PRESS RELEASE                                                                        8th DECEMBER 2017

 

VINEYARD HOPES 1581 IS A GOOD YEAR FOR FIRST WELSH FORTIFIED WINE

This weekend 9th & 10th December sees the launch of Wales first fortified wine – ‘1581’ - by award-winning Monmouthshire vineyard White Castle.

The result of four years of planning by White Castle’s owners Robb and Nicola Merchant, the new alcoholic drink is similar in style to Port.

The grapes are harvested and aged in the same way as Port and the result is a drink with an abv (alcohol by volume) of 19%.

Says Robb “Since we’ve had the vineyard it has always been a dream of ours to create a Welsh fortified wine. To make it you have to have a quality grape and were just waiting for the right harvest and volume to be able to do it.”

Adds Robb, who is also chairman of the Welsh Vineyards Association, “The quantity of grapes harvested in 2014 allowed us to put aside a 225-litre barrel of Regent wine with which to make our Welsh fortified wine. The result is drink that is light in texture, very fruity, and reflects what we do at White Castle.”

Available as a limited edition, a barrel has now been put away after each harvest and stored at the Three Choirs winery in Newent, which produces White Castle’s wines.

1581 joins White Castle’s range  of red, white, rose, and sparkling wine which since the vineyard’s first harvest in 2011 have reaped numerous national wine awards.

The new beverage has close links to the area’s heritage and takes its name - 1581 – from a grade II* listed Tudor barn at the vineyard, which is situated in the village of Llanvetherine near Abergavenny and Monmouth.

Its future once in doubt, Robb and Nicola worked with local building preservation charity - The Village Alive Trust, to save the building and with funding from Cadw and the Heritage Lottery Fund the Croft Barn has been restored.

The barn is now used for a variety of events including, open days and weddings, and for talks and courses about viticulture (the science of grapes and their culture).

Says Robb, “It is a wonderful building, and it is an integral part of our vineyard, so it was natural that we took the date of its construction for the name of our Welsh fortified wine. It has been an important building in the locality for centuries, and was featured by Lord Raglan in his book on ancient buildings in Monmouthshire.”

White Castle has been helped with  its ventures by Cywain – a project which supports the development of new markets for growth orientated businesses in the agri-food sector.

Says Robb, “Cywain have been with us since we began, they have helped us in a variety of ways including branding. It is very much a two-way relationship and they have been fantastic.”

Says Cywain Development Manager, Rolant Tomos, "It’s been a privilege to see how White Castle have developed and the business grown in recent years. Launching 1581 will be another great leap for the business as it expands its product offering.”

The Welsh Vineyard Association held their AGM 2017 at the home of Andrew & Fiona Mounsey they are planting a new vineyard on 4th May and will be known as Velfry Wines, Clare & Gilbert Viader were also welcomed in to the association as new members they have taken over the former Wernddu vineyard which will now be know as Pen-y-Clawdd Vineyard.

following the were presentations from Alice Lampard Agrisgop, Norma Barry Food and Drink Wales - Welsh Wine Ambassador & Susie Abson Welsh Government Food and Drink. 

At White Castle vineyard the year has gathered pace.

April saw Robb Merchant elected as chairman of the Welsh vineyards association.

May saw the profile of Wine Trail Wales & Welsh wine producers raised as we showcased Welsh wines at the Celtic Manor Resort Newport.

Welsh wine week yet again proved a great success with our renowned Welsh cheeses & Welsh wine pairing, we also had the opening of our kitchen facility at the cellar door, June We were delighted to  export our 2014 Gwin Gwyn (white wine) to a wine centre in Bordeaux, France. We also had the opportunity as part of the Welsh PFN Group (protected food names) to showcase our quality Welsh wines at Fortnum & Mason, London.

For those who joined us mid-June we held a successful viticulture day discussing pests & diseases in the vineyard with Chris Cooper.

For the first time the English & Welsh wine of the year competition 2016 was hosted in Wales.

As a Welsh vineyard we welcomed all participating vineyards to Wales.

