Jabajak Vineyard, Restaurant & Rooms - A West Wales Wine Escape
An award-winning vineyard escape in the heart of West Wales
Jabajak Vineyard, Restaurant & Rooms is one of those rare finds: a working Welsh vineyard, an acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant and a boutique country hideaway, all set within seven acres of peaceful grounds on the border of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Framed by rolling countryside and within sight of the Preseli (Bluestone) Mountains, Jabajak has quietly built a reputation as one of Wales's most distinctive hospitality destinations - somewhere you can tour a vineyard, taste award-winning wines, stay the night in a stone-built suite and eat a tasting menu sourced almost entirely from the kitchen garden outside the kitchen door.
Where to find Jabajak
Jabajak sits in an accessible spot along the A40 corridor, centrally placed for exploring Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The postcode for sat-nav users is SA34 0ED, and the team recommends either the postcode or "Jabajak Vineyard Restaurant with Rooms" typed directly into the navigation system.
Travelling from the M4, follow the A48 towards Carmarthen and then join the A40 westbound past St Clears. After approximately three miles from the end of the dual carriageway, take the Llanboidy turn-off at the first small roundabout and continue up the hill for roughly 2.5 miles - Jabajak is on the right. From Fishguard and Pembrokeshire heading east, leave the A40 at the Whitland roundabout and follow signs for Llanboidy. Jabajak can also be reached from the Cardigan area via the mountain road towards Narberth, and from Tenby via the main road up to St Clears; a map is recommended if deviating from the trunk routes.
Rail travellers should aim for Whitland station. Jabajak can usually arrange a transfer from Whitland or Carmarthen station for guests - just mention it when booking. The estate also offers free, secure private parking and, for guests staying overnight, two Tesla Type 2 electric vehicle charging points that are complimentary to use.
The Jabajak story
The Jabajak business was started by the Stuart-Robson family in 2004, and the vineyard itself was planted in 2007 on the historic Banc Y Llain farmstead. For centuries before that, the land was a droving farm - a key stopping point where farmers drove cattle down from the Preseli Mountains to markets in Carmarthen and further east. Because the animals had to walk the whole distance, they had to be shod, and that blacksmithing work was carried out in the very stone buildings that now form The Smithy restaurant. The original cowshed, meanwhile, is today's atmospheric private-dining space.
In September 2021, Steve and Jackie Moody took over Jabajak, bringing their own contemporary styling to the property while keeping its distinctive Welsh character. Steve and Jackie's enthusiasm is credited with a clear step change in what was already a well-regarded kitchen, and with sharpening the focus on provenance, seasonality and the wine offering. Resident honeybees and the on-site vegetable gardens now supply the kitchen, and the team cooks to order using local suppliers, herbs, leaves, edible flowers, fruit and vegetables - much of it grown in the kitchen garden or polytunnel, or foraged from the hedgerows when in season.
The vineyard's location - on the edge of the Bluestone mountain range - inspired the team's philosophy of producing quality wine that truly belongs to its terroir. The Welsh word Hiraeth (a deep, romantic longing for home) has become the symbol behind the White House branding, a quiet nod to both the homeland and the estate's surprising historical connection to the White House in Washington, which the team weaves into every cellar door tasting.
The vineyard and the White House Wines of Wales
Jabajak's seven-acre vineyard produces all the fruit for the White House Wines of Wales range. The current portfolio covers still and sparkling, red, white and blush, with multiple medal-winning vintages.
2022 Still White
A blend of carefully hand-picked Seyval Blanc and Phoenix grapes, slowly pressed and fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures to maximise quality. Refreshing apple and gooseberry aromas give way to a zingy palate and a clean, crisp finish - "easy to enjoy but hard to put down" in the team's words. Silver Medal winner at the Welsh Vineyard Association's 2023 awards and Bronze Medal at WineGB's 2024 awards. £30 per bottle.
2021 Sparkling Blush
Made from hand-picked Seyval Blanc grapes with a small proportion of still red wine for added elegance and intensity, this limited release of just 330 bottles is aged for two years on the lees. Expect fine bubbles, delicate strawberry aromas, fresh fruit on the palate and raspberry notes on the finish. Silver Medal winner at WineGB's 2025 awards and, in a remarkable result, crowned Best Regional Wine - Wales at the same ceremony - scoring 92 points out of 100 at Southwark Cathedral on 17 July 2025. Judges praised "notes of wild berries, redcurrants and peach yoghurt… a creamy and fresh palate with strawberries and cream on the finish. Deliciously creamy mousse. Well made, enjoyable." £65 per bottle.
