Llanerch Vineyard: A Working Welsh Vineyard, Boutique Hotel & Award-Winning Restaurant in the Vale of Glamorgan
Nestled in the rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan, just two minutes from Junction 34 of the M4, Llanerch Vineyard is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in Wales and the country's original vineyard-hotel destination. A working Welsh vineyard, a 36-room boutique hotel, the two AA-Rosette Roots Restaurant and a packed calendar of tastings and seasonal events are all gathered on one 22-acre estate - the kind of place where you can wake up among the vines, eat a Welsh breakfast made from local produce, and be tasting Cariad wines (Welsh for "love") in the cellar lodge by lunchtime.
The story of Llanerch Vineyard
The name Llanerch comes from the Welsh word for "clearing" or "clear area", reflecting the property's long history as open agricultural land. Originally a 22-acre working farm with a three-bedroom farmhouse at its heart, Llanerch was bought in the 1970s by Peter and Diane, who raised their family there among horses and rolling fields. When their daughters flew the nest, Diane read an article in The Guardian about British vineyards, and that single newspaper clipping would change the estate forever.
Between 1980 and 1986 Diane travelled to wine regions across France to learn her craft. In 1986 the first vines went into the Welsh soil - starting with Kernling, then expanding rapidly to Triomphe, Bachus, Richenstiner and Huxelrebe, with Diane personally planting more than 2,000 vines. In 1989 the couple bottled their first wine for their eldest daughter's wedding, naming it Cariad. The name stuck, and Cariad Wines became the flagship label of Llanerch Vineyard.
The vineyard was sold in 2005 and went through a difficult chapter - receivership, neglected vines and an economic downturn left the estate vulnerable - before being rescued by Ryan and his family in 2010. They reopened Llanerch to the public on 13 June 2011, added a 26-bedroom hotel extension in 2019, survived the pandemic by launching a farm-shop delivery service, and now run the estate as a thriving multi-experience destination that was named AA Best Hotel in Wales and voted Best Hotel in South East Wales 2024 - 2025. Llanerch also hosted the Welsh Wine Awards 2025.
The vineyard and the wines it produces
Llanerch's 6.5-acre vineyard sits on the Hensol soils of the Vale of Glamorgan and is planted with cool-climate varieties - Seyval Blanc, Triomphe d'Alsace, Rondo, Phoenix, Reichensteiner, Solaris and Pinot Noir among them. The Welsh climate and the site's aspect give the wines their distinctive crisp, fruit-forward character, which you can taste across two ranges:
- Llanerch Estate - made entirely from grapes grown on the estate, the premium expression of the vineyard. Includes Sparkling White NV, Sparkling Blush Rosé, Solaris White, Poplar White, Haf Sweet White, Blush Rosé, Rondo Red and a limited-edition Pinot Noir.
- Cariad - produced from carefully selected satellite vineyards in Wales, working closely with growers to blend the best cool-climate fruit with the estate's own harvest. Includes Cariad Bacchus, Cariad Dyffryn (Chardonnay), Cariad Rhosyn (sweet rosé) and Cariad Red.
The wines are available to taste and buy on site, to order from the Llanerch online shop, and to drink by the glass or bottle in Roots Restaurant (where the wine list also features carefully chosen bottles from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand and beyond).
Llanerch Estate wines (bottle prices)
- Llanerch Estate Sparkling White NV (Seyval Blanc) - £45
- Llanerch Estate Sparkling Blush Rosé 2021 (Seyval Blanc, Triomphe d'Alsace) - £45
- Llanerch Estate Solaris White 2023 - £38
- Llanerch Estate Poplar White 2023 (Phoenix, Seyval Blanc, Reichensteiner) - £35
- Llanerch Estate Haf Sweet White 2022 (Reichensteiner) - £30
- Llanerch Estate Blush Rosé 2023 (Seyval Blanc, Triomphe d'Alsace) - £35
- Llanerch Estate Rondo Red 2022 - £40
- Llanerch Estate Pinot Noir Limited Edition Red 2022 - £40
Cariad wines (bottle prices)
- Cariad Bacchus White 2022 - £30
- Cariad Dyffryn White 2022 (Chardonnay) - £35
- Cariad Rhosyn Sweet Rosé 2022 (Pinot Meunier) - £30
- Cariad Red 2022 - £30
Tasting experiences at Llanerch
The Tasting Room sits at the heart of the estate and is the natural starting point for any visit. Two signature experiences run year-round, alongside private group tours and tastings for parties of 12 to 60.
Llanerch Wine Tasting Experience
An informal, informative and entertaining guided tasting that walks you through Llanerch's role in producing its wines - how the grapes are grown, how they're made into wine, and how the local Welsh environment influences the flavour. You'll sample three Cariad wines with one of the estate's experts. £25 per person, lasting approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Winter tastings move indoors to the luxurious Tasting Lodge with the option of a self-guided vineyard walk; in summer, portions of the experience take place outdoors among the vines. Book via the vineyard tour booking page or call 01443 222716.