Robb had his first experience behind the organisation of EWOTTY and very interesting was his reply. As the host country he was supported by fellow vineyard owners and the Welsh government and gave his appreciation to Llanerch vineyard for being such good hosts and the success it was. Diolch ny fawr

Thank you

We are delighted that our Regent 2014 was awarded a Bronze medal at this years EWWOTY.

With Welsh wine week on the horizon its full steam ahead to tie up the exciting new project and facility soon to be available at White Castle Vineyard.

Robb and Nicola have decided to extend their hospitality at the vineyard with Welsh cheese platters served Friday to Sunday and bank holidays.

Welsh wine week is perfect to experience a Welsh vineyard and award winning Welsh wine and of course a Welsh cheese platter. During Welsh wine week the vineyard will be open daily from Sat 28th May - Sunday 5th June 10 till 5

All Events are listed on www.whitecastlevineyard.com & Wineandheritage.org.uk

For those people who are unable to visit the vineyard there is an opportunity to taste White Castle Welsh wines at The Crafty Devil Cellar Bar, Llandaff Rd Cardiff, take this opportunity to meet the passionate people behind the vineyard as they celebrate Welsh wine week in the Welsh capital.

White Castle vineyard has a fine array of award winning Welsh wine and the latest new release is vintage 2014 Pinot Noir Précoce, it gives a fabulous complex bouquet of dark red berries with layers of mineral nuances. Juicy lush generous and complex on the palate with generous oak and ripe, fine tannins.

Perfect with Welsh lamb, beef and venison.

Vintage 2014 Gwin gwyn ( white wine) is a dry delicate white wine with floral aromas of elderflower and ripe citrus fruits on the palate.

Perfect with Cheese, pasta, chicken and fish.

A warm welcome awaits new and returning visitors to White Castle vineyard.

The Welsh Vineyard Association held their 2016 AGM at Gwinllan Conwy owned by Colin & Charlotte Bennett. This was the first visit to North Wales for the WVA and attendance was good with 8 vineyards being represented also attending was the recently appointed UKVA CEO Barry Lewis who spoke about his new role the challenges he faces and the work that is presently being undertaken to improve and build the profile of the UKVA, Welsh & English wines. 

Richard Morris of Ancre Hill Vineyard stepped down from the role as chairman of the WVA following his 3 year term of office, the newly elected chairman is Robb Merchant of White Castle Vineyard. Richard was thanked for the work he has done over the past 3 years, he will continue to be a key member of the committee. Colin Bennett of Gwinllan Conwy will take up the role of Secretary.

As the year moves forward June will see the  WVA hosting the English & Welsh wine of the Year competition  2016, then in September they will hold the Welsh Wine competition both events being held at Llanerch Vineyard. 

Mid Season Vineyard Skills: Vineyard Pest and Diseases.

Tuesday 21 June 2016.  09.30 – 16.00hr
Tutor: Chris Cooper. Location: Croft Barn. White Castle Vineyard. Llanvetherine, Abergavenny. NP7 8RA

£70 per person, light lunch included – Booking essential  www.wineandheritage.org.uk

A key date for your diary  Welsh Vineyards will be celebrating Welsh Wines for the week commencing 28th May - 5th June 2016

The Welsh vineyard association held their 2015 competition on Monday 21st September, Jabajak  Vineyard & Restaurant with rooms  were the kind hosts for the day. the Wines were judged by Roger Jones  The  Harrow at Little Bedwyn, Deiniol Ap Dafydd from Blas ar Fwyd and ‏Neil Cammies wine and food writer for the Western Mail

There were 41 wines entered into three categories, the award winning wines are listed below.

