Glyndwr Vineyard: The Oldest Vineyard in Wales
Tucked into the rolling green folds of the Vale of Glamorgan, just outside the pretty market town of Cowbridge, sits Glyndwr Vineyard - the oldest established vineyard in Wales. Planted by pioneers who were determined to prove that vines could thrive in the Welsh climate, the estate has been quietly producing award-winning wines since 1979. Today, two generations of the same family work the land, blending more than four decades of viticultural know-how with a forward-looking, sustainable approach that has helped put Welsh wine on the national map.
If you have ever wondered what to do on a sunny Saturday in South Wales, a trip to Glyndwr is increasingly the answer. The vineyard is currently ranked the #1 thing to do in Cardiff and South Wales on Tripadvisor, a remarkable feat for what is, at heart, a working seven-acre family farm. Yet the estate offers so much more than a tasting room. It is a place to tour the vines, meet the resident llamas, linger over a long lunch on the terrace, stay the night in a boutique room or log cabin, and even host a farewell gathering in the cellar barn.
The Story of Glyndwr Vineyard
Glyndwr Vineyard takes its name from Owain Glyndŵr, the late-medieval Welsh warrior-prince who led a famous revolt against English rule and remains a potent symbol of Welsh identity. The name feels apt for an estate that has, in its own quieter way, staged its own small rebellion - the quiet refusal to accept that quality wine could not be grown in Wales.
A pioneering estate
The vineyard was established in 1979 by a family who saw the potential of the sheltered, sun-trapping slopes above the village of Llanblethian. At the time, commercial viticulture in Wales was almost unheard of. Undeterred, the founders planted their first vines and began the long, patient work of coaxing fruit from the maritime Welsh climate. More than four decades later, the same family is still here - though now two generations work the estate side by side, marrying the vineyard's heritage with ongoing innovation.
That pioneering spirit has paid off in the form of dozens of awards and commendations from prestigious bodies such as Decanter Magazine and the UK Vineyards Association. The sparkling wines have been particularly successful, with the Welsh Brut taking first prize at the South West Vineyards Association competition, and the red wine - judged by four Masters of Wine - being singled out for a double gold (reportedly the first time the accolade had ever been awarded).
Family-run, sustainability-minded
Walk the grounds and you will quickly sense the family ethos. Chickens, ducks and wild pheasants roam freely among the rows of vines. Hedges are deliberately left to grow wild to encourage bird life, and the vines themselves are treated with organic material wherever possible. The adjoining gardens have been opened to the National Garden Scheme, and you will find ponds, woodland areas and orchards containing old British apple trees - the raw material for the vineyard's acclaimed cider and brandies.
It is a setting that is as much about people as it is about grapes. The owners speak with pride of their network of stockists - including Waitrose, the Celtic Manor Resort, the Glen-yr-Afon Hotel and numerous independent family-run delis stretching from St David's in Pembrokeshire to Wally's in Cardiff - but the heart of the business remains the family farm itself.
Where Is Glyndwr Vineyard?
Glyndwr Vineyard is located in the village of Llanblethian, a short drive from the historic market town of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The full postal address is:
Glyndwr Vineyard
Llanblethian
Cowbridge
Vale Of Glamorgan
CF71 7JF
The Vale of Glamorgan is one of the mildest, driest parts of Wales, making it an ideal microclimate for ripening cool-climate grape varieties. The site overlooks ponds, lawns and wildflower meadows, with views out across seven acres of vines. Despite feeling wonderfully rural, the vineyard is exceptionally well connected:
- Cowbridge - a fashionable market town packed with cafés, restaurants and independent shops - is only a three-minute drive away.
- Cardiff, Wales' vibrant capital, and Cardiff Airport are both around 20 minutes by car.
- The rugged Welsh coastline, with its beautiful beaches, is roughly 10 minutes' drive.
- The trendy, dog-friendly village pub The Cross Inn is at the end of the driveway.
Finding the vineyard
The vineyard itself is a little tricky to find because the postcode leads sat-navs to the wrong end of the village, so it is better to follow the published directions and What3Words reference rather than relying on the postcode alone. For precision visitors, the What3Words reference is lush.excusing.best.
