Welsh Vineyards Association sees White Castle Vineyard triumph at the Welsh Wine Awards.
It has been a very busy time for Robb & Nicola Merchant at the White Castle Vineyard.
Starting in mid October the new vinery started taking shape.
A few days later the first of the grape harvests started with the Regent variety. With the help of friends family and supporters this harvest was soon gathered in, beginning the long road to hopefully more recognition from the Welsh Vineyards Association.
The days past checking the grapes, are they ready to harvest, is it fit to harvest?
As with all farmers their skills and hard work can be ruined by mother nature and storm Babet ripped through the country across October 18th to 22nd followed a couple of weeks later by on November 9th with Storm Ciara. White Castle Vineyard escaped any major damage, but certainly put delays and time constraints on the harvest..
A change of tempo between the storms and harvests with the Welsh Vineyards Association awards where White Castle Vineyard triumphed with the following:
- the best PDO/PGI wine in the competition for their Red wine “Harry vintage 2021”
- The Thomas Davies Memorial Trophy for the best wine in the competition also with “Harry vintage 2021”
- Gold medal for the top red wine in the red wine category again with “Harry vintage 2021”
- Silver medal for both “Regent” Red wine vintage 2021 and “Rondo” red wine vintage 2016
- Silver medal for Sparkling white wine vintage 2019
- Bronze medal for both Gwin gwyn 2022 and Rosé vintage 2022
Both Robb and Nicola were delighted with the results and celebrated with friends and family and fellow vineyard owners at Llanerch Vineyard Hotel.
With no time to rest the harvest of the 2023 Cabernet Franc beckoned and is now safely gathered in.
Nicola Merchant commented:
“These accolades have rounded off another successful year both home and away for us. With harvest 2023 now safely in the vats it’s all hands on deck for the vineyards latest project of building our own winery.
Meanwhile stocking the drinks cupboard is one of the best bits of the festive run ups and White Castle Vineyard have a fine array of new release wines on the horizon, festive and delicious quality, award winning, Welsh wines.”
Visit: www.whitecastlevineyard.com