Class 1- Still White and Still Rose

Llanerch Cariad Medium Dry White 2013 GOLD

Tintern Parva Bacchus 2013 GOLD

Ancre Hill Chardonnay 2013 GOLD

Lliathllew Orian / Regent Rose 2014 HIGH SILVER

Llanerch Cariad Dry White 2013 SILVER  

Jabajak, The Whitehouse 2014   SILVER

White Castle Rose 2013 SILVER

Ancre Hill Rose 2013 SILVER

Pant Du Gwyn Rhosliw 2012 SILVER

Tintern Parva Bwthyn Rose 2013 SILVER

Tintern Parva Afon Gwy 2013 HIGH BRONZE  

Lliathllew Solaris White 2014 BRONZE  

White Castle Gwin Gwyn 2013 BRONZE 

Tintern Parva Bacchus 2014 BRONZE

Pant Du Gwin Gwyn 2014   BRONZE

Sugarloaf Blush 2014 BRONZE

Whitecastle Gwin Gwyn 2014   COMMENDED 

Tintern Parva Afon Gwy 2014   COMMENDED

Class 2- Red Wine

Ancre Hill Pinot Noir 2013 SILVER 

Pant Du Gwin Coch 2014  BRONZE

Kerryvale Red Denarii 2013  BRONZE

Class 3- Sparkling White and Sparkling Rose

Ancre Hill Barrel Fermented 2009   GOLD

Ancre Hill Pinot Noir/ Seyval Blanc 2008 HIGH SILVER

Tintern Parva Diathliad 2013 SILVER

Llanerch Cariad Sparkling Brut 2012 SILVER

Tintern Parva Diathliad Rose 2013   BRONZE  

Rhesymau dros fod yn llawen*

THREE WELSH VINEYARDS have something special to celebrate in the run up to this year's Welsh Wine Week - Sat. 23rd May until Sun. 31st. May. The results of the International Wine Challenge competition 2015 have been announced and commended awards were given to Ancre Hill Estates (Monmouth) Blanc de Noirs 2010 sparkling, White Castle Vineyard’s (Llanvetherine) Regent 2013 red & Parva Farm Vineyard's (Tintern) Bwthyn Rhosyn 2013 rose & Bacchus 2013 dry white thus proving that excellent wines of all types can be produced in Wales.

Vineyards are flourishing in Wales. From Monmouthshire to Glamorgan in the South and Anglesey to Gwynedd in the North, more and more acres of vines are being planted.

One such new planting is that of Charlotte and Colin Bennett who, in 2012, planted a quarter of an acre of vines on the south side of Pydew Mountain, overlooking the Conwy Valley with the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia National Park. This year they have extended the vineyard by an acre. They enlisted the help of volunteers (with the promise of food and wine at the end), to plant several hundred Rondo, Phoenix and Solaris vines on Bank Holiday Monday! The job was done & the workers rewarded! They have plans for more plantings next year.

During Welsh Wine Week, Charlotte and Colin will be showing visitors their vineyard & explaining their plans for the future.  

As well as being successful in competitions, Welsh wines are now being served in the House of Lords and in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London (White Castle's Phoenix). Parva Farm Vineyard made the news recently when their Tintern Parva Bacchus 2013 became the first ever Welsh wine to be sold in Marks & Spencers. It can be found in all their Welsh stores and in some of the English ones too. A M&S spokesperson said: “We hope it will demonstrate to customers the wide range of U.K. regions now producing top quality wines”.

One of only two bio-dynamic vineyards in Britain, Ancre Hill Estates at Rockfield, Monmouth will be celebrating the opening of their new winery in July, ready for this year's harvest. This will be Wales' first large scale winery and has been built to be ecologically friendly with hay-bale walls and a sedum roof. Ancre Hill specialise in sparkling wines with large plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Ancre Hill Estates at Monmouth will be open every day during Welsh Wine Week from 10.30am until 4.30pm. They will be giving vineyard tours (with a viewing of their state of the art, new winery) at 11.30am and 3.00pm. Free wine tastings will be available & it will be the official launch of their 2013 wines.