Llanerch After Dark - Tutored Cocktail-Making Class
Held on Friday evenings from 6:00 PM in the Llanerch Tasting Lodge, this hands-on session guides small groups through the history and craft of cocktail making, from classic recipes to modern twists. £100 per couple, 1 hour 45 minutes, maximum of 20 per session. Booking via the dedicated Eventbrite cocktail class page.
Private group tours & tastings
For groups of 12 - 20, a private tasting can be hosted in the Tasting Lodge. For 20 - 60 guests, the same experience can be built into a larger event at Calon Lodge, with bespoke packages tailored to corporate functions, milestone birthdays and celebrations. Enquiries via the Private Tours & Tastings page.
The Llanerch Vineyard Hotel
Llanerch's 36 bedrooms blend countryside charm with contemporary luxury. They fall into several distinct collections:
- Countryside Superiors - spacious newly-built rooms with a Respa super king bed, Chesterfield sofa, rainfall shower over a deep bath and private terrace or Juliet balcony with rolling Welsh views.
- Countryside Suites - the top tier, with an open-plan lounge and bedroom, spa-like bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and separate rainfall shower, and panoramic views.
- Courtyard Rooms - characterful ground-floor rooms in the original farmhouse, set around an Italian-inspired courtyard.
- Standard Doubles - cosy doubles in the original farmhouse, perfect for a short stay close to the bar, lounge and restaurant.
- Family Rooms - ground-floor countryside rooms with up to two z-beds or a crib, ideal for family adventures on the nearby Woodland Walk.
- Dog-Friendly Rooms - two ground-floor countryside superiors with hard floors, a dedicated wet room, plus a dog bed, treats and bowls. A £20 per dog (max two dogs) supplement applies.
- Accessible Rooms - ground-floor rooms with hard flooring throughout, roll-in showers with grab bars, lowered fixtures and visual alarms for hearing-impaired guests.
All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with Freeview, premium toiletries and a fridge of complimentary bottled water. Check-in is from 15:00, check-out by 11:00 (with complimentary 12:00 late check-out on the Luxury Experience). Explore all options and book via the Rooms & Suites page.
Roots Restaurant at Llanerch
Roots is the estate's two AA-Rosette restaurant, headed by a chef team that builds seasonal menus from the freshest ingredients sourced from local fields, farms, rivers and the Welsh coastline. The space is light-filled and overlooks the vineyard, with an Outdoor Terrace for warmer days and the Sky Lounge for afternoon tea on Fridays through Sundays.
Dinner at Roots (Monday - Saturday, 18:00 - 21:00)
The dinner menu changes with the seasons and features Welsh lamb rump, dry-aged Welsh sirloin and fillet, pot-roast chicken, hake, salmon niçoise and crab linguine alongside vegetarian options such as San Marzano tomato risotto. Wine pairings are a highlight, with the Llanerch Estate and Cariad ranges sitting proudly alongside bottles from across the world. A discretionary 12.5% service charge is added; payment is by card only.
Lunch at Roots (Monday - Saturday, 12:00 - 16:00)
Lunch at Roots is leisurely, with vineyard views and a "starter & main for £30" midweek offer running Monday - Saturday. Choose from light starters, bistro favourites and mains that include the Welsh smash burger, beer-battered haddock and dry-aged Welsh sirloin, then linger over a glass of Cariad on the Outdoor Terrace.
Sunday Roasts
Sunday is roast day at Llanerch, with a three-course roast menu for £40 served 12:00 - 16:30 and 18:30 - 21:00. Roasts include braised featherblade of beef, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, roast chicken, catch of the day, a San Marzano risotto and a double-baked cheddar soufflé, all served with Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and crispy roast potatoes.
Afternoon Tea - £35 per person
Served Monday - Saturday in the Garden Room and dog-friendly area, and Friday - Sunday in the Sky Lounge (12:00 - 16:30), the afternoon tea features a top tier of strawberry & Pimm's pavlova, cherry & chocolate choux and gooseberry & raspberry tart; a middle tier of buttermilk scones with clotted cream, Welsh cakes and strawberry jam; and a bottom tier of finger sandwiches, a chorizo sausage roll and a beef burger slider. 24 hours' notice is required for standard afternoon tea and 48 hours for vegan/dairy-free options.
Signature overnight experiences
Llanerch's special-offer packages bundle accommodation, food and wine into one easy-to-book stay. All are valid on advance booking, subject to availability, and priced per couple unless otherwise stated.
The Llanerch Signature Experience
Designed for first-time visitors, this overnight package includes an overnight stay, a vineyard tour, a tutored wine tasting, a £50pp allowance towards a three-course dinner, a complimentary bottle of Cariad still wine in your room, and a full Welsh breakfast. Valid Wednesday - Saturday on double-occupancy terms.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
An overnight stay with a £50pp dinner allowance and a full Welsh breakfast the next morning. Valid Monday - Saturday on double occupancy.
