The Dell Vineyard: A Family-Run Welsh Wine Estate in the Heart of Monmouthshire
Tucked into the rolling countryside just outside the village of Raglan in Monmouthshire, South Wales, The Dell Vineyard is one of the most exciting new faces in Welsh wine. In less than five years, husband-and-wife team Dan and Lucy Alford have transformed a corner of Dan's family farm into a thriving, award-winning vineyard of nearly 8,000 vines, all while raising two young children and championing the case for seriously good cool-climate wine from Wales.
Visitors to The Dell will find a working family farm that doubles as a cellar door, a tasting room and an events venue, with views across the vines towards Raglan Castle and the Black Mountains beyond. It is a place where Welsh folklore, food and farming come together in a glass, and where every bottle carries a story rooted in the landscape.
Where is The Dell Vineyard?
The Dell Vineyard sits on Clytha Road, just outside Raglan on the old road to Abergavenny. The postcode NP15 2AA covers a wider rural area, so visitors are advised to use the full address in their sat-nav: The Dell Vineyard, Clytha Road, Raglan, Monmouthshire, NP15 2AA. Look out for the signs once you turn off the main road, and follow the track to the left of the vines around to the parking area behind the tasting space.
The vineyard is handily placed for anyone exploring Monmouthshire and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). Within walking distance of the vineyard lies the historic village of Raglan, home to the imposing 15th-century Raglan Castle, the welcoming Beaufort coaching inn and a farm park perfect for families. The market town of Abergavenny, with its celebrated Food Festival, is only a short drive away.
Finding the gate
- Postcode: NP15 2AA
- what3words: vine.contents.receiving
- Parking: available either opposite the vineyard or inside the vineyard, depending on how busy the day is - signs will direct you
- Family-friendly, well-behaved dogs on leads welcome
A Family Farm with Five Generations of History
What makes The Dell Vineyard particularly special is its family history. The land has been farmed by Dan's family since the late 1800s, making Dan and Lucy the fifth generation to work this stretch of Monmouthshire. The name "The Dell" itself is a nod to the topography: a "dell" is a secluded, grassy hollow or dried streambed, often partly shaded by trees. The stream Nant y Wilcae runs past the vineyard in winter before drying up in summer, giving the site exactly that character.
Long before the first vine went into the ground, the fields were glebe land belonging to St Cadoc's Church in Raglan. A vicarage built in the late 1700s once stood on the site, and for centuries the surrounding pasture was used to grow crops and graze livestock. By the time Dan and Lucy came to plant the vineyard, the family farm had seen everything from sheep to arable rotations - but never, in all those generations, a single row of grapes.
From honeymoon dream to Welsh vineyard
Lucy and Dan's journey into wine began on their honeymoon in 2013. After marrying, they spent six unforgettable months travelling around the Southern Hemisphere, falling hard for the vineyards and wines of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and beyond. The idea of owning a vineyard one day was planted in their minds, though at the time it felt like a retirement dream rather than a real plan.
Fast forward to 2021. With careers established and a toddler in tow, Lucy was working on the ICU frontline during the pandemic. The experience changed her perspective. Three weeks after deciding to make the leap, the couple had signed a lease on Pen-y-Clawdd vineyard and were preparing to plant their own vines back at The Dell. In May 2022 they planted the main vineyard on the family farm, choosing Pinot Noir and Solaris for their proven performance in cool climates. A further planting in spring 2024 added Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Noir (Cabaret Noir) and Pinot Meunier, bringing the total to around 8,000 vines spread across 5 acres.
The Wines of The Dell Vineyard
Every wine in The Dell's range is named after a figure from Welsh mythology or legend, tying the brand firmly to its roots. All the wines are vegan friendly and crafted from estate-grown fruit (supplemented by fruit from the leased Pen-y-Clawdd vineyard in the early years). The wines can be bought online with UK-wide shipping.
Y Lleidr 25 - Welsh Rosé (£22.00)
Y Lleidr means "The Thief" in Welsh, a playful name inspired by the blackbirds and badgers who helped themselves to almost the entire debut vintage in 2021, leaving the Alford family with a meagre 130 bottles. Persistence paid off: the 2025 vintage is a fruit-forward, dry rosé crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir, Solaris and Seyval Blanc, grown across the two Welsh vineyard sites.
Aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries and red summer fruits lead into crisp, juicy berry flavours on the palate, lifted by bright acidity and a clean, elegant finish. At 11.5% ABV, it is the perfect summer-evening wine and pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, seafood and light salads.
Y Lleidr has won multiple awards: Best Still Rosé at the Welsh Vineyard Association awards in 2023, and in 2025 it took both the Best Rosé and the prestigious Best Overall Still Wine in Wales trophies - a fitting farewell from the older Pen-y-Clawdd vineyard, which the family handed back at the end of 2025. Only around 60 bottles remained at the time of the 2025 awards, so this is a wine to snap up quickly. Buy Y Lleidr 25 online.
Yr Afanc 25 - Dry White (£20.00)
The Afanc is a legendary lake-dwelling beast from Welsh folklore, said to prey upon anyone foolish enough to fall into the pristine waters of a mountain lake. Mysterious and captivating, this aromatic dry white captures that same sense of depth and intrigue.
The 2025 blend brings together Solaris from The Dell with Phoenix, Reichensteiner and Schönburger from Pen-y-Clawdd. On the nose, lifted passion fruit and jasmine aromas give way to elderflower, ripe pear and stone fruit on the palate, finishing with bright acidity and clean mineral freshness. At 12% ABV, it is zesty, structured and energy-filled.
The previous 2023 vintage of Yr Afanc drew national attention after wine critic Matthew Jukes selected it as the headliner at a London tasting event, writing in MoneyWeek: "My headliner is a jaw-droppingly beautiful wine named after a mythical beast who is said to slink in the depths of Welsh mountain lakes. The stone fruit, wildflower, quince and jasmine tones are exhilarating, and the bitter bite of acidity and minerality on the finish brings the exuberant fruit to a dramatic conclusion." That vintage sold out within days. Buy Yr Afanc 25 online.
Clidda Gawr 25 - Col Fondo Sparkling White (£25.00)
Named after a local Welsh giant said to have lived in a fortress atop Clytha Hill - visible from the vineyard - Clidda Gawr is The Dell's take on a Col Fondo, the rustic Prosecco-style sparkling wine that finishes its secondary fermentation in bottle and is bottled unfiltered.
The result is a hazy, naturally cloudy sparkling with subtle spritz and lively aromas of elderflower, passionfruit and gentle yeast. Drink it once settled for fresh, floral flavours, or "awaken the giant" with a gentle shake to distribute the sediment, revealing extra toasty, brioche depth. At 12% ABV, it is a celebration wine that pairs naturally with seafood, light cheeses or a sunny afternoon on the lawn. Buy Clidda Gawr 25 online.
Olwen 25 - Solaris White (£25.00)
Named after Olwen, the Welsh goddess of the sun, legend tells that wherever she walked, white flowers bloomed in her footsteps. Like its namesake, this 2025 Solaris is radiant, graceful and full of life.
Carefully fermented and matured in oak barrels, Olwen offers bright floral aromas and delicate white blossom on the nose, followed by layers of tropical fruit and subtle vanilla on the palate. The finish is rich yet refreshing, with gentle oak lingering gracefully. At 13.5% ABV, it is a food-friendly white that shines with fresh seafood, creamy Welsh cheeses, roast chicken or spring vegetable dishes. The wine was awarded 16.5 points by Jancis Robinson in the Financial Times, who described it as having "real fruit, tension and impact." Buy Olwen 25 online.
Y Gwyllgi 25 - Pinot Noir (Pre Order, £28.00)
Named after the Gwyllgi (from gwyll "twilight" + ci "dog"), a fearsome black hound of Welsh legend said to appear after dark with blazing red eyes, this elegant oak-aged Pinot Noir brings a touch of the supernatural to the glass.
The 2025 vintage offers vibrant red berry and cherry aromas, soft tannins and a subtle hint of vanilla. Light enough to be served lightly chilled on warmer days, it is a versatile red that pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled meats, mushroom dishes or simply enjoyed on its own as a refined evening wine. Only 300 bottles are being released in September 2026; the rest will be reserved for further ageing and released later in 2027. Pre-order to secure your allocation. Buy Y Gwyllgi 25 online.
