Gwindy Gwyn y Castell
Robb and Nicola Merchant are celebrating a major milestone in their journey at Gwindy Gwyn y Castell, (White Castle winery) as they bottle their first wines from the 2024 vintage.
For Robb and Nicola, this is just the beginning of what promises to be many successful vintages. It’s an exciting time for them, especially as all the winemaking takes place on-site, something they’ve worked toward for years. For them, quality, provenance, and integrity are the cornerstones of creating exceptional Welsh wines.
Y Gwindy (The winery) which has been years in the making, is now fully operational, with the first harvest in 2024 processed right at the heart of the vineyard. The white and rosé grapes were handpicked, destemmed, and pressed within hours, before being transferred to stainless steel tanks to begin fermentation.
Meanwhile, the red grapes, handpicked and destemmed, have undergone fermentation in tanks and are now maturing in barrels. A fine collection of barrels of varying ages is already in the Y Gwindy (The winery) and these can be viewed by visitors as part of the vineyard and winery tour.
A New Attraction for Visitors
Y Gwindy (The winery) has become a key attraction for visitors to White Castle Vineyard. The vineyard tour now includes a stop at the Y Gwindy ( the winery) —a unique feature not offered at many Welsh vineyards. This addition enhances the visitor experience, giving them a full view of the winemaking process and the opportunity to taste and appreciate the wines crafted from this special terroir.
White Castle Vineyard’s mission is clear: to produce premium Welsh wines that reflect the distinctive qualities of their land. Estate-grown grapes, processed right here in Wales, are the foundation of their wines. Both Robb and Nicola take great pride in the integrity of their wines, ensuring each bottle is a true representation of their passion and commitment to quality.
The vineyard itself offers an idyllic setting, with rows of vines stretching towards the horizon. It is not only a place to enjoy world-class wines but also a stunning venue for events like weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. With its tranquil ambiance and sweeping views, it’s easy to see why visitors are drawn to the site.
With spring fast approaching, Robb and Nicola are gearing up for an important phase in vineyard management. The duo have been busy pruning their Little Pasture plot of 5,000 vines. Their newly expanded vineyard includes an additional 8,500 vines, planted between 2019 and 2023.
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy vines and ensuring the best possible grape yield. Robb and Nicola follow both Single Guyot and Double Guyot pruning techniques, each with its own advantages and challenges. But for them, it’s not just about following textbooks; it’s about creating the best conditions for their vines to thrive.
New For 2025….
On the Horizon
As the vineyard continues to evolve, Robb and Nicola are already looking ahead to what comes next. Whether it’s experimenting with new techniques or expanding their wine offerings, their passion for the craft will undoubtedly continue to drive White Castle Vineyard toward even greater success.
Accessibility and Local Attractions
White Castle Vineyard is easily accessible by car or coach, with ample parking available for guests. It’s also surrounded by a wealth of local attractions, from historic castles to scenic walking trails, including part of the Offa’s Dyke path, making it an excellent destination for both wine enthusiasts.
Feature image: Robb & Nicola in the winery
