Happy New Year to you all, and What a Year that was!! 2024 will certainly be a year to remember in many ways…
This is the first newsletter of 2025 and we have so much to share with you.
Firstly we would like to Thank you for your continued custom and it was great to see so many of you last year at the vineyard, and wonderful that many of you celebrated Christmas with White castle quality award winning Welsh wines. Adopt a vine holders were also pleased to have their bottles of wine in readiness for the festive season “ all good things come to those who wait” I can assure you we have some fantastic vintage wines coming along nicely.
This year we have “ Y Gwindy “ the winery to share with our visitors, a visit here will be included in out tours. Our ambitious endeavour will provide a unique experience for visitors and customers.
Controlling the entire winemaking process , from grape to bottle, White castle Vineyard will ensure its wines are a true reflection of Welsh craftsmanship and terroir. We will combine traditional wine making techniques with modern advancements, embracing sustainability and environmental responsibility every step of the way.
Vintage 2024 growing season had a mind of its own. Harvest was later this year and we had the challenge of frost early October, but “that’s farming”. Our second smallest harvest to date, however quality was good. We have in tank our first estate grown and made still Rosé and White wine.
In barrel we have our first estate grown and made Pinot Noir Précoce, Harry “Rondo” and Regent our first vintage in Y Gwindy, it’s a pinch me moment for both of us.
Talking of Harry “ Rondo” we have a new look label set in the Winery, a further milestone.
We shall start the New year with trellising, our young vines planted in 2023. Chardonnay vines are renowned for vigour. Following trellising we shall start winter pruning. 13500 vines will be pruned this year at White castle Vineyard by hand.
This year our Calendar is open for visitors through January on a Saturday, bookings can be made online or we welcome visitors to the Cellar Door for wine tasting, vineyard and winery tours @ 3pm or wine by the glass between 10 & 5pm.
We plan to begin our Friday – Sunday & Bank Holidays, Vineyard and Y Gwindy tours followed by wine tasting @ 11.30 & 3pm from Friday 4th April.
Our Deluxe Vineyard tours are held on the last Friday of every month and the first for 2025 falls on Friday 25th April @ 3pm, these have proved to be a great success, check out the itinerary on our website.
Plans for the year so far include
official opening of “Y Gwindy” The Winery at White Castle Vineyard.
Welsh Wine Week 30th May – 8th June 2025
Dine amongst the Vines. Date TBC
Deluxe Wine Tasting in the Winery. Date TBC
Pre Harvest Supper. Date TBC
Meanwhile we have Day on 25th January often referred to as the Welsh St Valentines day.
St Valentines day as we know on the 14th February.
St Davids Day on the 1st march…. if your celebrating any or all of these days we have a fine array of Quality White Castle Welsh wines available on our website www.whitecastlevineyard.com mixed cases are available.
Meanwhile a warm welcome awaits new and returning visitors to White Castle vineyard. We offer more than exceptional wines we invite you to embark on an immersive journey through our vineyards, hear our story and indulge in unforgettable experiences.
We look forward to seeing you soon….
Diolch
Robb and Nicola Merchant.