Y Gwyllgi Pinot Noir Gin
In a brilliant piece of circular distilling, The Dell teamed up with Silver Circle Distillery to create a Pinot Noir gin from the leftover skins, pulp and seeds of the winemaking process, combined with foraged Wye Valley botanicals. Only 200 bottles are produced per batch, and previous vintages have sold out fast. Pre-orders open seasonally - watch social media for the next release.
Adopt a Vine Gift (from £40.00)
One of the most popular gift experiences at The Dell, an Adopt a Vine package includes:
- A bottle of Welsh wine or gin of your choice
- A personalised certificate of vine adoption
- A Welsh slate vine tag bearing the recipient's name, displayed on the vine for two years
- An invitation to join the team at harvest
It is a heartfelt gift for weddings, anniversaries, Christmas or simply for the wine lover who has everything. Pre-orders of upcoming wine releases are available: choose an unreleased vintage and the team will arrange delivery closer to launch. Order the Adopt a Vine gift.
Gift Voucher (from £20.00)
For those who would rather let the recipient choose, The Dell's gold-printed gift vouchers come in denominations of £20, £30, £40, £50 and £100, mounted on thick card and sent in a gold envelope to the address of your choice. Order a gift voucher.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tastings
The best way to get under the skin of The Dell is to book a guided vineyard tour and tasting. For £20 per person, you will spend around an hour and a half with Dan and Lucy, learning how a fifth-generation farm became a working vineyard and what it really takes to grow grapes in the Welsh climate.
What to expect on a tour
- A walk through the vineyard with Dan or Lucy, explaining the varieties grown (Pinot Noir, Solaris, Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Noir, Pinot Meunier) and the challenges and rewards of cool-climate viticulture
- Stunning views across the vines towards Raglan Castle and the Monmouthshire countryside
- A return to the cellar door for a guided tasting of a selection of The Dell's Welsh wines
Tour practicalities
- Cost: £20 per person
- Duration: approximately 1.5 hours including tasting
- Booking: advance booking is required
- Footwear: suitable shoes recommended as the tour crosses varying terrain
- Arrive 10 minutes before your tour begins
- Suitable for beginners - no prior wine knowledge needed
Private and group tours
The Dell also arranges bespoke private tours and tastings for special occasions, stag and hen parties, corporate events and larger group bookings. The team can tailor an experience to suit any group.
Tour tickets are non-refundable, but with at least 48 hours' notice the team will happily move you to an alternative date. Under 18s are welcome on tours (though obviously alcohol will not be served to them).
Open Days, Food Pop-Ups and Live Music
Every summer The Dell throws open its gates for a series of relaxed open days, pairing Welsh wine with some of the best street food traders in the region and live music from local artists. Entry is free, no ticket is required, and the whole family - including well-behaved dogs on leads - is welcome.
The 2026 open day calendar
The 2026 line-up, published in the Open Days 2026 calendar, features food and live music on the first Saturday of every month, plus Saturday and Sunday over Bank Holiday weekends:
- 2 May 2026 - The Mex. Co with live music from The Deri Heirs
- 23 - 24 May 2026 (Bank Holiday Weekend) - The Cheese Connection; Saturday music from Jim Ramsey, Sunday from Anna Young
- 6 June 2026 - Miniyaki's - Japanese Soul Food with Tobias Robertson
- 4 July 2026 - The Beefy Boys with Ben, Dai and some other guy
- 1 August 2026 - Captain Brown's Pizza with Jim Ramsey
- 29 - 30 August 2026 (Bank Holiday Weekend) - The Cheese Connection with Ben, Dai and some other guy on Saturday and Ramz on Sunday
Outside the food pop-up dates the vineyard is typically open most weekends from mid-April to September, either for booked tours and tastings or simply to pop in for a glass of wine among the vines. Follow The Dell on Instagram or Facebook for the very latest openings.
Awards, press and trade
The Dell's wines have been turning heads well beyond Wales. Highlights include:
- Best Rosé at the Welsh Vineyard Association awards in 2023
- Best Rosé and Best Overall Still Wine in Wales at the 2025 Welsh Wine Awards
- 16.5 points from Jancis Robinson in the Financial Times for the inaugural Olwen Solaris
- Trade and press tastings at WineGB in London and at 67 Pall Mall alongside other leading Welsh producers
Matthew Jukes in MoneyWeek singled out the Yr Afanc 2023 as a "jaw-droppingly beautiful wine" with the character of a rare Jurançon Sec.