The Llanerch Luxury Experience
An overnight stay in a Countryside Superior or Countryside Suite, a complimentary bottle of Cariad Sparkling on arrival, a vineyard tour and tasting, a £50pp dinner allowance, an extra £50 food-and-drink credit, full Welsh breakfast and complimentary 12:00 late check-out. Valid Wednesday - Saturday for two adults.
Super Sundays - from £170 per couple
An overnight in a Standard Double, a three-course Sunday roast and a full Welsh breakfast the next day. Valid on selected Sundays for two people sharing (not available on bank holidays). See the Super Sundays offer page for terms.
Upcoming events at Llanerch
Llanerch runs one of the most varied event calendars of any Welsh vineyard, with the What's On page updated throughout the year. Highlights for the rest of 2026 include:
- ABBA Tribute Evening - Friday 25 September 2026, 7pm arrival in the Woodland Marquee. Two-course dinner, ABBA's greatest hits and tables of 10 at £600. (Now sold out.)
- Wine and Design - Tuesday 20 October 2026 from 5:30pm in the Wine Tasting Lodge. An evening of painting led by Sophie of Make it Soph, with a glass of wine in hand. £35 + Eventbrite fee.
- Fireworks Spectacular - Friday 6 November 2026, gates open 6pm at the Woodland Venue. Family-friendly fireworks set to a musical score, with a vibrant light show. £25pp + Eventbrite fee - pre-booking essential.
- Talk Sport Christmas Lunch with Alan Brazil & Dean Saunders - Friday 4 December 2026, 12:30pm arrival in the Woodland Marquee. Two-course Christmas lunch, hilarious sporting stories, table wine and beers included. Tables of 10 - £850.
- Afternoon Tea with Santa - from Saturday 5 December 2026 (multiple dates), 3pm - 7pm in the Woodland Marquee. Festive afternoon tea, children's disco and games, plus a private visit to Santa's grotto with a gift for each child. £40pp + Eventbrite fee.
- Wine and Design: Christmas Edition - Tuesday 15 December 2026 from 5:30pm in the Wine Tasting Lodge. A festive take on the popular painting-and-wine night. £35 + Eventbrite fee.
Gift vouchers for any of these experiences, for overnight stays, dining and wine, are available from the Llanerch Gift Vouchers page.
Weddings and private venue hire
Llanerch is one of South Wales's most distinctive wedding settings: a 22-acre vineyard, panoramic countryside views, ceremony and reception spaces for everything from an intimate 30-guest gathering to a 200-guest celebration, on-site accommodation, and food & wine produced in-house. The estate's Weddings page walks couples through planning, food, accommodation and the day itself. Wedding Open Days are run regularly for couples who'd like to visit in person.
Beyond weddings, Llanerch offers a flexible set of event spaces for corporate hire and special occasions:
- The Calon Lodge - an intimate setting for 25 - 80 guests.
- The Woodland Venue / Marquee - an exquisite setting for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and private events of 50 - 200 guests.
- The Solaris Meeting Room - 1 - 6 guests, ideal for board-level meetings.
- The Phoenix Boardroom - 2 - 8 guests.
- The Rondo Conference Room - 8 - 25 guests.
All spaces benefit from high-speed Wi-Fi, cutting-edge audiovisual equipment and flexible seating. See the Venue Hire page and the Our Venues page for details, or contact the events team via the corporate enquiries form.
Walks and wellness
Beyond the vineyard, the estate includes a scenic Woodland Walk with two tranquil lakes, perfect for stretching your legs (and your dog's) between tastings. Two on-site partners add a wellness and a cookery layer: Cwtch Holistic Therapies offers bespoke holistic treatments, while Angela Grey's Cookery School runs relaxed, informal courses set in the vineyard surroundings.
Practical information
- Address: Llanerch Vineyard Hotel, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8GG (two minutes from Junction 34 of the M4).
- Telephone: 01443 222716
- Email: info@llanerch.co.uk
- Bookings: hotel, restaurant and wine tasting via the Make A Booking page; hotel rooms via Cloudbeds.
- Shop: shop.llanerch.co.uk
- Gift vouchers: llanerch.giftvouchersolutions.com
- Follow: Facebook · Instagram · YouTube
A complete Welsh wine-country experience
Few places in the UK combine a working vineyard, a boutique hotel, an award-winning restaurant and a full year of seasonal events under one roof - and even fewer do it on a Welsh hillside within half an hour of Cardiff. Whether you're coming for a Cariad tasting in the Tasting Lodge, a long lunch on the Outdoor Terrace, a wedding weekend among the vines or simply a Sunday roast with a glass of sparkling rosé, Llanerch Vineyard delivers a complete Welsh wine-country experience that is hard to find anywhere else in Britain.