Harvest 2016 is well underway at White Castle Vineyard and every last day of sunshine and warm breeze is welcome until all the fruits of our labour are hand harvested and pressed.
As always the Rondo grape variety seems well ahead with Pinot Noir précoce a close contender. Overall we are pleased with the growing season and our crop this year is consistent in bunch size and the grape skins have a lovely bloom. This year our Siegerrebe variety has bronzed nicely and fingers crossed we can make our first white wine from its intensely aromatic juice, we shall keep you updated…
As always our kites are flying high and our back up bird scarer keeps us on our toes with its random shot. A spectacular view of lush vine leaf boasting sun kissed grapes can be enjoyed from the terrace, but a wander amongst the vines is a real treat for those of you who are wine lovers or curious as to how we can actually grow and ripen grapes in Llanvetherine, Wales. Returning to the Cellar Door and tasting our award winning wines fullfills a unique experience. Our wine tastings and tours are a great way to learn more about vine growing and how to enjoy wine.
“Fine wine can be one of life’s great pleasure by itself or making a good meal great”
Monday 26th September saw the Welsh vineyards association and its members come together at Llanerch vineyard Cardiff for their annual competition.
This year saw a change in format with a trade and press wine tasting session, an opportunity for each vineyard to raise their profile and trade and press to meet the producer.
Running alongside this session was the judging.
- 42 wines were entered by 9 Welsh vineyards.
- This years judging panel were Linda Johnson-Bell a wine critic/ author/ climate change Analyst.
- Michael Harrison Bibendum fine wine manager/ judge at various International wine competitions.
- David Cowderoy a wine maker himself and owner of Bevtec.
- There were 5 classes of wines judged with 10 bronze and 5 silver awards being given We were delighted to gain 2 bronze awards, 1 silver award and the best overall red wine this year. With the competition results announced following dinner we were presented with an engraved salver in recognition of our success with our Pinot Noir précoce red wine.
The awards dinner was attended by representatives from the food Division of Welsh Government. Filming throughout the day with a live link to the evening was the S4C programme Heno.
Following a great day with fellow vineyard owners and guests its back to work in the vineyard for us, it’s true the best fertiliser is the vineyard owners footprint, and on that note here’s to a good harvest 2016 to all.
For more information about White Castle Vineyard visit: www.whitecastlevineyard.com
