Enniskillen Castle Launches ‘The Wine Geese Exhibition’ Celebrating 300 Years of Fermanagh’s Wine Legacy

Fermanagh & Omagh District Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new exhibition at Enniskillen Castle: ‘The Wine Geese Exhibition’, celebrating the remarkable 300th anniversary of Thomas Barton’s journey from Curraghmore, near Kesh, to Bordeaux, where he laid the foundations of one of France’s most storied wineries.

Opening as part of the wider Wine Geese Festival 2025, the exhibition honours Barton’s legacy, tracing his journey from Fermanagh to France and showcasing the extraordinary contribution of Irish emigrants—known as the “Wine Geese”—to the global wine trade.

Born in 1695 on the Barton estate between Kesh and Pettigo, Thomas Barton emigrated in 1725 with his wife, Margaret, and son, William. Settling in Bordeaux, he built a successful wine trading business which continues to thrive today through the prestigious Barton & Guestier label. Affectionately known as “French Tom,” Barton’s story is one of determination, innovation, and international impact while continuing to remember his Fermanagh heritage.

Commenting at the launch of The Wine Geese Exhibition, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, said,

“Although Thomas Barton went on to be highly successful, he never forgot his roots and strong connections in Fermanagh, and this is a key focus of the Festival and the Exhibition. The festival is a celebration of culture, heritage and entrepreneurship showcasing how they influential figures took their expertise and business ethic to France and adapted to new cultures, however, they maintained their roots. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to conserving, developing, promoting and enhancing access to our rich, diverse heritage. Hosting exhibitions such as this helps us to achieve this.

I would like to commend Dr David McNulty for curating this exhibition and organising the month-long programme of events.”

The exhibition, curated by Dr David McNulty, Archivist for the Barton Estate and organiser of the festival, offers a fascinating look at Barton’s early life in Fermanagh, his business acumen, and the broader Wine Geese phenomenon that saw Irish families shape the winemaking traditions of Europe and beyond.

Dr David McNulty stated, “Build it – and they will come. We have spent a year preparing to remember our colourful, extraordinary world disrupting Bartons.
Their story fascinates the world. The world expert on the Irish Wine Geese is flying in from New York. Beijing is sending a film crew.”

The roots of this rich story stretch even deeper into Fermanagh’s past. Thomas Barton’s ancestor, also named Thomas Barton (1553–1626), was the first of the family to settle in the area, having arrived with the Earl of Essex in 1599. Granted land during the Ulster Plantation, the Bartons became central figures in the history of Enniskillen and north Fermanagh. Additionally, the Barton Silver Spoon is held within the Fermanagh County Museum Collection, and features the Barton Family Crest, made in 1761 for Hugh Barton (Thomas Barton’s grandson, William’s fourth son).

The Wine Geese Exhibition will run until 15 June 2025. It is a key part of the Wine Geese Festival, which includes a programme of tastings, talks, and cultural events. Full festival details can be found at: www.fermanaghlakelands.com/wine-geese-festival-events