White Castle Vineyard a selection of their bottled wines.

The Ultimate Guide to White Castle Vineyard: Award-Winning Welsh Wine

White Castle Vineyard: The Welsh Vineyard Winning International Acclaim

Nestled among the gentle slopes of Monmouthshire, near the historic town of Abergavenny, White Castle Vineyard stands as a shining testament to ambition, craftsmanship, and the flourishing reputation of Welsh wine. This is the inspiring story of Robb and Nicola Merchant—a couple who transformed a five-acre field into a thriving vineyard now celebrated on the world stage.

New 2023 vineyard at White Castle

Their journey is one of passion, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of Welsh soil, proving that world-class wine can indeed be crafted in the beautiful hills of Wales.

From a Dream to a Vineyard: Planting a Legacy

In 2008, Robb and Nicola Merchant took a leap of faith. After completing a viticulture course and armed with a passion for wine, they decided to turn a picturesque field on their family farm in Llanvetherine into a vineyard. By May of 2009, with immense hard work, they had planted their first 4,000 vines by hand, choosing varieties like Pinot Noir Précoce, Regent, Rondo, and Seyval Blanc, all carefully selected to thrive in the unique Welsh climate.

Rondo grapes at White Castle Vineyard.

In the years that followed, they expanded their vineyard to seven acres, adding more grape varieties like Siegerrebe and Chardonnay. Their first harvest in October 2011 was a milestone moment—a celebration of years of dedication and the bold decision to cultivate a dream in Welsh soil. As Robb reflects, “We never entertained winning a gold award at Decanter… provenance, quality, and integrity have always been our goals.” That commitment to quality above all else has been the guiding star of their journey.

A sunny view of the vines at White Castle Vineyard in Monmouthshire.

A Taste of Monmouthshire: Wines with Character

White Castle produces an impressive range of red, white, rosé, sparkling, and even fortified wines, each bottle reflecting the unique terroir and cool climate of Monmouthshire. Their wines are renowned for being crisp, aromatic, and refreshingly balanced.

Highlights from their portfolio include:

  • Pinot Noir Précoce: An elegant, light-bodied red with delicate notes of cherry, raspberry, and spice. A true star of their collection.
  • Regent: A deeper red, rich with flavours of plum, blackcurrant, and a hint of blackberry.
  • Sparkling White and Rosé: Crafted using the traditional method, these wines offer clean, refined bubbles perfect for any celebration.
  • Aromatic Whites: Their Seyval Blanc, Phoenix, and Siegerrebe grapes produce beautiful white wines with notes of citrus, elderflower, and English orchard fruits.
  • Fortified “1581”: A unique Welsh take on port, this rich and warming fortified wine is perfect as an after-dinner treat.

National & International Acclaim

What began as a family passion project has blossomed into one of the most respected vineyards in the UK. White Castle’s dedication to quality has earned them a remarkable collection of awards, firmly placing Welsh wine on the global map.

Their most significant achievement came in 2021 when their Pinot Noir Reserve 2018 won a Gold Medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards—the first-ever Welsh red wine to achieve such an honour. This was followed by numerous Silver medals at Decanter and the International Wine Challenge, as well as Gold at the WineGB Awards. In recognition of his incredible contribution to the industry, Robb Merchant was honoured with an MBE for services to viticulture in Wales in 2022.

Visit the Vineyard: An Authentic Welsh Wine Experience

White Castle offers a memorable and personal experience for visitors, blending scenic beauty with hands-on learning and, of course, award-winning wines.

  • Vineyard Tours & Tastings: Often led by Robb or Nicola themselves, the tours take you through the vineyard and into the winery, finishing with a guided tasting of their exceptional wines. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear their story firsthand. (Tours typically run Friday to Sunday; booking is recommended).
  • Cellar Door Shop: Their on-site shop is open on weekends, offering the full range of wines for sale. You can also indulge in delicious artisan platters featuring local Welsh cheese and charcuterie.
  • Events & Private Hire: The beautifully restored Croft Barn is an ideal venue for private events, celebrations, and gatherings among the vines.

Plan Your Visit to White Castle Vineyard

Ready to taste one of Wales’s finest? Plan your visit to White Castle Vineyard today.

Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or a supporter of local Welsh businesses, a visit to White Castle Vineyard offers a chance to sip something truly special and support the future of Welsh wine. Iechyd da!

A Final Toast to Welsh Excellence

Robb and Nicola’s passion and vision have helped put Abergavenny on the global wine map. They are part of a new wave of Welsh artisans creating world-class drinks, from award-winning wines to pirate-inspired spiced rums and other coastal artisan spirits.

Robb and Nicola of the White Castle Vineyard

Robb and Nicola enjoying one of the many White Castle award winning wines. Cheers!!

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