John Wilson

Contributor

John Wilson, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a wine critic.

Connect

Why are Americans drinking less wine and will the same thing happen here?

How to Drink Better: A recent Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans did not drink any wine in 2025

Sun Nov 23 2025 - 05:00

Favourite picks from Dublin’s longstanding independent wine shops

We profile three of the capital’s growing band of independent wine outlets, with the owners each recommending a favourite bottle

Sat Nov 22 2025 - 05:00

Two good-value Tesco wines using familiar grapes

Wines for the Weekend: You’ll get both these bottles at lower prices with Tesco’s loyalty card

Fri Nov 21 2025 - 05:00

Party time: five simple but delicious cocktails to make with sparkling wine

How to Drink Better: There’s no need to use expensive Champagne in most sparkling cocktails

Sun Nov 16 2025 - 05:00

John Wilson’s top picks from smaller Irish wine importers

One of these four wines left me struggling for superlatives

Sat Nov 15 2025 - 05:00

Two familiar wines from France, including a Bordeaux bargain

Wines for the Weekend: If you’re a fan of Bordeaux, stock up on this wine now

Fri Nov 14 2025 - 05:04

How much wine will one vine produce?

How to Drink Better: There are a lot of factors at play but it’s accepted that some grapes have a much greater yield than others

Sun Nov 09 2025 - 05:40

Four prize-winning wines to buy right now in your local off-licence

These bottles are all winners in the Star Awards run by independent wine shops and off-licences

Sat Nov 08 2025 - 05:00

Two great French wines from Lidl to drink on their own or with food

Wines for the Weekend: This white is a favourite of Irish wine-drinkers while the red is a good-value Burgundy

Fri Nov 07 2025 - 05:07

What is Port and why is it so popular in winter?

How to Drink Better: This Portuguese fortified wine is warming, cosy and sweet. And it matches with lots of foods

Sun Nov 02 2025 - 06:00

Portuguese picks: Move on from Vinho Verde, try Dão, Lisboa or Alentejo

John Wilson: We all know about Vinho Verde, but how about Dão, Lisboa or Alentejo?

Sat Nov 01 2025 - 05:15

We all love Rioja Reserva, but there’s so much more to the region

Try this white oak-aged Rioja and a Rioja Crianza

Fri Oct 31 2025 - 05:00

John Wilson’s guide to German wines: did you know that most of them are now dry?

How to Drink Better: The days of cheap and very sweet German wines dominating the Irish market are long gone

Sun Oct 26 2025 - 06:00

Go alcohol-free with John Wilson’s pick of wines, beers and more

With Dry November just around the corner, now might be a good time to familiarise yourself with more alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks

Sat Oct 25 2025 - 05:11

Forget sweet liebfraumilch, this riesling is the German wine to try

SuperValu also has a rich and smooth red from a small region in Catalunya on promotion

Fri Oct 24 2025 - 05:00