White Castle Vineyard is holding some special events for Welsh Wine Week:-

• Sat. 23rd May “Wonderful Welsh Wine Adventure” organised by www.foodadventure.co.uk

• Wed. 27th May White Castle wines paired with Welsh cheeses- start 19.00-contact the vineyard for details. info@whitecastlevineyard.com

• Sat. 30th May Tasting of White Castle wines at Carpaninis, Frogmore St., Abergavenny 12.00-14.00

During Welsh Wine Week, Parva Farm Vineyard at Tintern, near Chepstow will be offering free self-guided vineyard tours, free wine tastings & the chance to speak to the owners about growing vines in Wales. There will be special offers on some of their wines. They will be open every day from 11.30am until 5.00pm. 

Most of the Welsh Vineyards Association member vineyards will be open to the public during Welsh Wine Week to promote their Welsh wines. For details see the website www.winetrailwales.co.uk

*Reasons to be cheerful

The second issue of ukvine magazine sees Victor Keegan's adventures in Welsh Wine. Out July 1.

We are open every day from 10.30am to 4.30pm. during Welsh Wine Week.

Vineyard tours take place twice daily at 11.30am and 3.00pm and this is an opportunity

to tour Ancre Hill's new state of the art Winery - one of the World's unique wineries built from straw bales.

Welsh Wine Week is also the official launch of Ancre Hill Estates' 2013 still wines - two stunning reds, a Pinot Noir and Triomphe,

a delicious Burgundy style Chardonnay and a refreshing Rose.  During Welsh Wine Week we are offering free wine tastings and a

10% discount on a mixed case of wine. 

We also offer Welsh Cheese Platter lunches served with a glass of Estate wine between 12pm & 2pm.

A visit to our award winning biodynamic Vineyard is a must during Welsh Wine Week!

Ancre Hill Vineyard, Rockfield Road, Monmouth NP25 5HS

www.ancrehillestates.co.uk | 01600 714152"

Welsh wine becomes toast of the valleys

Vineyard & Vine Nutrition V

Course Date







23^rd June 2015

Venue

White Castle Vineyard, Llanvetherine, Abergavenny. NP7 8RA.

About the course

The course will be run by Chris Cooper, Chris is responsible for writing the UKVA Pesticides Booklet [green book]

Attendees should come away informed how different soils can affect the growth of vines and therefore the importance of site & rootstock selection. Attendees should gain a working knowledge of macro & micro nutrients, and how these effect vine growth & development, problems associated with limited or excess nutrients plus a guide on how other factors impact on vine growth & berry development.

This course is open to all even those who have a vine in their garden.

Course Title: Vine Nutrition

The course will address the following points:

• What are you aiming to achieve with your vineyard?

• Soil types and the effect on rootstock & training

• Nutrient usage by the vine/plants

• Typical deficiency symptoms

• Identifying and rectifying the problem

• New Technologies

Course Costs



The all-in cost of the day is £65.60…per person.

Payment by Cheque, made payable to   Village alive Trust and sent to Robb Merchant, White Castle Vineyard, Llanvetherine Abergavenny NP7 8RA

Timetable:



10.00AM             Meet at White Castle  Vineyard, Llanvetherine Abergavenny NP7 8RA



10.30-12.45        In the vineyard, to look at location, soils, planting, training and care



12.45-13.30        lunch (Please indicate if any vegetarian/dietary requirements)

13.30 -15.30       Vine Nutrition          



Around 15.30       Finish

Celebrate Welsh Wine Week with us!

Abergavenny

Saturday the 23rd of May

We’re festive folks, so – in the spirit of Welsh Wine Week – we’re hosting a Welsh vineyard tour at two of our favourite vineyards near Abergavenny in Monmouthshire. Not only will you enjoy a tour of the two vineyards, but you will also have a tour of Wales’ first commercial winery and a wonderful Welsh wine tasting of at least 10 different wines. 

After our vineyard tours and tastings, you will enjoy a fabulous lunch featuring some of the regions  award winning produce. 

Let's Celebrate Welsh Wine Week 2015







Join us on a "Wonderful Welsh Wine Adventure" Saturday 23rd May.



Details: www.foodadventure.co.uk 

Celebrate Welsh Wine Week with "A Cheese & Wine Pairing" Wednesday 27th May. 7pm

 Wine & Cheese are two of life's great culinary pleasures, and finding the perfect match can be a delicious endeavour......