2021 Sparkling Brut
A traditional bottle-fermented single-vintage Welsh sparkling wine, matured on the lees for nearly three years. Hints of crisp green apple and stone fruits on the palate are complemented by classic biscuit and brioche character - fresh, rich, rounded and full of complexity, and made for celebrations and toasts. Bronze medal winner at WineGB 2025. Limited to 330 bottles. £65 per bottle.
2023 Still Red
Made from Rondo grapes fermented on the skin to produce a light, cool-climate red. Plenty of fruit character runs through with hints of damsons and cherries, and it drinks very well chilled - especially alongside a Welsh cheeseboard. Limited release of just 165 bottles. £30 per bottle.
2021 Still White (Seyval Blanc) - sold out
The original single-varietal white, hand-picked and slowly pressed then fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures for fresh fruit aromas, a zesty palate and a clean, crisp finish. Currently sold out at the cellar door.
To purchase wines - available as single bottles or in 1, 3 or 6-bottle gift combinations - call the team on 01994 448786. Ordering is by telephone only, as there is no online shop.
Vineyard tours and tastings
The Cellar Door Tasting is the perfect introduction to Jabajak, the White House range and the wider story of Welsh wine. Bookings are taken online via the Beyonk booking portal or by calling 01994 448786.
Vineyard Tours & Tasting
Enjoy a generous tasting of three of Jabajak's different vintages while learning about the fascinating history of the vineyard and its link to the White House in America. Weather permitting, the experience includes a walk around the vineyard. Lasts approximately 60 minutes. £25 per person.
Jabajak Vineyard Cellar Door Tasting
The headline cellar door experience: a generous wine tasting of three of Jabajak's different vintages, with the story of the estate, a journey through Welsh wine history and the chance to discover the award-winning wines in the range. Weather permitting it includes a walk around the vineyard. Lasts approximately 60 minutes. £32 per person.
Blind Wine Tasting Experience
A more in-depth tasting of up to six different varieties of wine (number of bottles dependent on group size), accompanied by canapés. Each wine is specially selected to encompass different grape varietals from different countries around the world. Run as a friendly competition, guests try to identify each wine's origin, grape and tasting notes while hearing stories about Jabajak and global wine. Lasts approximately 120 minutes. Minimum 8 persons - ideal for private groups, celebrations or team-building events.
The Smithy restaurant
The Smithy is Jabajak's main restaurant, sympathetically renovated from the original Drover's stone smithy. With rustic wooden tables, a chilled atmosphere and the gentle hum of conversation, it works equally well for a romantic candle-lit meal for two, a long lunch with friends or a larger group gathering. The team even lets you pour your own wine - a small touch that makes the experience feel relaxed and personal.
Evening opening hours (bookings only):
- Tuesday - Saturday: 6.00pm, last orders 8.30pm
- Sunday - Monday: Closed
Breakfast (for overnight guests and day visitors) is served Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 9.30am. The kitchen changes its menu every month to reflect the season, and daily specials are common. The current July menu is available to download as a PDF - a snapshot of the seasonal kitchen's approach. Reservations at The Smithy are available online via the menu and booking page.
Food philosophy
Executive Chef Louis and his team are explicit about the kitchen's philosophy: honest, seasonally fresh and locally sourced food, with every dish prepared to order. Many of the ingredients - herbs, leaves, edible flowers, fruit and vegetables - are grown on-site in the kitchen garden or polytunnel, or foraged from the hedgerows when in season (wild garlic, nettles and berries among them). Dairy products such as cheeses and ice creams are locally produced, meat comes from a local butchery and seafood from two local fish suppliers.
Because the team cooks to order, the restaurant operates a booking-only basis. Set menus can be tailored for larger groups to suit taste and budget, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with a quick call - the team is happy to discuss ideas, requests or special dishes, even over a coffee.
The Landsker Bar
The Landsker Bar is Jabajak's cosy lounge bar - the natural place to settle in before or after dinner. On warmer evenings you can take a drink out onto the patio or by the pond and enjoy views across the rolling countryside. The bar serves the White House wines alongside a global wine list curated to food-match the menu, plus Welsh spirits, ales, lagers and soft drinks.