Public transport is also an option: the X2 bus service from Cardiff stops nearby. You can download the X2 timetable here.
The Wines of Glyndwr Vineyard
Every bottle of Glyndwr wine begins life in the seven-acre vineyard above Llanblethian, then matures quietly in the cellar underneath the farmhouse - a cool, dark sanctum where the wines are stored and allowed to come into their own. All Glyndwr wines are vegan friendly, and customers can choose to have them delivered or to click-and-collect from the cellar door.
The current range covers a confident spectrum of styles - from fresh, fragrant dry whites to elegant sparkling wines, soft rosés and a richly fruity red - alongside a celebrated Welsh apple brandy, a Welsh grape brandy, and a juniper-led gin. Below is a guide to the principal wines on sale.
White wines
The flagship white is the Glyndwr Dry White 2025 (£16.00), blended predominantly from aromatic Madeleine Angevine and late-harvested Seyval Blanc grapes, with a little Reichensteiner in the mix. It pours a pale straw colour with fresh spring flowers on the nose, leading into a floral, herbaceous palate with a long, savoury finish. Crisp apple and peach notes shine through, making it an ideal partner for chicken and pasta dishes. A previous vintage (2023) is also sometimes available at £14.00.
Rosé wines
Two rosés sit in the line-up. The Glyndwr Dry Rosé 2023 (£18.00) is a petal-pink wine made from a careful blend of Triomphe d'Alsace and Seyval Blanc, giving raspberry and apple-blossom overtones. Crisp and zesty, it is delicious as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with fish. For those who prefer something softer, the Glyndwr Medium Rosé 2023 (£18.00) - described as "reminiscent of happy memories of freshly cut hay on a summer's evening" - is smooth, romantic and pale pink, made from the same Triomphe d'Alsace and Seyval Blanc blend.
Red wine
The Glyndwr Red 2022 (£20.00) is produced from early-ripening, mature Rondo grapes grown on the estate. Full-coloured and fragrant, it displays a charming, rustic character of berry fruits and savoury nuances, with intense blackberry flavours, a rich ripeness and a long, smooth finish. It is the wine that famously earned a double gold from four Masters of Wine at the South West Vineyards Association competition - believed to be a first for any Welsh red.
Sparkling wines
Glyndwr's sparkling wines are made in the traditional méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. They are the vineyard's most decorated range.
- Glyndwr Vintage Sparkling White 2021 (£26.00) - a single-variety Seyval Blanc sparkling with a golden hue, fine bubbles, ripe fruit and toasty richness. Hand-picked fruit and three years of patient maturation produce a Welsh Brut that is, in the vineyard's own words, to be "drunk morning, noon and night".
- Glyndwr Vintage Sparkling White 2019 (£32.00, currently sold out) - described as one of the best wines the vineyard has ever produced, also 100% Seyval Blanc. Stocks are limited.
- Glyndwr Vintage Sparkling Rosé 2023 (£26.00) - a light, subtle sparkling rosé blending Seyval Blanc and Triomphe d'Alsace. Petal pink with a pleasant persistent mousse, a delicate nose and mellow orchard fruit on the palate. Stocked at John Lewis.
Spirits and cider
Beyond wine, the orchard at Glyndwr is the source of two celebrated brandies:
- Glyndwr Welsh Apple Brandy (£20.00, 20cl) - made from apples grown in the Glyndwr orchards and barrel-aged, producing rich, peaty and earthy aromas. The vineyard recommends sipping it by the fireside on long winter evenings.
- Glyndwr Welsh Brandy (£20.00, 20cl) - a truly Welsh brandy distilled entirely from grapes grown at Glyndwr Vineyard, believed to be a first for Wales. Aged in oak barrels for four years, it is sold in 20cl bottles.
- Glyndwr Gin (£25.00, 50cl) - echoes sunny days in the vineyard. Made with grape alcohol and infused with juniper, apples and elderflower, with hints of honey and floral notes. Perfect with tonic or in a classic gin cocktail. (Currently listed as sold out on some pages but worth checking availability.)
