The history of Barton & Guestier is passionate and rich. Almost three centuries of wines, labels, markets, people and passion...
In this year of the 290th anniversary celebration, it is time to learn more about young Thomas Barton.

Thomas Barton was born on 21st December 1695, at his father's house at Curraghmore beside Boa Island, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh and sent to school in Ballyshannon. His mother was a Dixon of Ballyshannon and after finishing school he worked with his two uncles who were one of the main merchants in the town at the time. The mall quay in Ballyshannon was a very busy port at the time and did a lot of trading with Bordeaux. Thomas Barton was married on 1st Nov 1722 to Margaret Delap of the Delap Estate (which consisted of Market st, College st and chapel st) Ballyshannon, and their only child William was born in Anna Delap's house in Market street, Ballyshannon on 5th August 1723*. The following year Thomas emigrated to France and worked as a factor at Marseille and Montpellier as well as looking after the Uncles' business in France before moving to Bordeaux and establishing his wine firm in 1725, when he was thirty years old...

*By a strange coincidence William's birth house is today one of the most venerable pubs of Ballyshannon: Dicey Reilly's. It is both a pub and wine shop, selling nearly 700 wines from around the world. Original events such as "Wine Nights", summer barbecues, concerts, and educational sessions liven up the place throughout the year. The story of the Dicey Reilly's Pub is more than ever linked to that of Barton & Guestier. The recently renovated pub displays a large fresco by Barry Sweeney depicting Thomas Barton, his boat, and the Barton & Guestier coat of arms. You are cordially invited to visit this magical place, where Brendan O'Reilly will be happy to serve you a glass of Barton & Guestier wine!