Harvest Time at White Castle Vineyard

There's something special about harvest time at White Castle Vineyard.

This month (September) locals and wine lovers came together to help pick the grapes by hand at this award-winning Monmouthshire vineyard. Under blue skies, with panoramic views towards the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons mountains and plenty of conversation along the vine rows, it was a fantastic day and a reminder that some of the best food and drink experiences begin with the people behind them.

This summer's sunshine has brought a glorious harvest, and excitement is already building about what this year's vintage might become.

Nestled in the beautiful countryside near Abergavenny, White Castle Vineyard is one of Wales' most respected boutique vineyards. Founded by Robb and Nicola Merchant, the vineyard began in 2009 with the planting of 4,000 vines and a dream of producing exceptional Welsh wines. Today, more than 13,500 vines grow across ten acres near Llanvetherine, creating award-winning wines that have helped put Welsh viticulture firmly on the map.

What makes White Castle particularly special is that the journey from grape to bottle happens right here in Monmouthshire. Once harvested, the grapes are processed on site, allowing visitors to see first-hand how Welsh wine is made.

The newest chapter of that story is Y Gwindy, the vineyard's purpose-built winery, which became operational from the 2024 vintage. This has enabled every grape harvested at White Castle to be carefully transformed into wine on the estate itself, bringing the winemaking process even closer to home.

Looking through the harvest photographs, it's easy to appreciate just how much work goes into every bottle. From months of tending the vines to the careful hand-picking of grapes, each stage plays an important role in creating wines that reflect the landscape, climate and character of Monmouthshire.

For visitors, it also offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. Vineyard tours provide the chance to walk amongst the vines, learn about the growing and winemaking process, and hear directly from the people who turned a dream into one of Wales' most celebrated vineyards. Visitors can explore the vineyard, enjoy guided tours and sample award-winning wines while overlooking the very vines from which they were produced.

And if tasting Welsh wine inspires you to become more involved, there are plenty of ways to do so. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, attend one of White Castle's popular supper clubs, or even adopt a vine and be invited to take part in a future harvest.

[Grape Variety: Siegerrebe - producing a Dry White Wine, Siegerrebe 2025]

[Grape Variety: Phoenix - producing a Dry & Delicate Wine, Gwin gwyn 2025]

[Grape Variety: Rondo a classic medium bodied red wine producing Harry Rondo 2023]

As this year's grapes begin their journey through the winery, one thing is certain: after the glorious summer we've enjoyed, there is plenty to look forward to from this Monmouthshire vineyard.

Learn more > White Castle Vineyard