Perfect evening for those with a love and passion for wine.

Conducted vineyard tour followed by wine and Welsh cheese pairing.

Cost: £18.50p  Per person.   Booking advisable.

Contact the vineyard direct on info@whitecastlevineyard.com or 01873 821443

-----------------------------------------------------

Saturday 30th May. A date for your Diary.

White Castle Vineyard shall be offering wine tastings @ Carpanninis Abergavenny In celebration of Welsh Wine Week.

Take the opportunity to meet the passionate people who tend the vines.

Taste our Quality Award Winning Welsh Wines 12.00 - 14.00hr.

--------------------------------------------

Saturday 20th June 2015 A date for your Diary.

The official Opening of The Croft Barn

"Wine & Heritage"

Marvel at the Restoration of our Grade 2* Barn

Join us on A Mid summer vineyard tour.

This offers a great opportunity for visitors to walk and explore the vineyard, and meet the passionate people behind the vineyard.

More informationwww.wineandheritage.org.uk

----------------------------------------------------------------

White Castle Vineyard

April 2015

It doesn't get more exciting than Spring.

Spring is one of the temperate seasons following winter and preceding summer.

In the vineyard Winter pruning is near completion and the growing season is about to unfold.

Easter which falls on April 5th this year is a wonderful time for getting the family together.

There's more to Easter than chocolate.....

Why not visit the vineyard where you can stroll amongst the pruned vines and enjoy the surrounding landscape. On return to the cellar door you can enjoy tasting our quality award winning Welsh wines.

Vineyard tours at this time of year allow you to see how a vine grows from its present dormant stage, once pruned, the growing season unfolds. Challenge yourself in recognising fruitful buds...

However wine tasting alone is an option, with views of the vineyard from the cellar door.

The cellar door is now open Friday, Sat, Sun and bank holidays 10 00 - 17.00hrs with a conducted  vineyard tour @ 3pm each day.

HARVEST TIME

2014 Grape Harvest began on Saturday 4th October at White Castle vineyard.

Rain overnight prevented our early start, however by lunch time the sun shone and our first harvesting of 2014 began as always Rondo our first variety to harvest.

Row after row of lush vine leaf boasted sun kissed plump Rondo grapes, along with friends and family we carefully handpicked and pressed that same day.

And next morning our good friends and family and visitors to the vineyard on Saturday, came together and a grand day of harvesting began. Siegerrebe, Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc were picked by lunchtime our "A" team did us proud. A huge Thank you to you all.

A well earned lunch followed along with our very own quality award winning Welsh Wines, great company, good food and wine made a successful days harvesting a lasting memory for all.

11 days after that we harvested our Phoenix & Regent, well supported by our family & good friends we did it again, I truly believe we have invested in a miracle that takes place every year....

"It's all about getting the plump sun kissed grapes into the press as soon as possible" Good quality grapes with good analysis.

Planning ahead we have our festive weekend at The Cellar Door on Saturday & Sunday 6th & 7th December 10 til 4pm Festive cheers and festive sparkle shall herald the release of our 2012 Sparkling White Wine and local artisan truffles made with our very own sparkling wine.

Our festive selection includes an array of handmade welsh cheeses and is sure to bring you plenty of festive cheer! and see you through the winter days in style.

A warm welcome is extended to all who visit.

WVA welcome their first associate member

Become a member of the Welsh Vineyard Association :

• £20.00 per year payable for the 1^st August

• It allows you to post blogs that involve Welsh Wine on to the Wine Trail Wales website via the secretary  

• Ancre Hill Estate are presently offering 10% Discount on all wine purchase’s

• Jabajak is happy to offer a 10% reduction on B&B prices

• Attend the yearly Welsh Wine competition (does not include the cost of lunch)

• Receive the proposed quarterly News Letter

• Attend the Summer meeting (does not include the cost of lunch) 15^th July 2014

Thursday 18th September 2014........... A date for your diary!!

