For the first time, the wine brand has successfully harvested and processed its grapes on-site at its newly established winery, which boasts “state-of-the-art” equipment. This significant leap forward reflects the vineyard’s commitment to enhancing both the quality and quantity of White Castle’s wines.
This development represents the culmination of years of careful planning and substantial investment in cutting-edge technology. The focus has always been on elevating the standards of Welsh winemaking.
The inaugural harvest saw a dedicated group of volunteers, including friends, family, and local customers, actively participating through the vineyard’s innovative Adopt-a-Vine program. Their enthusiasm played a crucial role in this milestone.
Together, they hand-harvested three grape varieties: Phoenix, Pinot Noir Précoce, and Rondo. Impressively, all grapes were processed on the same day using the vineyard’s new destemmer and press.
Since its inception in 1993, White Castle has planted 13,500 vines, including a recent addition of Chardonnay, which presents exciting growth opportunities on the horizon.
“Processing our grapes on-site with the latest technology gives us full control over our winemaking and allows us to offer more premium, hand-crafted Welsh wines,” stated Robb Merchant, co-owner of White Castle.
“We’re also hoping to assist other Welsh vineyards with their processing. It’s such an exciting time to be part of the Welsh wine industry as new vineyards continue to emerge.”
“Creating a facility like ours in Wales can only bolster the future growth of the industry and enhance our capability to produce exceptional Welsh wines.”
Furthermore, the vineyard has received support from the Welsh Government’s Drinks Cluster, which aims to amplify the wine sector’s value to £100 million by 2035.
With over 40 vineyards currently operating in the country, Drinks Cluster manager Lauren Smith commended White Castle’s dedication to “embracing innovation.”
“White Castle Vineyard’s new winery is a testament to the dedication and passion that drives our industry forward,” Smith remarked.
“This milestone not only enhances the quality of Welsh wines but also strengthens our position in the global market.”
Moreover, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, emphasized: “The launch of White Castle Vineyard’s new winery is a significant milestone for the Welsh wine industry.”
“[Welsh] wines are award-winning and distinctive; the industry increasingly influences the visitor economy, with many vineyards transforming into tourist destinations. This evolution greatly enhances Wales’ reputation as a leading destination for quality food and drink.”
