Welsh Wine is Sparkling

Llanerch is the largest commercial vineyard in Wales, with seven acres of vines under cultivation and the distinction of more than 20 awards garnered from international competitions. The first vines were planted in 1986 by the vineyard's founder, Peter Andrews, who added more vines every year until 1991, and bottled the first Llanerch wine in 1990.

 

Andrews retired in 2007 but Llanerch’s new owners, Carole Growcott and Scott Williams, are making their own mark in a bid to raise the vineyard’s profile.

 

As well as tours and wine tastings, in October 2008 Llanerch launches its own Cookery School with renowned food writer, broadcaster and television chef, Angela Gray, recruited as the Course Director and guest chefs that will include best-selling cookery writer, Sophie Grigson.

As you would expect, the Calon menu will feature a number of Llanerch's own wines, though the grape varieties might be a little unfamiliar to some diners. No conventional cabernets or standard chardonnays here in the Vale of Glamorgan, but instead there are grapes which adapt better to the Welsh climate. At Llanerch they grow six different varieties: Seyval Blanc, Triomphe, Kernling, Huxelrebe, Reichensteiner and the aptly-named Bacchus, from which they produce four whites, a rosé and a sparkling rosé. As the names indicate, several of the wines are grafted from German stock, which adapt well to the damp conditions.

 

Llanerch wines are sold under the Cariad label, the Welsh word for Love. As well as the House of Commons, they can be found in Sainsbury's supermarkets throughout Wales or purchased directly from the vineyard.

 

Llanerch is no stranger to celebrities as the vineyard also offers accommodation including self-catering cottages and guest rooms in the main house. Visitors have included actors Christopher Cazenove, Richard Briers and Hannah Gordon, as well as Welsh opera star Leslie Garrett, who stayed for a month while rehearsing for an opera at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

 

The vineyard’s 20 acres comprises woodland walks, a lake and abundant wildlife and represents the ideal place for total peace and quiet, particularly if you fancy enjoying a glass or two of Cariad at the end of the day. Perfect!