White Castle vineyard  Quality Welsh Wines are pleased to be participating in A Full Day of Cookery Demonstrations in association with Cooks Galley Abergavenny & Penny Lewis of The Culinary Cottage, Pandy.

Four classes throughout the day on Thursday 18th September to get you in the foodie mood ahead of Abergavenny food festival weekend.

Booking is essential as there are limited spaces available. Contact Cooks Galley ltd. Telephone 01873 854060

Friday 19th September 2014 .........A date for your diary!!

Upcoming Adventures.....  White Castle Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting.

Join Food Adventure and have a conducted vineyard tour at White Castle Vineyard followed by wine tasting before a special 3 Course Dinner at Llansantffraed Court Hotel to kick off the Food Festival Weekend.

For more details & to book visit www.foodadventure.co.uk

Telephone 07542 689608

Here at White Castle Vineyard Summer has arrived and the weather has been kind so far. It's a busy time in the vineyard as we all know. Earlier Bud Burst has led to earlier flowering and as usual the robust Rondo are well and truly ahead with flowering, not far behind are Siegerrebe & Pinot Noir.

Row after row of lush vine leaf spans the vineyard.

The seasons white is impressive and the Rosé is refreshing, delicious and always in demand

Our first release White Castle 2011 Sparkling Rose is sadly coming to an end however we will be releasing our 2012 Sparkling Rose at Lampeter Food Festival on 26th July 2014.

As part of Welsh Wine Week (commencing 26th May 2014) Glyndwr Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan invites you to a Free Entry Open Day: Sunday 1^st June, 11 am to 4pm, wine tasting, self-guided Tours www.glyndwrvineyard.co.uk find us by the Cross In Pub, just outside Cowbridge, by Llanblethian, Vale of Glamorgan.

• Guided mini bus tour starting from Llansantffraed Court Hotel.  We can also pick you up at Abergavenny train station

• Welcome coffee or tea and cake.

• Tutored wine tasting of at least 6 varieties of wine, including sparkling wine.

• Five-course tasting lunch at Llansantffraed Court Hotel.

• Guided vineyard visits at Ancre Hill Estates and White Castle Vineyard.

• Return trip to Llansantffraed Court or Abergavenny train Station at the end of the day.  

• Address of Llansantffraed Court Hotel: 

  Llansantffraed Court Hotel,

  Clytha, Llanvihangel Gobion

  Monmouthshire

  NP7 9BA

  Phone 01873 840678

   

• You will have the opportunity to buy wine at the vineyards (credit cards accepted except American Express)

• A cash bar will be available during lunch

• Pick up and drop off can be arranged from Abergavenny train station

Please follow the link for the full story

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/travel/bestofbritain/article4071755.ece

Celebrate Welsh Wine Week: Wines of Monmouthshire Tour

Welsh Vineyard Association Members are holding their Spring Meeting at Kerry Vale Vineyard on Monday 28th April 2014 at 10:30.

Directions on Kerry Vale website www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk 

Why not join the membership and become involved in the exciting times ahead for Welsh Wines. 

