Last Saturday, we hosted a wonderful Welsh wine tasting event at Alticcio Wine Store. The evening was filled with delicious flavors and interesting stories, thanks to Gwen, the owner of Vale Vineyard. Gwen shared her love for winemaking and introduced us to her unique wines.
About Vale Vineyard
Vale Vineyard is located on the beautiful lower slopes of the Clwydian Range. This area has a special climate and perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes, which helps them make award-winning wines.
Grape Varieties
At Vale Vineyard, they grow several types of grapes, including:
- Solaris
- Seyval Blanc
- Cabaret Noir
- Pinot Noir Precoce
- Rondo
- Divico
Award-Winning Wines
Vale Vineyard's dedication and hard work have earned them many awards from the Welsh Vineyard Association:
- 2022 Still White Wine: Vale Solaris - debut vintage 2021
- 2022 Still Rosé Wine: Vale Rondo - debut vintage 2021
- 2023 Sparkling Rosé Wine: Vale Debut Sparkling Rosé
The Story Behind Vale Vineyard
The story of Vale Vineyard is as interesting as their wines. The Davies family are the first grape farmers in the Vale of Clwyd. Gwen and Rhys grew up on local farms and studied agriculture. Their long and varied careers in farming have helped them become expert winemakers.
Gwen runs the daily operations, but winemaking is a family effort. During harvest season, family and friends come together to handpick the grapes, making it a special community event.
Highlights from the Tasting Event
Gwen delighted our guests with stories about the vineyard and the hard work that goes into making their wines. Attendees tasted some of Vale Vineyard's best wines, each paired perfectly with various dishes to enhance the tasting experience:
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Solaris White Wine: This aromatic dry white wine (12% vol) made from Solaris grapes offers a delightful bouquet of apple blossom, elderflower, and pear. The refreshing palate features nectarine, apricot, and tropical fruit notes with a crisp, lingering finish. Perfectly paired with grilled seafood, light salads, and goat cheese, the 2022 vintage won a silver medal at the Welsh Vineyard Association awards in November 2023.
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Rosé Wine: This dry rosé wine (11% vol) made from Pinot Noir Precoce grapes charms with gentle red fruit aromas and a refreshing palate of strawberry, cherry, and caramel notes, leaving a crisp and fruity finish. It pairs wonderfully with summer salads, light pasta dishes, and fresh berries. This wine received a silver award at the Welsh Vineyard Association awards in November 2023.
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Vale Red Wine: This refined red wine (11.5% vol) is crafted from Cabaret Noir, Divico, and Rondo grapes grown at Vale Vineyard in 2022. Aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant introduce a fruit-driven and well-rounded body with soft tannins and a palate of ripe berries and forest fruits, leading to a smooth, generous finish. Enjoy it with roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses for a perfect pairing.
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Sparkling White Wine: This brut sparkling white wine (traditional method) made from Seyval Blanc grapes (2021) is the first sparkling white from the Davies family at Vale Vineyard. With a silver medal at the WineGB awards in June 2024, it boasts a lively effervescence and crisp acidity, making it an ideal companion to oysters, smoked salmon, and soft cheeses.
The evening was a celebration of Welsh winemaking, and everyone appreciated the care and skill behind each bottle.
Join Us for Future Events
We are excited to host more events like this for our customers. Stay tuned for upcoming tastings, and don’t miss the chance to explore the world of wine with us at Alticcio Wine Store.
Thank you to Gwen and the Vale Vineyard team for sharing their wonderful wines and stories with us.
Visit our store to find a great selection of Vale Vineyard wines. Cheers to great wine and great stories!