When we, people of planet earth, think of wine, we might cast our thoughts to the classic old-world nation wine producers like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Typically, people would think that wines produced on the isle of Great Britain are not of high-quality.
What would you say if I told you right now, that those people were wrong?
A History of Wine in Wales
Wales, although a nation in its own right, with a rich history, culture and language, is located on the isle of Great Britain. Today is one of the constituent nations of the United Kingdom. The UK is a gigantic consumer of wine, however, the conditions in the UK are considered less than ideal for the cultivation of wine because of its colder, temperate climate. Warmer summers are, however, contributing towards the increase in wineries in the UK.
Allow me to explain – but to do this, we shall have to cast our minds back several years – to the era of the Roman Empire. Welsh vineyards were pioneered by Roman settlers who had come over from the continent in search of pastures new for their empire to secure Roman rule. This allowed locals to have a taste of home. After all, wine is a beverage that was much loved by all echelons of Roman societies.
Skip ahead to modern times, and the first vineyards of modern times were planted in 1970. By the year 2005, Wales boasted 20 vineyards and produced a staggering 100,000 bottles per year. This is, primarily, white wines but also sports a few reds too.
In 2015, there were 22 operational vineyards. As such, we can firmly and comfortably say that wine is a growing industry in Wales.
Today, we would like to shine a light on several Welsh Wineries that we feel need some recognition for producing some outstanding vintages of white and crimson elixir that we love to fill our glasses with on a sleepy evening, or at a roaring dinner party amongst fabulous company.
Welsh Wineries and Vineyards 2021
Montgomery Vineyard
This winery is located in the heart of Powys and consistently produces some fantastic, award-winning natural wines. You can get this no matter where you live, thanks to Good Wine Online which sells this fantastic wine and delivers it right to your door.
Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard
Award-winning wine is grown in the heart of Conwy County. These amazing wines have been recognised on a national, and international level! Choose from their Rondos, Pydew, Rose, Sparkling Wine, Solaris or get yourself one of their gift hampers.
Vyrnwy Vineyard
This is a rural and rustic labour of love that is carved into the hillside by hand. This lovely Welsh vineyard produces a wide variety of wines. While they don’t make their wine, they do grow grapes for use at larger vineyards!