Membership Contact is Louise Ryan  at Sugarloaf Vineyards

English vineyard tours have been making headlines for years, and the internet is awash with excitement about London’s first whisky distillery, yet Welsh wine and whisky have so far remained under-appreciated. Today, the tide is finally turning. We sent Eleanor Aldridge on a road trip around the Welsh countryside to find out more.Welsh wine and whisky are starting to be taken seriously. It’s been ten years since the first barrel of Welsh whisky was unstoppered and over fifteen years since the inaugural cork was popped on a bottle of Welsh wine. Fast-forward to today, and the country is home to over twenty vineyards and a couple of distilleries.With the tentativeness of a Londoner venturing outside the M25 for the first time, critics are slowly coming round. English sparkling wines once shocked the wine community by beating champagne in blind tastings, and with a growing collection of international awards, Welsh producers are on track to do the same. The weather here is ideal for barrel ageing – damp days reduce the “angels’ share” (evaporation) – and cool-climate German varieties like Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau are thriving alongside the undisputed star, Bacchus.Yet it’s only in the last few years that small-scale producers have started to offer tours and tastings. It’s an exciting opportunity. The wine and whisky trail is opening up new parts of this beautiful country, and while the drinks may shatter your preconceptions, it’s the warmth of the farmers, winemakers and distillers that’s likely to leave a lasting impression. If you want to find out how wines and spirits go from field to fireside, there’s no better place to do it.You’ll be in good company, too, following in the improbable footsteps of Prince Charles and the Hairy Bikers. Fortunately you won’t need a royal entourage or TV crew, but there are a few things to help you on your way: a car, a designated driver and a bit of practice pronouncing “iechyd da” – cheers.WHISKY IN THE BRECON BEACONS AND BEYONDSuccessfully navigate the switchbacks leading down from the Brecon Beacons, passing wild ponies and waterfalls along the roadside, and you’ll find yourself at the first Welsh distillery for more than a hundred years, Penderyn.They’re understandably keen to blow their own trumpet. Video presentations inform you that since 2004 they’ve picked up a host of IWSC awards and that their range is sold in sixteen countries. More interesting is a sample of clear, 92 per cent spirit straight from their still, and a sniff inside the ex-sherry, madeira and port barrels used to age the whiskies. Old bourbon casks are classically used to impart character, depth and colour, but Penderyn are experimenting with these more distinctive finishes.Photograph by Eleanor AldridgeWhen it comes to tasting their single malts, you’ll want to give them a good “cwtch” first. This little “cuddle” warms the whisky, allowing the flavours to evolve. If you dare to add water, you’ll need to know what you’re doing: try filling an empty glass with water then pouring it out, leaving barely a dewy-sheen, then add the whisky – just two drops of water are needed to soften the spirit.Further west at Dà Mhìle in Ceredigion, a dynamic family team is also making inroads on the spirits scene. They previously shipped their wash up to Springbank in Scotland, but now have a their own still, and will be producing and ageing whisky on site. During the hands-on tour of their secluded farm they take visitors through the workings of a small-scale distillery. Their passion for experimentation is infectious.Visitors can put their tastebuds to test trying to detect foraged gorse, elderflower and camomile among the botanicals in their gin, or sample their signature seaweed-infused special. “We have tried it with oysters”, admits distiller John-James. “That’s kind of the most decadent way of having this stuff. Have an oyster, pour the gin into the shell and drink it from there.”Image courtesy of Dá MhíleVINEYARDS IN THE WYE VALLEYBack towards the English border lies the heartland of the Welsh wine industry: the Wye Valley. Sandstone cottages, farmland and narrow lanes – their banks once built up by drovers to herd sheep – distinguish these low hills from the otherworldly Beacons. These landscapes inspired what some claim to be the first British travel guide, Observations on the River Wye, by the Reverend William Gilpin, along with the likes of Turner and Wordsworth, in the 1700s.White Castle is one of the newer vineyards here. Congenial owners Robb and Nicola are gradually turning the grazing land behind their Grade II listed stone barns over to grape growing. Their personal tours offer an insight into modern viticulture, while a glass of their mulberry-laced Rondo is proof that red grapes can be grown successfully here. A Welsh red will never have the powerful tannins of a Malbec or intensity of a Cabernet Sauvignon (which need warmer weather to ripen), but those who favour lighter, delicate wines are in luck.A trip to Wernddu Organics is less structured. Phoenix, Schonburger and Seyval Blanc vines share this small farm­ with a herd of friendly alpacas (remember that they like to spit). Their unusual, oaked Pinot Noir rosé is only sold on-site, a contrast to wines made at nearby Ancre Hill, which are already popping up at the likes of Fortnum & Mason.Photograph by Eleanor AldridgeThe more traditional Parva Farm boasts beautiful views towards the ruins of Tintern Abbey. “When we first came here there was real surprise that there was a vineyard in Wales”, remembers charming owner Judith Dudley. Things are a little different these days. On slopes once planted by the Romans, they now grow the aromatic Bacchus – a grape aptly named after the Roman god of wine. More unusual is their spicy mead. The recipe for this ancient honey wine was honed here by the Abbey’s monks several hundred years ago.WINEMAKING AROUND THE FOREST OF DEANFor now, the only thing many Wye Valley vineyards lack is a winery. Most schlep their grapes over the border to use the facilities at Three Choirs. With their smart restaurant and vineyard-view hotel rooms, Three Choirs offers a glimpse into the future of the Welsh wine industry. Their slick tour explains their rise from humble fruit farm to a 250,000-bottle-a-year behemoth.The highlight of the tasting is the little-known Siegerrebe (a cross between Madeleine Angevine and Gewürztraminer). Its heady elderflower scent is wonderfully evocative of British summer days – a fitting image to end this “grape” escape.NEED TO KNOWAccommodation:
There are a variety of self-catering cottages near the border at the enchanting Puzzlewood, a Tolkein-esque forest of moss and ferns amid a weathered iron ore mine. Further west, you can wake up to views of the Brecon Beacons at the Old Rectory Stables near Abergavenny.
Eating:
Jill Berryman’s specialty is setting up surprise woodland proposals, but she’ll also delight wine-wearied palates with gourmet picnics across the Wye Valley. A restorative bowl of cawl, the national lamb, potato, carrot and swede soup, at the idiosyncratic Penn y Cae Inn is is the ideal post-Penderyn treat (look out for the meerkat enclosure in the back garden). Pub-lovers should hole up in a booth at the Ostrich Inn after a visit to Three Choirs.
Travel:
It’s around a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Welsh border from London. We travelled with Rhino Car Hire.Explore more of Wales with the Rough Guide to Wales. Book hostels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.Tags: Europe / Wales / Food & drink

