fine wines. Spaces are sure to fill up in a flash, so make your reservation today by emailing [email protected] or call 094 954 6003.