In 2005, the G8 summit took place in Gleneagles. The eight most powerful men in the world met in the glare of the world’s media and thrashed out agreements on the major challenges facing the world today – debt, aid, trade, security and climate change. And they drank Welsh wine.
Why was this a surprise to many people? The answer to this question lies in our skies – it is very challenging to grow grapes in the unpredictable Welsh climate. Wales is at the very edge of the European wine producing map. As such, Welsh wine producers are to be admired as they are genuinely at the cutting edge of viticulture – the science of grape growing. During recent years, many Welsh wines have won international awards for excellence. Why not visit a vinyard during your stay at one of our self catering holiday cottages? There are around 15 vineyards in Wales. The Welsh wine map consists of four distinct regions:
The Vineyards of South Wales – The Vale of Glamorgan
The Vale of Glamorgan/Cardiff region is home to two of the biggest vineyards in Wales. Llanerch Vineyard, producer of Cariad Wines and Glyndwr Vineyard which produces Glyndwr Wines are both internationally renowned. Other vineyards in this area include Gelynis Vineyard and Bryn Ceiliog Vineyard, both just outside Cardiff. All the vineyards in this region of Wales are approximately 45 mins from our self catering holiday cottages.
The Vineyards of West Wales – Pembrokeshire
Celtic Country Wines are made in the Teifi Valley, one of the most picturesque in Wales. Modern wine-making techniques are used to blend fresh, light wines using ancient recipes. Cwm Deri Vineyard first opened to the public in 1992 and is now a well established tourist attraction. Cwm Deri estate also produces liqueurs, alcohol-free wines, preserves, cheese, cakes and ice cream. Gwinllan Ffynnon Lâs Vineyard is a small vineyard in the beautiful Aeron valley producing white wines and country wines. The vinyards in this region of Wales are around 60 miles from our self catering holiday cottages.
The Vineyards of East Wales – Monmouthshire
There are five commercial vineyards in Monmouthshire. Nestling in the foothills of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Sugar Loaf Vineyards are set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with panoramic views over the Usk Valley. Wernddu Vineyard is a relatively new vineyard, a short drive from the historic town of Monmouth. Parva Farm Vineyard is located in the Wye Valley on a working farm with sheep, cattle and ponies. Other Vineyards in the area include Monnow Valley Vinyard at Great Osbaston Farm, Monmouth and Offas Vineyard at Llanfihangel ystern Llewern. The vineyards in this region of Wales are between an hour and an hour and a half drive from our farm holiday cottages.
The Vineyards of North Wales
There are two producing vineyards in North Wales. Worthenbury Wines are based near Wrexham and have a flying pig on their label. Llanbadrig Vineyard is on the Isle of Anglesey.
Many different varieties of grape are grown in Wales, predominantly white.