Private dining: The Cowshed and The Attic
For celebrations and special events, the Cowshed and Attic - both formed out of the old drover's stone buildings - offer atmospheric private dining for up to 50 guests. Stone walls, exposed timbers and a cathedral roof make these spaces ideal for birthdays, christenings, baby showers and Christmas parties. The team will work with you on menus, wines and timings to create a bespoke event.
Stay: suites and bedrooms
Jabajak has three spacious suites and five individually designed bedrooms located in different areas throughout the property. Some are grouped together while others are private, making them as suitable for a quiet, quality break with a partner as for a discreet business venue or a convivial gathering with friends. All rooms are en-suite, include a full cooked breakfast in The Smithy, complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart HD TVs, luxury Duck Island toiletries, robes and Tassimo coffee machines.
Suites
- Grainstore Suite - £195 per night. A real romantic's paradise and completely private, the Grainstore is a true hideaway located in the eaves of The Smithy with a vaulted ceiling. King-size bed, two armchairs, 55" Ultra HD Smart TV, fridge with fresh milk and water, and a slipper bath plus large separate shower.
- Farmhouse Suite - £175 per night. Situated on the first floor in the main house, the Farmhouse Suite overlooks the courtyard and hills beyond. It features a king-size four-poster bed, leather sofa, 43" Smart TV, shared fridge with fresh milk and water, and a large bathroom with a slipper bath and separate shower.
- Garden Suite - £165 per night. Situated on the ground floor with a terrace and direct access onto the vineyard, the Garden Suite is ideal for guests who want to enjoy the views or who have mobility needs. King-size bed, leather double sofa bed, 36" Ultra HD Smart TV, fridge with fresh milk and water, and a large walk-in shower. Up to two additional guests can be accommodated at £25 each, making it a useful family room.
Bedrooms
- Primrose Room - £145 per night. Situated on the first floor in the main house, the Primrose Room has fantastic views overlooking the vineyard and surrounding hills. King-size bed, 32" HD Smart TV, shared fridge with fresh milk and water, and a large shower room.
- Annex Rooms - from £120 per night. Four individually styled rooms - Lavender (ground floor), Lilac (ground floor), Willow (first floor with a courtyard-facing window) and Holly (first floor opposite Willow). All with king-size beds, 32" HD Smart TVs, shared fridges, en-suite showers and the usual luxury touches.
All bookings include a full Welsh breakfast in The Smithy. Free Tesla Type 2 EV charging is available for overnight guests, and secure private parking is provided. For room bookings, use the Amenitiz booking portal or call 01994 448786; availability is also visible on Booking.com. TripAdvisor reviews of the property are publicly available.
Corporate and private events
Jabajak's grounds, facilities and menus can be tailored for a wide range of corporate and private events - from working breakfast meetings and boardroom lunches through to presentations, training days with breakout rooms, fashion shows, retail or craft fairs, evening meals with overnight accommodation, and wine-tasting team-building events or competitions. The team works discreetly to ensure the day runs smoothly and the evening feels like a treat. Contact the team for venue hire details, free Wi-Fi information, corporate room rates and dining options.
News from the vineyard
Recent news from Jabajak has been dominated by the team's WineGB 2025 Awards success: the 2021 White House Sparkling Blush was crowned Best Regional Wine - Wales, scoring 92 points out of 100 at Southwark Cathedral on 17 July 2025. Louis and Nicole attended the ceremony to collect the trophy, marking a hugely proud moment for Carmarthenshire wine. Summer at Jabajak is otherwise all about relaxed dining, vineyard views and showcasing the very best Welsh seasonal produce, from seasonal vegetables and Welsh meats to artisan cheeses, accompanied by the award-winning White House range.
What to do nearby
Jabajak's central location along the A40 makes it an ideal base for exploring West Wales. Within easy reach are Pembrokeshire's beaches and coastline walks, the Bluestone Mountain range (the inspiration behind the wine brand), Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion's local market towns, plenty of wildlife and a string of castles and historic sites. The team is happy to advise on walking routes, beaches and days out during your stay.
Practical information
Postcode: SA34 0ED. Phone: 01994 448786. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm (last orders 8.30pm) and for breakfast Wednesday to Sunday from 8am. Follow Jabajak on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X) for the latest updates from the vineyard, the kitchen and the cellar.