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Uncorked with Raymond Gleug: The life and wines of an Irish News rock star

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/01 .. e-life-and-wines-of-an-irish-news-rock-star.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 2:39 GMT by The Irish News
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Uncorked with Raymond Gleug: The Life and Wines of an Irish News Rock Star

The Irish News has long been a bastion of journalism, offering sharp commentary, in-depth investigative pieces, and, for many readers, a reliable taste in wine. At the heart of the paper’s wine column is Raymond Gleug – a man whose passion for viticulture has turned him into something of a rock‑star within the Irish media landscape. In a feature that digs into Gleug’s background, his career, and his unique approach to wine, the article reveals why his column has become a staple for readers looking to pair a glass of something extraordinary with a Sunday lunch or a late‑night chat.

A Humble Beginning in the Highlands

The story begins with Gleug’s upbringing in the lush hills of County Cork, where the family farm produced its own small‑scale orchard of fruit and grapes. Even as a child, Gleug was fascinated by the processes that turned vines into bottles. “It was always about the terroir,” he says. “Every little change in the soil or the weather had a direct effect on the wine.” This early exposure sowed the seeds for a career that would eventually see him travel from the rolling vineyards of the Mediterranean to the cellars of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

From Print to Pour

Gleug’s entry into journalism was a natural progression. He began as a copywriter for a local newspaper, learning the craft of storytelling while working the newsroom’s daily grind. In his mid‑twenties, a serendipitous opportunity arose when he was asked to cover a regional wine festival. The experience was a turning point. “Seeing people, their faces, the way a single sip could bring back memories – that was the real thrill,” he recalls. It was then that he decided to specialise in wine journalism, a niche that would distinguish him from his peers.

His first major assignment came when The Irish News launched a new “Wine & Spirits” supplement. Gleug was chosen to spearhead the section, bringing with him a fresh perspective that blended rigorous analysis with a relatable tone. The column quickly gained traction, attracting a readership that ranged from seasoned oenophiles to casual wine lovers.

The “Rock Star” Persona

The article aptly describes Gleug as a “rock star” – not for his stage presence, but for his magnetic personality and unabashed enthusiasm. He has a knack for turning complex tasting notes into vivid, everyday language. “I love the idea of telling a story with a glass,” he says. His writing style is often compared to a live music performance – energetic, spontaneous, and always leaving the audience wanting more.

This charisma extends beyond the written word. Gleug is a frequent speaker at wine tastings, seminars, and even charity galas, where he combines his expertise with a penchant for storytelling. “Wine is about culture, community, and connection,” he tells his audience. “I think that’s why people relate to me; I’m not just a critic, I’m a fellow traveler on a journey through the world’s vineyards.”

A Catalogue of Influence

The feature includes a montage of his most celebrated reviews and the vineyards he has championed. Gleug has a particular affection for small‑batch producers in France’s Loire Valley and Italy’s Umbria region. His 2018 review of a rare Tuscan rosé earned the paper a national award for journalism, and the wine itself saw a spike in sales across Irish distributors.

Beyond writing, Gleug has served on the judging panels for several prestigious competitions, such as the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and the Decanter World Wine Awards. His expertise has helped shape the narratives around emerging wine trends in Ireland, from the rise of organic wine production to the growing popularity of sparkling blends made in the Irish climate.

A Personal Touch

One of the article’s highlights is a profile of Gleug’s “home office,” a modest space in his Cork home where he keeps a collection of over 2,000 wine bottles. The shelves are lined with personal mementos – a cork from a 1975 Bordeaux he won at a charity auction, a wine glass that belonged to his grandfather, and a photograph of his first tasting in the vineyards of Napa. Gleug’s collection is not merely a showcase; it’s a testament to a life spent cultivating a passion that extends beyond the page.

He also shares an intimate look at his family, particularly his son who, in a heartfelt interview, recounts how his father’s enthusiasm for wine has influenced the family’s own weekend gatherings. “Every Sunday, we make a bottle of our own – it’s a tradition now,” his son says. The article frames Gleug’s influence as one that is both professional and deeply personal, weaving together the lines between work and home.

The Future of Irish Wine Journalism

The piece closes on a forward‑looking note. Gleug’s commitment to evolving the Irish wine conversation is evident in his recent initiatives. He has launched a podcast, Uncorked, which pairs guests from the wine world with candid conversations about the industry’s future. He is also collaborating with the Irish Food & Drink Association to create educational workshops for budding sommeliers.

In the world of journalism, where the trend toward digital content is often fast and unforgiving, Gleug has maintained a steady stream of thoughtful, nuanced analysis that resonates with a diverse readership. “The goal is always to keep the conversation alive,” he tells the author. “Wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural conversation that we should keep telling.”

In sum, the article paints a portrait of a man who has turned his love of wine into a vibrant career that informs, entertains, and inspires. Whether he is reviewing a boutique vineyard in Burgundy or sharing a personal anecdote in a Cork kitchen, Raymond Gleug remains, undeniably, an Irish News rock star – not on a stage, but on the pages that bring the world’s vineyards to readers’ fingertips.