Waking up to a vineyard has to be up there in the most magical ways to spend a weekend.
Considered one of UK’s best vineyard hotels, Llanerch, just a short drive from Cardiff started its life as a dairy farm. Today Llanerch’s mid-1800s farmhouse takes centre stage as the recently lauded AA Hotel of the Year Wales.
Vines were initially planted here in 1986, the subsequent wines make up the Cariad wine collection, which can be swirled and tasted on one of the vineyard tours available across the 10 acres of the lake-dotted woodland estate.
Welsh by nature, expect a relaxed, warm welcome, hearty breakfasts and wonderful wines from this family-run vineyard hotel.
The wine
Today there are more than 30 vineyards in Wales, producing award-winning wines.
Llanerch’s ‘Cariad’ wines is translated in Welsh as ‘sweetheart,’ and you can feel and taste the heart and soul of the land in the wines here, made from its 6.5-acre vineyard.
Five varieties of grapes are harvested each year, some from near 40-year-old vines (old considering how young our local wine scene is). Each of the five wines are available to buy online or taste on site. From sparkling to still whites and a rosé, this is Wales in a glass.
Wining & Dining
Llanerch’s chic, award-winning restaurant serves fresh, seasonal dishes using Welsh produce, overlooking vines and al fresco in the warmer months.
With two Rosettes from the AA for Culinary Excellence, the elegant bistro-restaurant at is where breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday roasts and afternoon tea can be enjoyed. Head to the rooftop terrace above the restaurant for a pre-dinner glass or two. There’s also a dog-friendly area if you’re planning an amble through the vineyard before or after.
Wake up and smell the vines
With 38 rooms, Llanerch can accommodate everyone from couples to groups of friends and four-legged friends.
The Countryside Superior Rooms and Suites are designed for a romantic getaway, with views over the rolling countryside and a balcony to enjoy a glass al fresco. Thoughtful touches like fluffy bath robes, luxury bath products and Welsh wool blankets to curl up in make this all the cosier.
The studios and apartments are modern yet warm, with sofa beds for kids. And if you want to splash out, the Cariad Suite comes with vineyard views and all the extras expected of a luxe retreat.
Out & About
Tours of the vineyard take you on a journey of the wine from vine to glass, and what makes Cariad wine so unique, culminating with a tasting of three wines.
Vineyard tours run all year round, with the new Tasting Lodge a perfect spot to explore and discover Wales in a glass.
Other options include afternoon tea, with or without the fizz; and one of the top cookery schools in Wales is on site, sign up for a range of cooking classes with the talented Angela Gray.
Llanerch Vineyard is just off the M4, and close to sightseeing favourites including Hensol Castle or the beautiful bay of Cardiff.
The Bottom Line
Double rooms from £230 including breakfast
Llanerch Vineyard
Hensol
Vale of Glamorgan
CF72 8GG
*Experiences, prices and dining venues are subject to change, advanced reservations are recommended for tours, dining and accommodation.