The same old British apple trees that supply the brandies also produce the vineyard's small-batch, delicious cider, which is available at the cellar door and stocked in the honesty bars of the on-site accommodation.
Vineyard Tours at Glyndwr
For most visitors, the highlight of any trip to Glyndwr is the Guided Vineyard Tour - a relaxed, fun and informative afternoon that has earned the estate its top Tripadvisor ranking. Tours cost from £48.50 per person and last approximately two hours, starting at 12:30. They run most Saturdays (with the occasional weekday or Sunday) from March to December.
What to expect on the day
The tour begins with a glass of the Welsh Vintage Sparkling, served in the cosy, candle-lit cellar barn during the winter months or out on the terrace overlooking the vines in warmer weather. From there, the family hosts personally guide guests around the vineyard, sharing the story of Welsh viticulture, the challenges of the climate, and the day-to-day work of running a small estate. You will also get to meet the resident llamas - a firm favourite with younger visitors.
Back at the farmhouse, guests are treated to a freshly prepared two-course lunch using local produce wherever possible. Typical fare includes homemade quiche, hot local sausages, coronation chicken, rustic breads with a selection of Welsh cheeses, and a mixed salad with garden herbs, followed by a delicious dessert. Two further Glyndwr wines are served with the meal, and all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
After lunch there is plenty of time to wander the gardens, visit the cellar and, of course, buy wine to take home. The estate recommends wearing suitable footwear - wellies in wet weather - and bringing a coat, as the tours run regardless of the Welsh weather.
Booking, vouchers and gift cards
Tours can be booked online at the Vineyard Tour booking page. For corporate and private bookings, the team can be contacted directly and will do their utmost to help.
A range of gift vouchers are available, making a tour an increasingly popular present:
- Vineyard Tour for 1 - £48.50
- Vineyard Tour for 2 - £97.00
- Vineyard Tour for 2 + £20 wine voucher - £117
- Vineyard Tour for 2 + £40 wine voucher - £137
- Vineyard Tour for 2 + £60 wine voucher - £157
- Choose Your Own Amount voucher - any value, ideal if you are not sure which option to choose
Vouchers can be redeemed online by entering the unique code at checkout and selecting a preferred date. A Gift Card Postage charge of £4.00 applies if you would like a physical card sent out.
Frequently asked questions
The vineyard has compiled comprehensive FAQs covering everything from arrival times and dietary requirements to dogs, cancellations and public transport. The FAQs can be consulted at glyndwrvineyard.co.uk/faqs. Some of the most common questions include:
- How long is the tour? Approximately two hours, starting at 12:30.
- Can I bring my dog? Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, though not inside the dining areas.
- Can I purchase wine on the day? Yes - you are actively encouraged to take a few bottles home.
- Can I get a refund on a voucher? Refunds are available subject to the vineyard's cancellation policy.
- Is there public transport? Yes - the X2 bus stops nearby.
- What if it rains? Tours run regardless; just bring a coat and wellies.
Stay at Glyndwr: Vineyard Accommodation
If a two-hour tour is not enough, why not stay the night? Glyndwr Vineyard runs a small collection of individually designed, boutique rooms and a brand-new luxury log cabin, all overlooking the ponds, lawns and wildflowers of the seven-acre vineyard.
The accommodation
Each room has been designed to combine countryside charm with contemporary luxury, and comes fully equipped for laid-back feasting. Features across the rooms include:
- Fully furnished, well-equipped kitchens
- An honesty bar stocked with Glyndwr's own vegan-friendly wine, beer, cider and brandy
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Free and fast broadband
- Sustainable complementary toiletries (vegan and cruelty-free)
- Fresh towels and linen
- Flat-screen TV
- Dog-friendly rooms
- Recycling facilities
- Private off-road parking
The newly built luxury log cabin, designed and built by expert carpenters, offers contemporary luxury, peace, comfort and countryside charm. It is the perfect romantic hideaway, family adventure base, business retreat or quiet writer's bolthole.
