The Wine Geese Return: Fermanagh’s Barton Legacy

In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Irish families left these shores in search of a new life. Among them were the “Wine Geese”—a remarkable group of emigrants who found their future not through warfare or politics, but through winemaking. These pioneers built some of the finest vineyards in France, particularly in Bordeaux, while keeping strong ties to home.

This June, Enniskillen honours its own Wine Geese story—with a celebration that blends global heritage with local culture and flavour.

Fermanagh’s Wine Geese: The Barton Family

In 1722, Thomas Barton, born near Pettigo, left Fermanagh for Bordeaux. There, he founded a wine legacy that would span generations. His descendants still run two of the world’s most prestigious vineyards—Château Léoville Barton and Château Langoa Barton—making the Bartons one of the longest-standing families in French winemaking.

Despite their international success, the Bartons never lost their connection to Fermanagh, retaining ownership of and are still regarded as one of the region’s most internationally significant families.

Now, almost 300 years later, their story is coming full circle—back to the lakes, land and community that shaped it.

How We’re Celebrating in Enniskillen

Thanks to the efforts of the Fermanagh Genealogy Society, the Wine Geese Festival will run from 31st May to 28th June 2025, with a series of events across the county highlighting Irish-French wine heritage, the Barton family’s roots, and Fermanagh’s food and drink credentials.

Gourmet Grocer Wine, Art & Cheese Evening

A standout moment in the festival calendar takes place at Gourmet Grocer, an artisan food store and café in Enniskillen.

Wednesday 4th June 2025
🕣 8:30pm
📍 Gourmet Grocer, Enniskillen
🎟️ cassidyhospitality.com/winegeesefestival

Enjoy a guided tasting of Barton wine, paired with locally sourced cheeses and accompanied by an art showcase of local talent, enabling you to take a piece of Fermanagh home.

During the festival, Cassidy Hospitality Group venues in Enniskillen will pay tribute to the Barton legacy through a series of specially created Wine Geese–inspired cocktails.

Participating venues include:

– The Westville Hotel
– The Firehouse
– The Crowes Nest

Featured cocktails:

Taking centre stage is the Bishop of Bordeaux – an elegant 18th-century cocktail once favoured by Irish merchants in France. With a blend of rum, Bordeaux white wine, lime, and sugar syrup, it pays tribute to Thomas Barton’s journey from Fermanagh to the heart of French wine country.

Joining it is Old Tom & the Bishop – a contemporary twist rooted in local provenance. Crafted with Fermanagh’s own Old Tom Boatyard Gin, this aromatic serve brings the story home, uniting French sophistication with Irish spirit and flavour.

This festival serves honour the Barton journey and showcase the strength of Fermanagh’s modern food and drink scene.

Heritage in Every Pour

From French wine to Fermanagh gin, from ancient estates to Enniskillen’s bars and cafés, the Wine Geese Festival celebrates more than wine. It’s about provenance, pride and place – about bringing the Barton story home and pouring it into every experience.

Join us this June, as Fermanagh becomes a stage for one of Ireland’s greatest legacy stories—told not only through words, but through flavour.