Visiting The Dell Vineyard
The vineyard is open every Saturday from 12pm to 6pm throughout the summer months, and occasionally on Sundays. The vineyard's social channels share the latest openings, especially useful if you are travelling from further afield.
Practical information
- Address: The Dell Vineyard, Clytha Road, Raglan, Monmouthshire, NP15 2AA
- Opening hours (summer): Saturdays 12 - 6pm, occasional Sundays
- Food pop-ups: First Saturday of the month plus Bank Holiday weekends
- Drinks available: Welsh wines by the glass or bottle, Pinot Noir gin and tonics, local craft beer, soft drinks
- Food: Bring a picnic on non-pop-up days, or enjoy the visiting traders
- Family-friendly: Yes - children welcome
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome
- Parking: Opposite the vineyard or inside the vineyard - signs will guide you
Contact
- Lucy: 07891 951862
- Dan: 07716 519630
- Email: hello@thedellvineyard.co.uk
Exploring the Local Area
The Dell is perfectly placed for a weekend in Monmouthshire, with a wealth of food, drink, walks and history within a short drive.
Places to eat
- The Black Bear Inn - often cited as the best gastropub in Wales
- Clytha Arms - a rustic pub with a delicious local menu
- The Whitebrook - Michelin-starred dining in the Wye Valley
- The Gaff - contemporary British cuisine with a local focus
- The Walnut Tree Inn - an iconic countryside restaurant with a strong wine list (including The Dell's wines)
Places to stay
- Harrys Cottages - restored cottages and shepherd's huts
- Box Barn - stylish barn conversion, great for groups
- The Beaufort - welcoming coaching inn in Raglan, walking distance from the vineyard
- Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park - tents and statics in stunning scenery
Things to do
- Raglan Castle - magnificent 15th-century fortress, inspiration for The Dell's logo
- Raglan Farm Park - a family favourite
- Bannau Brycheiniog National Park - hiking, wildlife and big skies
- Abergavenny Food Festival - a highlight of the UK foodie calendar
- Big Pit National Coal Museum - underground tours into a former coal mine
The Heritage on the Label
Look closely at any bottle from The Dell and you will spot Raglan Castle in the logo. The medieval fortress is just over the hill to the north of the vineyard, and there is a delicious irony in its presence on a modern Welsh wine label. Completed in the 15th century, the castle was largely built on the wealth generated by the wine trade: its owner, William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, made his fortune importing vast quantities of Bordeaux wine through the port of Bristol and up the Wye and Usk valleys to his cellars in Monmouthshire. Welsh poems from the era celebrate Herbert's extravagant feasts and the wide array of imported wines he served - including "claret" in a style not a million miles from the rosé poured today.
The Dell's logo is a small reminder that wine has been flowing through these valleys for centuries. What Dan and Lucy are doing at The Dell is simply writing the latest chapter.
Why Welsh Wine Matters
Wales is one of the most exciting frontiers in British wine. Its maritime climate, old seabed soils and increasing willingness of growers to plant cool-climate varieties like Solaris, Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc have produced some genuinely thrilling wines over the past decade. The Dell is right at the leading edge of that movement, with a young team, modern equipment (including pioneering DNA spore sampling technology used to predict disease pressure) and a willingness to experiment with varieties such as Souvignier Gris and Cabernet Noir that are still rare in the UK.
Buying Welsh wine is also a low-miles choice: grapes grown, made and bottled within a few miles of your front door. The Dell's award-winning wines are available online with UK-wide delivery, and local customers can choose free local delivery or collection.
Plan Your Visit
The Dell Vineyard is one of the warmest, most welcoming new Welsh wine destinations. Guided tours run through the summer months, the open days feature some of the region's best street food and live music, and the full wine range can be ordered online with UK-wide delivery.
From a fifth-generation family farm in Monmouthshire, Dan, Lucy, Rowan and Poppy Alford are quietly building one of the most interesting small wineries in Britain. A visit to The Dell is more than a tasting - it is a taste of the future of Welsh wine.