Booking and pricing
Accommodation is bookable online through Glyndwr's own booking system, with a two-night minimum stay. Direct bookings are at least 5% cheaper than third-party platforms such as Booking.com, Trivago, AirBnB, Expedia and Hotels.com, and a free cancellation policy applies up to seven days before arrival. Booking links can be found via the official reservation portal.
What to do nearby
The combination of vineyard, accommodation, on-site llamas, chickens and ducks makes the estate feel delightfully self-contained, but you are also perfectly placed for:
- A browse around Cowbridge's boutiques, delis and restaurants (three minutes by car).
- A long lunch or a pint at The Cross Inn at the end of the drive.
- A day at the beach on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast (ten minutes by car).
- A culture fix in Cardiff - the Welsh capital is just twenty minutes away.
A New Chapter: Funeral Receptions at Glyndwr Vineyard
In recent years the estate has opened its grounds to a new and meaningful use: hosting funeral receptions and wakes. The vineyard offers a peaceful, dignified and deeply Welsh setting in which to gather, reflect and celebrate the life of a loved one, and can accommodate up to 100 guests.
What is on offer
Whether families are seeking a quiet, intimate farewell or a more relaxed gathering of friends and extended family, the estate provides:
- Exclusive use of the beautiful grounds and the vineyard barn
- Tailored catering with local produce and Welsh wines
- Gentle, supportive staff to assist with every detail
- A warm, tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature
Families interested in arranging a reception can contact the vineyard directly to discuss arrangements in confidence.
Buying Glyndwr Wine Online
The entire Glyndwr range - plus a few archive releases - is available to buy directly from the online shop, with UK delivery or local click-and-collect from the cellar door. Cases of six are offered at a saving on the per-bottle price across most of the range, and gift card postage is available for £4.00 if you need a physical card sent out.
The current range at a glance
- Glyndwr Dry White 2025 - £16.00
- Glyndwr Dry Rosé 2023 - £18.00
- Glyndwr Medium Rosé 2023 - £18.00
- Glyndwr Vintage Sparkling White 2021 - £26.00
- Glyndwr Vintage Sparkling White 2019 - £32.00 (sold out)
- Glyndwr Vintage Sparkling Rosé 2023 - £26.00
- Glyndwr Red 2022 - £20.00
- Glyndwr Welsh Apple Brandy (20cl) - £20.00
- Glyndwr Welsh Brandy (20cl) - £20.00
- Glyndwr Gin (50cl) - £25.00
Because the estate produces relatively small quantities, vintage availability changes regularly. It is always worth checking the latest stock at the Wines & Drinks range.
Outlets and Stockists
Alongside the cellar-door and online channels, Glyndwr's wines are stocked across an extensive network of Welsh retailers and hospitality venues, including:
- Waitrose
- Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
- Glen-yr-Afon Hotel, Usk
- A host of independent family-run delis from St David's in Pembrokeshire to Wally's in Cardiff
You will also find Glyndwr on the menus of restaurants in and around the Vale of Glamorgan, and the sparkling wines have been singled out for praise at John Lewis.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you come for the day or stay the weekend, a little planning helps you make the most of a visit to Glyndwr Vineyard.
Getting there
The vineyard is roughly 20 minutes from Cardiff and Cardiff Airport, ten minutes from the Glamorgan coast and just three minutes from Cowbridge. Detailed directions, including a Google Maps link, are available from the vineyard. Remember that the postcode takes you to the wrong end of the village, so follow the directions rather than relying on the postcode alone.
Contact details
- Phone: 01446 622231
- Address: Glyndwr Vineyard, Llanblethian, Cowbridge, Vale Of Glamorgan, CF71 7JF
- What3Words: lush.excusing.best
- Instagram: @glyndwrvineyard
- Facebook: Glyndwr Vineyard
- X (Twitter): @glyndwrvineyard
Why Glyndwr Matters
In the space of a single generation, Glyndwr Vineyard has done something quietly extraordinary: it has turned a corner of the Vale of Glamorgan into one of the most respected small wine estates in the UK, and put Welsh wine on the national conversation. Every bottle, every tour, every quiet evening in the boutique accommodation is part of that story - a slow, patient act of Welsh optimism that began in 1979 and continues to ripen with each passing vintage.