Wales in their own words : Robb Merchant, White Castle Vineyard

In my blog series Wales : In their own words I am introducing readers to the people behind the businesses I have got to know and love in my travels around Wales. A huge thank you to Robb of White Castle Vineyard who kindly gave up his time to answer my questions.

I had been following White Castle Vineyard on Twitter for some time and we met by happy coincidence at the bar at The Bear in Crickhowell after a very hot and sunny Royal Welsh Show. You may well have heard of White Castle Vineyard on Sunday Brunch with Rebecca Seal or during Welsh Wine Week.

Name Robb Merchant

Business Name White Castle Vineyard

What does your business do? Grow grapes and produce Welsh Wine

What is your most popular product? Pinot Noir Précoce

What is your personal favourite? Regent

Where are you based? Llanvetherine Nr Abergavenny

How long have you been in business? 11years

What are your hours? Monday-Thursday by appointment, Friday–Saturday & Bank Holidays 10am to 5pm

What is the easiest/most fun part of your business? Meeting the public

What is the hardest part of your business? Nothing

Where do you live? At the vineyard

How do you relax? Visiting the Loire Valley

If you weren’t doing this what would you do? Still be working for Royal Mail

Is this the career you thought you would have? No

Where did you train/learn? Plumpton College Sussex

Where did you grow up? Abergavenny

Where else have you lived? No where

What is your favourite meal? Steak

What is your favourite telly programme? None really other than Rugby

What are you reading at the moment? Wine / vineyard magazines

Are you a Welsh speaker? No

Would you ever leave Wales? Probably not

What makes Wales so special? The scenery, people and the county of Monmouthshire has it all.

Do you do online sales? Yes www.whitecastlevineyard.com

Do you attend events? Yes. Not only do they attend events but they offer Vineyard tours and Corporate Days.

Where is your happy place? West Wales

Where is your favourite hidden gem? Agistri Island, Greece

How have you adapted your business during this pandemic? Moving to more online focused sales.

Anything else you would like to say? I am a proud Welshman who is equally proud to be producing quality award winning wines here in Wales.

Thank you Robb, see you again soon and in the meantime I have adopted a vine for a friend's birthday!