Irish Organic White Wine: The Story Behind Fáda’s Field of Dreams
Field of Dreams
Irish organic white wine is emerging as a unique and exciting category within modern winemaking. In Wexford, a remarkable vineyard story showcases how passion and perseverance can transform challenging landscapes into thriving wine projects. What began as a personal vision has evolved into a distinctive expression of craftsmanship. Blending innovation with tradition, this journey highlights the growing potential of Irish vineyards. It’s a story rooted in dedication, resilience and a love for the land.
Fáda an organic white wine, produced in Gorey Co Wexford by Arnaud Clopin of Domaine Kavanagh is made from a blend of Souvignier Gris, Sauvignac, Solaris, Muscaris and Cal04 and it is quite a find.
The passion project, which began in 2011 now culminates in his “Field of Dreams” and a projected production of 3,000 bottles for vintage 2026. If the weather keeps going the way it is, this summer, this is definitely achievable.
In French, the word “fada” is a colloquial, regional term (most commonly used in the South of France and Marseille) that directly translates to “crazy” or “mad”. It can act as both an adjective and a noun (meaning a “crackpot”), Arnaud’s wife Áine, spells her name with a fada, so there is an element of serendipity to the name of his wine.
On a glorious summer morning I was joined by wine journalists, John Wilson (The Irish Times) and Matt Nugent (The Sun) and we visited Arnaud’s “Field of Dreams” located 1km from the town of Gorey in Co Wexford.
Arnaud, orginally from the Champagne region, married Áine over 30 years ago and has been living in Ireland ever since. The day job in the meat industry, compliments his passion for wine. Arnaud is all too aware of the hardship of working with Irish soil in the damp and cold Irish climate, but is undeterred.
He also has plans to develop the site with a visitor’s centre, coffee shop, subject to planning permission. This development project is one perhaps that is slightly unexpected given the vagrancies of the Irish weather, but if brought to fruition, should add a unique tourist attraction to the sunny South East!
This is an extraordinary story of perseverance, dedication and sheer bloody mind-ness.
Hats off to Arnaud and his Field of Dreams and to the remarkable organic white wine he is now producing.
2025 Fáda €45.00
What surprised me was the roundness in the mouth, there is a fresh acidity, but it is balanced by a lush ripe mouthfeel, with wonderful flavours of apple. With an ABV of 11% this wine is a find. Its freshness is the key and the length is considerable. If this is what Irish vineyards are capable of producing, bring it ON!!
Insta: @lakavwines
Fáda can be purchased from Arnaud’s website, the site also sells a range of French wines that Arnaud imports from a selection of trusted French winemakers.
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