Read more: http://www.roughguides.com/article/on-the-welsh-whisky-and-wine-trail/#ixzz2y08BUwDZ

Many thanks to Ellie Aldridge author. 

http://www.roughguides.com/author/ellie-aldridge/

One of the first key diary dates for 2014 in the Welsh Vineyards is Welsh Wine Week commencing 26th May 2014.

Vineyard activities will be posted as they are organised by each individual vineyard.  

Time to reflect on 2013.....

The year began with a snow fall, zero and minus temperatures the vineyard  looked like "A Winter Wonderland" whilst the vines lay dormant

January saw the invention of "smokey joe" in readiness for winter pruning, patent by Robb himself.

February 2013 we spent weeks winter pruning in readiness for the growing season, occasional snow flurries as we pruned.

March 2013 we tasted the fruits if our labour from harvest 2012 along with our Sparkling Rose from harvest 2011 which lay rested on its lees.

April 2013 we lift red 5.5 miles / 8750 metre of mulch that surrounded the vines since planting in 2009.

May 2013. Spring had sprung. Bud burst.

June 2013. 25th May - 2nd June Welsh Wine Week, an annual event.

An opportunity to walk the vineyard and meet the passionate owners.

June 2013 was the milestone when Welsh Vineyards came together and formed A Welsh Vineyard. Association and Wine Trail Wales.

Welsh wine week we released our 2nd vintage wines Pinot Noir and Rondo.

July 2013. 6th July we had our first flowering within the Rondo grape variety.

August is a month of canopy management. Flowering complete fruit set follows.

September is again canopy management to allow the grapes to bask in the sunshine, veraison well and truly established.

October 31st saw the last harvest of grapes from the vineyard. Vendange  complete for another year. 2013 hoping to be a vintage to remember.

Great Grape News: Our Rondo 2012 gained a bronze award at The Welsh Vineyard Association Inaugural Competition 28th October.

November. Finally finished washing all those picking crates too many to count!!!

December 2013. Our Festive Weekend At The Cellar Door saw the release of our 1st Sparkling Wine Vintage 2011.

Live Christmas tipples....Robb and I were invited to join Jamie Owen at BBC Wales radio for a live interview on Sunday 8th December. What A Year That Was......2013