Leading Welsh wine producers are preparing for a week-long series of in-person events at this year’s Welsh Wine Week which kicks off on Saturday (4th June).
From this weekend until Sunday 12th June, Welsh vineyards will invite crowds of wine enthusiasts to explore the country’s leading vineyards and sample the growing collection of award-winning vintages that have put Wales on the map as a leading wine producer for the annual Welsh Wine Week.
Since its launch two years ago, Welsh Wine Week has supported Welsh vineyards in withstanding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic by inviting wine connoisseurs from across the UK to indulge in Welsh wine through a series of virtual events.
But this year’s Welsh Wine Week schedule boasts a series of in-person events – including wine and cheese pairings and wine tastings – that encourages connoisseurs and non-experts to bask in the vineyard’s serene surroundings as they explore Wales’ wine sector.
On Friday 10th June, Llanerch Vineyard Hotel will host Welsh Wine Week’s flagship event, an evening of wine tasting featuring Velfrey Vineyard, Ancre Hill Estates and Gwinllan Hebron Vineyard where the public can explore the rich history of wine production in Wales.
From Saturday 4th June, Welsh Wine Week will give its audiences access to exclusive competitions and interviews with Welsh vineyards on the dedicated Welsh Wine Week website.
Welsh Wine Week is organised by the Welsh Drinks Cluster, funded by Welsh Government, which works in partnership with vineyards, retailers and wholesalers to promote the industry and its production of world class products.
Details of all vineyards hosting tasting events are on the official site, with the growing list of events also including:
6 June
Gwinllan Conwy will partner with Bodnant Welsh Food to host a cheese and wine tasting event. While relaxing in Gwinllan Conwy’s three-acre working vineyard situated in a microclimate in North Wales, attendees will have the chance to taste Wales’ famous cheeses and Gwinllan Conwy’s award-winning wines which, since 2012, have earnt the vineyard over 15 national and international awards.
7 – 9 June
For the first time since the pandemic, Welsh wine will return to London Wine Fair. There, they will be sampling some of Wales’ most popular Welsh wines, alongside their inspiring stories, via their own Welsh wine stand in the Grape Britannia zone (DB10).
10 June
Monmouthshire’s White Castle Vineyard will offer 25 people the unique chance to taste their collection of award-winning wines in a wine tasting event alongside Fine Wines Direct. As audiences sip on various vinos, owners Robb & Nicola Merchant will discuss their personal journey in becoming leading wine producers, offering a brief insight into what goes into creating their fine wines – including their Pinot Noir Précoce vintage 2018 which led the vineyard to victory as the first to win gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2021.
11 June
To celebrate the third Welsh Wine Week, White Castle Vineyard will release White Castle Vineyard Cuvee Phoebe. The limited-edition wine was created using the grapes harvested on May 12th 2020 – a time Robb and Nicola considered very difficult for wine producers across Wales due to the difficult production climates. The limited release red wine will be available to buy at the Cellar Door of White Castle Vineyard on Saturday 11th June.
Every day
From 11:30am – 5:00pm each day, Parva Farm Vineyard in Chepstow will host a free vineyard tour and wine tasting event. Situated on a south facing slope in the Wye Valley above the village of Tintern and its historic Abbey, Parva Farm Vineyard is renowned for the production of award-winning wines, meads and sparkling wines. Boasting over 4,000 Bacchus, Seyval Blanc Muller Thurgan, Pinot Noir and Regent vines, owners Colin and Judith Dudley have plenty to show off during Welsh Wine Week.
Discussing the success of Welsh Wine Week, Lauren Smith on behalf of the Welsh Drinks Cluster said: “Thanks to the collaboration between Welsh vineyards, the Drinks Cluster and Welsh Government, we’re thrilled to host Welsh Wine Week for the third year running. The engagement the event has received from consumers is remarkable and continues to grow each year.
“It is an incredibly exciting time for the Welsh vineyards sector and Welsh Wine Week is the perfect time to try something new. If you’re looking for wines of exceptional quality and wish to champion pioneering businesses in Wales, drink Welsh.”
